Interview: Abigail Cruttenden

Abigail Cruttenden is currently starring as Rona Trenting in Blanche McIntyre’s production of Accolade by Emlyn Williams at the St James Theatre. The show is the final piece in Stage One's One Stage season.

Set in 1950, Rona Trenting discovers that her husband Will (Alexander Hanson), a respected author, is to receive a knighthood. But not all is as it seems, Will is living a double life and his marriage is complex. Secrets are exposed, crimes are committed and articles are printed in newspapers leaving the Trenting family unable to hide from society.

Abigail’s theatre credits include: Drawing the Line, 55 Days (Hampstead Theatre), The Seagull (Headlong), Benefactors (Sheffield Crucible), The Knot of the Heart (Almeida Theatre), Afterlife, Fight (National Theatre) and Twelfth Night (RSC). As well as playing Kate Weedon in Benidorm, her television appearances include: The Outcast, Not Going Out, The Royal Bodyguard, Teenage Kicks, The Commander and Sharpe.

I recently spoke to Abigail about why Accolade is such a fascinating play, what made the piece so personal for Emlyn Williams and why she’s thrilled to be working with Blanche McIntyre once again…

Accolade is such a tremendous play to digest. What were your first impressions? Had you seen it before?

I hadn’t seen it before, I definitely tried to get a ticket but it was sold out. I came to it with no preconceptions. I think it’s fascinating and the process for me has been quite difficult – I’ve found it difficult to get my head around the way Rona is.

Review: Accolade at the St James Theatre

Accolade
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th November 2014
★★★★

Every family may have their secrets, but as Accolade unravels you can't help but feel better about your own family life. Set in 1950, the play begins with joy as Rona Trenting (Abigail Cruttenden) discovers that her husband Will (Alexander Hanson), a respected author, is to receive a knighthood. But not all is as it seems, Will is living a double life and his marriage is complex. Secrets are exposed, crimes are committed and articles are printed in newspapers leaving the Trenting family unable to hide from society.

Full casting announced for Accolade at the St James Theatre

Full casting has been announced for Accolade by Emlyn Williams at the St James Theatre.

Blanche McIntyre directs the production which opens on 17th November (previews from 12th November) and runs until 13th December. 

Alexander Hanson and Abigail Cruttenden have been cast as Will and Rona Trenting. The company is completed by: Bruce Alexander (Daker), Sam Clemmett (Ian Trenting), Claire Cox (Marion Tillyard), Daniel Crossley (Albert), Olivia Darnley (Phyllis), Jay Taylor (Harold) and Jay Villiers (Thane Lampeter). 

Accolade – produced by Nicola Seed - is the final production in Stage One's One Stage season at the St James Theatre.