Thesy Surface heads to the Camden Fringe this month as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, in a fresh one-woman show that blends Gossip Girl, Bridgerton, with dashes of Hamilton.
“Lady Montagu Unveiled is an empowering, energy-packed, must-see about a truly unique life. Don’t miss the hippest historical stage memoir in town!”
Where: The Courtyard Theatre
When: 23-25 Aug
Ticket link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/lady-montagu-unveiled/
The Camden Fringe has kicked off with a strong start. What’s the best thing about being involved in it?
The Camden Fringe Performer’s Pass! Well, I never knew I could freely go watch shows with an epic Pigeon Queen Card, while also supporting my fellow Camden performers.
I often find myself in North London, either for a meeting or work, and I love being able to just see a show on the fly. There’s a wonderful fluidity to it.
Being involved in Camden gives me a deadline to “get up and dance” for a show on a fascinating life. I feel as excited as terrified to dive into what I think is now a pretty hip, fresh biopic.
I love the urban quality of Camden Fringe. There’s less pressure than Edinburgh, which allows me as a performer and the team to stay open-minded and flexible.
Often it’s more entertaining when “Big Brother” isn’t watching you.
Camden has that easy-going vibe. That said, we’re still aiming for perfection.
Tell me about the show – what’s it all about and what was your inspiration for it?
It’s about Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English 18th century woman with a mindset totally before her time.
I happened to replace the actress for An Evening With Lady Montagu, written by Duncan Hopper, at Brighton Fringe. It was last minute, so it was something I fell into.
The producers, Magichour, let me adapt the script and make it more modern.
Now, with our new director, Julia Sopher, we’ve re-written it again, so it’s different and cooler…don’t you love the evolving creativity of showbiz?
Inspiration has mostly come from learning about Lady M herself. Our show exemplifies how being a female polymath was both a blessing and a curse.
Lady M could have been “well behaved” and stayed within the realms of “good society” and convention, but then she’d never have had the incredible breakthroughs and life experiences she did.
Nor would she have maintained her unique point of view. And, honestly…has anything changed?
Even today, Lady M would have been accused—as wife, mother, scientist, poet, letter writer, explorer—of being a Jack of All Trades, Master of None.
Yet her legacy shows she was a Master of Many…except her marriage.
You are back on the stage after a long run on the screen. How does it feel, and what made you want to come back to Fringe theatre?
I had a lull around the time of America’s SAG/AFTRA Actor Strike—it was tough because I’d just decided to get back in the game (after doing only writing for years).
I came back from LA, independently tried out for stuff in the UK, and I booked two independent films and a couple of commercials.
I then did a Murder Mystery immersive play and thought to myself…I just need to stay busy and act!
Lady M came my way, and it was something where I could be a main part and help mould the piece, too.
I wanted (as cheesy as it sounds) the opportunity to shape my own destiny again, with a bigger and juicier role that’s equally challenging.
Lady M seems to have developed a life of her own on social media. It she was to comment on this show, what would he have to say about it?
Haha, we don’t know because the final product isn’t out yet! But she’d probably snigger, clap, then say there needs to be even more time spent on her highly complex life…
Ours is a speed trailer of her story (I think she’d approve).
And, yes, Lady M loves using social media to express herself.
Her alter ego is on X @LadyUnveiled and IG @LadyUnveiled.
She has many opinions!
What’s next for you?
I plan to SLEEP after the final show.
I have a ridiculous vault of writing work to put out. One is Get Ryan Reynolds, a UK crime caper about RR underhandedly messing up people’s lives, and now everyone’s out to get him.
I’ll audition again for Film/TV (I stopped four months for this show).
As for the rest… Top Secret!