• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

INTERVIEW / Actor John Heffernan on Swings and Roundabouts

October 16, 2020 by Tom Bailey Leave a Comment

Actor John Heffernan tell us about Swings and Roundabouts, a short film by Frances Loy and Libby Brodie which tackles the difficult subject of grief after miscarriage.

What made you want to work on Swings and Roundabouts?
 
I thought the script was really fascinating. It takes a real skill to write a short film well, I haven’t really been involved in many before. Quite often they can fall into the trap of being quite abstract and vague, but this script painted such a beautiful portrait of Paul and Sarah. I thought it was superbly handled and their relationship was so complex. In a few deft, quick touches I was able to really imagine them as a couple. Another important part of it was the subject matter. It’s dealing with something which isn’t often addressed, and it needs to be addressed. It happens so often, it’s such a common issue for many couples and that’s not mirrored in the television and film that I’ve seen. I was very keen to get involved.   

What was the process like? 

Everything was always professionally handled but decisions were made quickly, and we were thinking on our feet a lot of the time. I found it exciting to be able to work like that, spontaneously responding to situations, and the cast and crew were really keyed up to get everything done. Safe to say I really enjoyed it.

Is short film a medium that interests you in particular?

Yes it is, I’ve been to a few screenings of short pieces at film festivals and been a part of one or two and I’ve really enjoyed the format. The medium fascinates me, especially the skill involved. When it’s done well, I think it can be brilliant. So much culture is leaning towards long film and television that churns out sequel after sequel, series after series to keep the viewer watching. They’re dangling a carrot and sometimes there isn’t even a definite end. To work in a format that does the parallel opposite of that, something in miniature, is something that can be wonderful. While I think of such great writers who I really admire, like George Saunders and Chekov, they are so skilfully able to construct lives in an economic way, I think it can be just as satisfying with short films.

What’s your next project?

I’m just finishing off one this week. I’ve been working on an adaption of a Nancy Mitford novel called The Pursuit of Love by Emily Mortimer, who is also directing it. We were all set to go just before lockdown happened and then obviously it was put on hold. I’ve been so lucky though, as we were one of the first back up and running. I was very sceptical about it going ahead but somehow, we’ve managed to keep the shoot going since the end of July. It’s been a delightful job to work on. Then in December I’ve got quite a big ten-part TV series to look forward to. It’s a big Tudor drama and I’m excited to start researching into the history to prepare.

 

You can see Swings and Roundabouts in the Copa Shorts Film Fest from 7 – 10 November https://copashortsfilmfest.org/ 

Author: Tom BaileyTom is a theatre maker and writer based in London, England. He covers news and interviews for Theatre Bubble.
T: Twitter F: Facebook

Filed Under: Featured, Interviews Tagged With: Frances Loy, John Heffernan, Libbie Brodie, Swings and Roundabouts

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • Crowdfunding In Theatre - An Overview
  • Jane Eyre at the National Theatre
  • Art of Believing at The Space
  • The Choir of Man at London Wonderground
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream at Brasenose College, Oxford
  • Nigel Lindsay Added to Al Smith's Harrogate
  • Tom Bailey
    Editor

  • October 16th, 2020
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook4Tweet6LinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!