Olive Gray on Spy for Spy at Riverside Studios

Actor Olive Gray tells us all about Spy for Spy coming to Riverside Studios from 15th June, what attracted them to the unusually structured play and what they are looking forward to next.

Image credit: Ben Ealovega

Tell us a bit about Spy for Spy.

Spy for Spy is a play about two women, Molly and Sarah and their relationship. We are taken on a journey in a randomised order (decided by each night’s audience) through the highs and lows of their unexpected romance.

Who do you play and what are they like?

I play Molly! Bubbly, vivacious and full of life, anecdotal stories and wild ways of seeing the world. She is radically, honest, and quirky in all the best ways. She orbits her own beautiful and optimistic planet.

What attracted you to the role and project?

From the moment I picked up the script I couldn’t put it down! I felt so moved by the story and so excited by such brilliant, captivating writing. I found myself thinking about these characters and the world of the play continually!

Image credit: Ben Ealovega

The play’s scenes are presented in a random order, different every night, what’s that like to rehearse?

I actually first read the play with the scenes in a random order and I think that really helped me to understand the nonlinear vibe of the play. Weirdly it just makes sense. When we look back over our core memories, we don’t think of them in a linear way and I like that the play reflects that. Of course it’s terrifying, but also it’s exhilarating. The most important thing I found with rehearsals is fleshing out these scenes in such a way that we’re able to immediately emotionally drop ourselves right at the heart of whatever scene comes next.

Why should audiences come and see this show?

Because it’s different. Because it’s the first of its kind. Because the writing is mind blowing! Because this play touches on something Universal about the human condition, about love, about heartbreak, about longing , about connection and how we remember things. I don’t think there’s someone who could watch this play and not get something out of it.

What’s next for you?

I’m super excited about Halo Season Two coming out and I’ve got some really exciting projects lined up this year that I’m working on and really looking forward to being a part of… can’t wait till I’m able to talk about them!

Olive appears in Spy for Spy at Riverside Studios 15 June – 2 July 2023. Tickets and more info here.