North-East actress Lauren Kellegher is about to make a big splash, playing the lead in the Open Clasp and Frantic Assembly physical theatre production called Jumping Puddles

Where do you call home in the North-East?

I was actually born in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and lived there until I was seven years old as my dad was working over there. When I was 18 years old I was fortunate enough to be offered a place at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and have been living in London ever since. Yet, in my mind, Newcastle is very much my hometown and where I come from. My parents have remained in the same family home they bought before I was born and so to come back to Newcastle, to see family and friends or to work, really feels like coming home.

You’ve already done a fair amount of theatre in the region, what has been your favourite so far?

Last year I performed at Live Theatre in Write Stuff and that was a special moment for me because I went to Live Youth Theatre since the age of 13 until the year I moved to London for Drama School. So to come back to where it effectively all began years later was a real treat.

You have also acted in film, television and on radio as well as in live theatre, which do you prefer?

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work in all of those fields. All offer different challenges, each developing my skills as an actor which I can take into everything I do. Working in theatre and radio very much feels like you’re part of a team, all striving towards the same goal simultaneously. TV and film, however, lead you to work more individually with new challenges and scenes being thrown at you every day which I find exciting.

You are currently rehearsing Jumping Puddles, can you tell us a little about the piece?

Jumping Puddles is about two sisters at war who suddenly find their world turned upside down. It’s a funny and moving story about Anna and Grace who have been fast-tracked to adulthood as they discover it’s hard being a girl, but harder still when faced with the harsh reality and fragility of life.

Your character, Anna, has been created through workshops with women from the North-East. Can you explain how that process worked?

The play and characters have actually been directly informed by 162 young women from the North-East and Liverpool. Since September 2013 Open Clasp have been working with groups of young women to inform the play about their lives. It’s also been developed in collaboration with the fantastic Frantic Assembly who have been a part of the project throughout.

How do you think the production resonates with people you know?

I think most will be able to relate to the issues raised in the play. Simply growing up and discovering who you are can be both a humorous and difficult time. I don’t know many people who haven’t personally experienced, or know someone who has had to deal with some of the larger issues the play focuses on. I feel very honoured to be able to work on this project and play the part of Anna, most importantly giving a voice to all the young women who have spoken about their experiences but also to be able to bring my own to the show.

Who is the target audience and what should they expect from the production?

I believe everyone will be able to relate to what these two sisters go through, both the joy and fun, but also the pressures and heartaches of growing up. The energy and movement Frantic Assembly brings to the show is incredibly exciting and is just as important as the words spoken in the piece. So if you’re looking for a play that is humorous, moving and most importantly honest, then look no further.

  •  Jumping Puddles is touring from Monday until March 28 including dates at Live Theatre Newcastle (March 24-28), Caedmon Hall, Gateshead (February 10), ARC Stockton (March 12), Arts Centre Washington (February 26) and Sunderland at the Royalty Theatre (February 25).

For tickets and more details visit openclasp.org.uk