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Third time lucky for Fran
The director had no particular intention of casting a woman as Hamlet, and the actress had no particular hope of winning the role against about eight male candidates.
But Fran Lewis did win it, and so tomorrow she will become the first of her gender to play the title role for Southsea Shakespeare Actors in one of the most world's most famous plays.
Director Neil Gregory-Reader says: 'She was simply the best person for the job.'
Fran, 30, admits: 'I wondered whether I really wanted to take it on but thought "What opportunities do I get like this?" - so I just went for it. I auditioned for it three times and then Neil told me I'd got it.'
Since then she has read about previous performances of the role by women, including Sarah Bernhardt and more recently Frances De La Tour and Harriet Walter.
Does Fran feel she can bring something special to the role as a woman?
'For me it's not about that,' she says. 'I just don't see why a woman can't play a male character and vice-versa.
'Maybe Hamlet embodies so many different qualities and character traits that anyone can do it, regardless of gender. He is an everyman - or everyperson.'
Fran would love to be able to bring something new to the famous 'To be or not to be' speech but admits: 'I'm not expecting to work miracles. I just hope to make it fresh so that people listen to it again rather than think they have heard it all before.'
Fran lives at Milton, having arrived in Portsmouth as a university student and stayed to do a master's degree in creative writing.
She was Lady Macbeth with Captive Audience, a company that had its origins in the university, and a highlight since she joined the SSA was playing Ariel in The Tempest.
'It was nerve-wracking because I had never sung on stage before, and although it was exciting I don't think I'll do it again. Having sung in front of 400 people, I don't think I need do it again.'
The modern-dress SSA production also features Patric Howe as Claudius, Georgie Gulliford as Gertrude and Nick Downes as Polonius.
Performances at the Third Floor Arts Centre, Portsmouth Central Library, from Wedneday to Saturday (7.30pm). Tickets: (023) 9268 8070.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
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Sunny spells
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