The Fame Reporter interviewed performer, Brigitte Freeme starring as Elizabeth Bennet in the hysterical adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Plied and Prejudice, playing at The Shed, Northshore Hamilton from 14 June.
We sat down with Brigitte and talked about playing Elizabeth Bennet, her love for performing for multiple mediums and more.
Brigitte, welcome to The Fame Reporter, you’ve had a dynamic career in theatre, film, and television. Can you tell us what initially drew you to acting and how you got your start in the industry?
Thank you for having me. Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun, quite the ride. I have a very creative family and had a very active imagination as a child – as the youngest of 4 and the only girl – so it was kind of like I was destined to pursue a creative career.
I was lucky enough to study a Bachelor of Acting at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and the connections, friends and opportunities I found throughout my time there have really stood me in good stead for the start of my career. I also owe a lot to my agents at Aran Michael Management, who have answered every single silly question, and reassured me through every moment of doubt over the last few years.
You’ve worked on a diverse range of productions, from “The Laramie Project” to “Top Girls.” How do these experiences shape your approach to playing Elizabeth Bennet in “Plied and Prejudice”?
I learn something new with every show I do. Working with Lee Lewis on The Laramie Project was such a treat… we spent every day doing hours of viewpoints work – which Lee draws a lot of her expertise from – to build our characters from a clear physical base. I liked that.
I can be a bit of a thinker, some might call it an over thinker and working from the outside in, in such a meticulous way, was so beneficial to my work.
For my work in Top Girls I used a lot of techniques that I’ve learned from Joel Pierce (Creating Artists), whose screen acting classes I attend. Those techniques worked really well because it was such an intimate space that we could afford to focus on the small, minute details.
Plied and Prejudice is another beast entirely. I’m finding that I’m drawing a lot upon my work I do as a Captain Starlight and the clowning techniques I learned from my clowning coach at the Con – Andrew Cory. But in the moments of honesty and truth that Elizabeth does get throughout the play, mainly with Darcy.
I’ve enjoyed coming back to my grounded, connected work that I’ve learned throughout my years of training at the Con and with Joel.
Elizabeth Bennet is such an iconic character in literature. How did you prepare for this role, especially given the unique twist in “Plied and Prejudice”?
So iconic. People will be coming in with certain expectations and who am I to deprive them of that? So naturally, I’ve watched both the TV series and the movie several times over the last few weeks, and have gotten to know the posture and mouth shape of Keira Knightly quite well… But, of course, bringing my own little spin to Lizzie.
In the rehearsal room we’ve spoken a lot about how she views the world. She’s such a forward thinking, headstrong and spirited woman, and believes there’s more for her than what the world wants for her. I think she and Jo March would get along quite nicely.
Preparing a character is seeing the world through their eyes. So, getting to know how Lizzie Bennet sees the world has been really beneficial, especially because it’s through her eyes this story is experienced.
Can you share any specific challenges or joys you encountered while developing your portrayal of Elizabeth in this fresh, comedic adaptation?
Comedy is the hardest thing. It’s even harder when multiple people are playing multiple roles, one person is drunk, and you’re trying to effectively tell a story that everyone knows and loves.
So I think the biggest challenge has been finding the fine line of when to get on with the story and when to let go and play with all the fun things within our design.
When we add an audience, things are going to drastically change again. It’s a lot of flexibility and a lot of thinking on our feet and supporting one another.
“Plied and Prejudice” introduces a fun and chaotic element with one actor taking five shots of liquor during the performance. How does this aspect influence the dynamics on stage?
Imagine you’re working in a 5 star kitchen, one of those ones where everyone says “Yes Chef”… like in The Bear. Every night the restaurant is booked out and you each have your station and a lot of dishes to prepare. As long as everyone sticks to their station and does their thing, it’ll all run smoothly.
Your head chef has Remy from Ratatouille hiding underneath their hat and suddenly this wildly opinionated, funny little rat is calling the shots, but the person is still your head chef so you just have to say “Yes Chef” and go with it.
Like in Ratatouille, it doesn’t go to plan. But the offbeat, improvised product is oddly better than the original recipe. Anton Ego, the important food critic (who is our loving Pride and Prejudice audience), and the rest of the kitchen staff are transported to a playful, joy-filled world that reminds them what life is really about: adapting or watching a drunk person attempt to recite classical text. Same thing, really.
What has it been like working with the rest of the cast to bring this innovative version of “Pride and Prejudice” to life?
The cast and crew are absolutely spectacular. Everyone is so incredibly talented and funny and it’s been such a joy to walk into the rehearsal room every day, having no idea what offers would be brought to the table.
So much of this production has been quite unknown to us, but every rehearsal we’re working together to figure things out and bring it all to life. It’s been such a treat.
As someone passionate about bold and fresh ideas in theatre, what excites you most about “Plied and Prejudice” and its approach to classic literature?
Drunk people trying their very best to properly recite classical text. Headfirst into so many unknowns. That’s exciting.
You were nominated for Best Supporting Actor in an Independent Production at the 2023 Matilda Awards for your role in “Top Girls.” How has this recognition impacted your career and your approach to your craft?
Recognition is always an epic confidence boost. Imposter syndrome is so easy to slip into, especially within this industry, even when you’re consistently working and feel proud of the work you do, and you have a beautiful team and community who believe in you. There are no regular pay raises, no promotions, no quarterly meetings with your manager to tell you you’re doing a good job. There’s just you and sometimes you feel very naked and afraid.
I don’t know if that nomination has greatly impacted my career, but gee did it remind me that my hard work is good.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors and directors who are eager to explore innovative and unconventional paths in theatre?
Golly… I feel like I’m still a newborn baby in this world… but I would say to talk to your friends… your colleagues and community. If you have an idea, write it down, talk about it, and get in on paper, or… if you don’t want to write, get someone else to get it on paper.
Even if you feel you have no business creating that wild idea in your head, make it your business. Someone came up with the wild idea to hide warriors in a giant, wooden horse. Your idea is worth hearing.
What do you hope audiences take away from “Plied and Prejudice”? How do you think fans of the original “Pride and Prejudice” will react to this adaptation?
Silly, silly joy. In every sense. Joy from seeing their favourite Pride and Prejudice moments executed on stage and joy from seeing it done with 5 actors playing more than 20 characters whilst one of them is utterly plastered.
We’re here to make you laugh.
Fame Reporter Word Play
Plied and Prejudice
Oooooh! Silly, goofy, unhinged fun.
Brisbane
Growing.
Go-to Karaoke song
Unwritten by Natasha Benfield.
Bucket list
Live in the French countryside!
Place you want to travel to
Scotland. Find my fellow red heads.
Dream Co-star to work with
Olivia Coleman. What a powerhouse.
New York
Exciting, overwhelming. I went there as a tourist, saw everyone walking around with so much purpose and got really existential about what my purpose was.
Go-to dance move
The washing machine. Open to interpretation.
TV Binge
Schitt’s Creek.
Favourite thing about performing
Telling stories that explore every facet of the human experience.
Thank-you Bridgitte for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for the Brisbane season.
TICKETS
From 14 June
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