It’s been more than a decade since Ann Coates exited left of stage to start life behind the scenes. But one story has pulled her back.
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Set in post-war Amsterdam, The Book of Everything is told through the eyes of a young boy and his view of the world around him.
“This is about a little boy [Thomas] trying to find his happiness. But he lives with his dad who is quite religiously militant and his family have come through horrible circumstances,” Ms Coates, of Oakhampton, said.
“I read the book some time ago and I was really moved by it. It’s very powerful.”
The co-founder and director of Upstage Youth Theatre will play the role of Thomas’s mother, who is also the victim of domestic violence.
“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been on stage so I am scared, but it’s been a really good process to see how somebody else directs and it’s been really lovely to not have to worry about anything other than what I have to do,” she said.
“But it’s definitely time for me to do this.
“I’ve had bad rehearsals, I’ve forgotten my lines and which way to come on stage and I’ve had the nightmares but that’s been good for me because I need to remember what all this feels like.”
The Book of Everything opens on July 8 at the Civic Theatre Playhouse.