Linck & Mülhahn (2024)
by Ruby Thomas
Performances: Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 September 2024, Old Fire Station
Contents
Introduction
It is life's great aim. To find a way to be honest with oneself, even as the world pretends around you. Dashing soldier Anastasius Linck has no intention of falling in love, but a chance encounter with the rebellious Catharina Mülhahn changes everything.
As they begin to forge a relationship that breaks boundaries and rejects the rigid rules of their society, they find themselves confronted by a world determined to tear them apart.
Preview from the SLT Website
What inspired you to direct this play?
I saw this when it premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2023 and was totally blown away by it. After the curtain call I couldn’t leave my seat for a while. It’s a brilliant story about a relatively unknown queer person and a love that wasn’t allowed to be. As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community the hope that resonates throughout the play really spoke to me. I’m overjoyed to be able to bring this to our SLT stage and tell the story for only the second time ever.
Its narrative is based on true events from the eighteenth century - how does this resonate today?
It shows us how far we have come in acceptance and tolerance for all types of love. We are a cast and crew of LGBTQIA+ and allies, and we feel that showing how things were in the eighteenth century highlights where we are as a society now; one where people can be themselves, exactly as they are.
It also shows us how far we have come in the rights of women since then. Catharina is trapped by the rules around her, specifically for her sex, and she breaks them with gusto. There’s a host of other female characters in the show who are dealing with life the best they can, despite being born to what was then classed as the inferior sex.
Tell us about the characters we'll meet
Our story is told by The Spinster (Carole Coyne), reminiscing on her life. She introduces Anastasius Linck (Ali Gibson), a dashing soldier who falls in love with Catharina (Han Evans), who is feisty and unhappy with her lot in life. They meet and it’s a whirlwind romance.
You’ll meet Catharina’s Mother (Hannah McCorry) who just wants the best for her daughter, but who is also trapped by the rules for her sex. There are friends and foes we meet along the way, Anastasius’ friend ‘Soldier’ (Daniel Cox), various townspeople and then the Judge (Steve Pleasants) and the Jury (Ensemble) – judging a love they do not understand.
What have been the directing challenges for you?
Getting a big cast all together in the same room is always a challenge! We also focused on the intimacy of the play, making sure everyone was comfortable with the level required and that we could make it look convincing and do justice to the relationship between Anastasius and Catharina.
We also had some sword play to choreograph which has been fun, and I’ve never directed a play with that in before. And for some cast members, it has been hard to see the attitudes from some of the characters towards the two protagonists because of prejudice they have also faced, so we’ve had a few tears and emotions, which we’ve all shared and healed from.
What do you hope the audience will take away?
Love is love. And that there is so much hope in the world now. We still have a way to go and acceptance is not widespread but tolerance and kindness do prevail.
Can you sum up the play in three words?
Queer, inspiring and truth.
Cast
- Catharina - Han Evans
- Anastasius - Ali Gibson
- Mother - Hannah McCorry
- Spinster - Carole Coyne
- Girl (Babette) / Ensemble - Thea Miller
- Maid (Gerthe) / Ensemble - Nana Darby
- Soldier (Friedrich Karl Rosenstengel) / Ensemble - Daniel Cox
- Johan Pieterson / Ensemble - Greg Williams
- Doctor Francken / Lady (Mrs Von Crayen) / Ensemble - Rebecca Law
- Captain / Cornelius Rosenstengel / Judge - Steve Pleasants
- Juryman 1 (Arnt) / Ensemble - Alice Wilson
- Juryman 2 (Beuerlain) / Ensemble - Isabella Breslin
- The Lady's Dog - Benny and Minnie
Crew
- Assistant Director - Nana Darby
- Stage Manager - Mark Ireson
- Assistant Stage Manager - Harri Compton
- Set Design - Jo Boniface
- Lighting Design - James Jackson
- Sound Design - Jo Boniface
- Operator - Jo Boniface
- Costume - Bex Law, cast and crew
- Build Lead - John Winters
- Build Crew - Graham Clements, Mark Ireson, Noah Wright, cast and crew, the Kitchen Sink team
- Production Photography - Phil Gammon
- Poster Photography - Cambria Bailey-Jones
- Choreographer - Kelly Kim Clements
Special thanks
All the volunteers that make shows at SLT possible; Sean Thomas; Lisa Thomas; The Miller Centre; Theatre Committee and General Council; Hampstead Theatre, Caroline Durant.
Reviews
Oh I just spent a wonderful afternoon completely transported by the dress rehearsal of Linck & Mulhahn! It’s a gem of a piece, absolutely loved it. You completely believe in the rebellious, courageous, defiant love story, performed by a fantastic cast, who are clearly emotionally committed to telling this story in the most compelling way. Thank you for letting us watch and I definitely didn’t cry… (I wept buckets). Buy tickets. Bring friends. Talk about it for ages afterwards.
Jenny McLaughlin
I just watched the Linck and Mülhahn in their opening night and I can't express how thrilled I am. Excellent performances from everyone, what a story with powerful messages that still apply today and show courage and belief to who we are. Huge congratulations to the cast, director and all crew. One of the best SLT shows, I think. What a night. Good luck with the rest of the performances guys, you are amazing. Everyone book your tickets!!!
Olga Giannoudi
Wonderful performances from the leads in Linck and Mülhahn last night, and some great (and hilarious) cameo performances too. Also, a shout out for the costumes, there are some images I just can’t unsee! Despite the inevitable outcome, it managed to finish with a cheery ending. What’s not to like.
Gareth Milton
Huge congrats to the Linck & Mülhahn team. What a show! You represented a beautiful message so perfectly and with such grace
Stunning!
Florence Henderson
Loved Linck and Mülhahn last night! Part historical epic, part romp, part intimate romance with fantastic performances from everyone. A great play and so relevant. Go see!
Elly Meacham
It is so good. The chemistry and trust between the two leads is amazing. At the interval I was so moved that I forgot I was to open the house! Please go see it. It's an important story.
Lily Ann Green Coleman
Saw Linck & Mulhahn tonight. A brilliant SLT show. A charming, funny, poignant and thoroughly engrossing story, brought to life by a fabulous ensemble cast who each shone their own lights to paint a particularly loveable multi-coloured tableau. GET YOUR TICKETS!
Guy Jones
Couldn’t agree more, Guy! What an amazing play and such a great production. Congratulations to Jo Boniface, Mark Ireson and all the cast and crew for a hugely entertaining evening. If you haven’t booked a ticket yet - why not???
Christine Theophilus
Well done to everyone involved in Linck & Mulhann, which I saw yesterday evening. An incredibly moving and uplifting play that makes you think and is incredibly theatrical. Great performances all round. Do grab a ticket if you can.
Eddie Coleman
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
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See Also
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Or add anything that is related within this site. The author's page for instance or other plays with a similar theme.
