The UK premiere of a new Irish fantasy musical, For The Lack of Laura is a tale of magic and romance set to an original Celtic and musical theatre classics-inspired soundtrack. Laura, a young Irish heroine with her eyes on the stars, makes an immortality bargain with an evil sorceress which grants her the power to travel through time and space to find her true love. Faced with a host of fine suitors across cultures and time periods, she travels through Spain, Russia, The Malverns, Paris, and New Orleans, and discovers this magic may really be a curse. Produced by Galway-based company Morgan Brothers, For The Lack of Laura combines folk tales and magic with the music of composer Kurt Rosenberg, featuring a 16-piece orchestra and 12 person cast performing a soundtrack of 26 original songs.
The musical plays at the Forum Theatre in Malvern from 16th - 19th July and at The Shaw Theatre in London from 24th July until 2nd August.
Ahead of the run we caught up with cast member Jane Patterson who plays the titular Laura to learn more.
What can you tell me about For The Lack Of Laura?
For the Lack of Laura follows a confident and spirited Irish girl named Laura on her quest to find true love. But this is not your typical love story - she is given the chance to time travel using magic, and what begins as a search for romance quickly becomes a hilarious and heartfelt journey of self-discovery packed with many quirky characters and unexpected challenges.
For the Lack of Laura follows a confident and spirited Irish girl named Laura on her quest to find true love. But this is not your typical love story - she is given the chance to time travel using magic, and what begins as a search for romance quickly becomes a hilarious and heartfelt journey of self-discovery packed with many quirky characters and unexpected challenges.
What can you tell me about the role you’ll be playing?
Laura is a confident and assertive young lady who’s used to getting what she wants. As she travels and meets people from different walks of life, we start to see the various layers of her personality. She can be kind and compassionate, cheeky and playful, and she’s definitely never afraid to speak her mind. Her journey really tests her on an emotional level, and it’s been so rewarding to be given the opportunity to explore that as a performer.
Laura is a confident and assertive young lady who’s used to getting what she wants. As she travels and meets people from different walks of life, we start to see the various layers of her personality. She can be kind and compassionate, cheeky and playful, and she’s definitely never afraid to speak her mind. Her journey really tests her on an emotional level, and it’s been so rewarding to be given the opportunity to explore that as a performer.
What drew you to this piece?
It’s just a really fun story and I love her character! She finds herself in so many interesting and wildly different situations, which has pushed me play and be more versatile with my acting choices.
It’s just a really fun story and I love her character! She finds herself in so many interesting and wildly different situations, which has pushed me play and be more versatile with my acting choices.
How would you describe the style of the show?
The show’s style is hard for me to pinpoint exactly. Musically it varies. It carries elements of traditional Irish sounds whilst allowing itself to be influenced by the places that Laura visits. Thematically I would say it’s a comedic love story. It’s fun and lighthearted.
The show’s style is hard for me to pinpoint exactly. Musically it varies. It carries elements of traditional Irish sounds whilst allowing itself to be influenced by the places that Laura visits. Thematically I would say it’s a comedic love story. It’s fun and lighthearted.
How did you approach bringing the role from the page to the stage?
I like to draw on my own life experiences - thinking about how I would react if I were in Laura’s position, while still honouring the way she’s written. There’s been a great balance of direction and creative freedom.
I like to draw on my own life experiences - thinking about how I would react if I were in Laura’s position, while still honouring the way she’s written. There’s been a great balance of direction and creative freedom.
Did you have to do any research that helped you build the role?
I researched the different places that Laura visits to get a feel for the environment. But honestly, the most valuable research I did was watching the original production last year. It gave me a lot of context and inspiration, and there are still little moments from that performance that have stayed with me.
I researched the different places that Laura visits to get a feel for the environment. But honestly, the most valuable research I did was watching the original production last year. It gave me a lot of context and inspiration, and there are still little moments from that performance that have stayed with me.
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| Jane Patterson |
What is your mental preparation like ahead of a run?
I really prioritise looking after my mental health when doing a show like this. I do my best work when I’m feeling at peace so I really make an effort to do the things I enjoy outside of rehearsal. It helps me stay balanced and energised.
I really prioritise looking after my mental health when doing a show like this. I do my best work when I’m feeling at peace so I really make an effort to do the things I enjoy outside of rehearsal. It helps me stay balanced and energised.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
Hamilton was the first show I watched that really made me consider doing theatre professionally. I was completely swept away by the music and I just knew I would be the happiest girl in the world if I got lucky enough to perform for a living. That feeling has always stayed with me.
What keeps you inspired?
Watching new musicals! I don’t even go to the theatre just for enjoyment anymore sometimes I actually go when I know I’m in a rut and I need to be inspired. It’s usually the singing that does it for me. I am always blown away by the skill involved and it makes me go home and immediately practice.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing For The Lack of Laura?
Ultimately, I just hope audiences have a great time with us. I hope they laugh, feel something real, and leave the theatre a little more inspired to follow their own hearts - wherever that may lead.
Where can audiences see the show?
For The Lack of Laura is playing at Forum Theatre in Malvern from the 16th – 19th July and Shaw Theatre in London 24th July – 2nd August. You can get your tickets at https://forthelackoflaura.com
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