Taking the Stage 2024 - Change of Engagement | The Play's the Thing Theatre Company

Ren, a passionate writer, is captivated by the legendary Julie D’Aubigny, the notorious 17th-century French sensation famed for daring duels and scandalous affairs. Julie’s fiery spirit and mysterious allure haunt Ren’s every thought. But as Ren tries to unravel the enigma of Julie’s tumultuous life, they are caught up in their own journey of discovery, complicated by the return of an old friend. The piece explores themes of gender identity and sexuality, and the complications of trying to ‘label’ historical figures as queer.

Carly Halse (they/she) - Julie / Cass & Playwright

Carly trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has a passion for devised theatre and new writing. They are an Associate Artist with The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company and most recently played Ruth Ellis in the self-penned play ‘Now You See Me’ as part of the ‘Hidden Stories’ tour. Additionally, Carly is a published writer, director, and experienced drama facilitator / teacher. Theatre credits include: Now You See Me (Tour); Patient is a Verb (Camden People’s Theatre); Minnie in I, Minnie Lansbury (RADA Studios); Splendour (Stantonbury Theatre); Second Movement (Barbican); The Wind in the Willows (Alban Arena); Presto and Clown (Old Fire Station, Oxford); Nora in A Doll’s House (Stantonbury Theatre); Paper Dolls (Etcetera Theatre); Carnesky’s Tarot Drome (Old Vic Tunnels); Proper Night (Roundhouse Studio); Neon Fairytale (Contact Theatre, Manchester); Your Number’s Up (Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh); Bare Essentials with Encompass Productions.

Dom Stephens (he/him) - Director

Brighton Fringe Award Nominated Director who was chosen to be part of The Old Vic’s TheatreMakers Company 2023-2024, comprised of twenty of the highest-potential under-30 TheatreMakers, taught by figures including Lyndsey Turner and Francesca Moody. It culminated in a series of short plays for The Old Vic, staged at a sold-out Theatre Peckham, of which Dom directed the majority. Dom is also a Blue Peter Badge holder. He considers this his greatest achievement.