Introducing Lauren Tamke, who plays Annabella, Margaret, and Pamela in The 39 Steps
Hi Lauren! Tell us about your characters in the show!
I am extremely delighted to play three distinct characters throughout the show including Annabella, a mysterious German spy; Margaret, a sheltered Scottish lass; and Pamela, an upper class English woman.
What is your background in theatre?
The majority of my theatre work has taken place within my university experience at Concordia Edmonton in mainstage and one act festival shows and within community theatres in and around Edmonton, both as an actor and director. Most recently, I acted in The Comedy of Errors (Adriana) and Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio/Francis) as part of Prime Stock Theatre’s outdoor Shakespeare festival. At Walterdale, this is my third show. Previously I acted in Queen Milli of Galt (Mona) and directed the farce, Boeing Boeing. I love the Walterdale community and I am happy to be back on stage here!
What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
So many reasons! The “spy comedy” genre is one of my favourites and the synopsis spoke to me instantly. The timing was also super serendipitous because I saw the audition posting while packing to move back to Edmonton the following week. And I was super excited at the chance to work with director Kristen Finlay! I’m SO happy to be a part of the show.
What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
I am loving the playful and productive energy of rehearsals and being back in the same physical space as my awesome production team and cast. Every night at rehearsal is a blast!
Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
The show is light-hearted, slapsticky, and 100% bound to let the audience escape into the silliness and fun therein.
The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
My favourite film from the 1930s-40s would have to be Gaslight!