The romantic comedy 'Stage Kiss', currently captivating audiences, delves into the complicated dynamic of two actors, played by MyAnna Buring and Patrick Kennedy, who find themselves rekindling an old flame after being cast as love interests in a play. While the narrative explores the blurred lines between fiction and reality, its stars have offered a candid look at the practicalities of portraying such intense intimacy on stage, including the sheer endurance required for certain scenes.
MyAnna Buring, known for her roles in 'Ripper Street' and 'The Witcher', revealed the physically demanding nature of their on-stage romance, recounting a day where she 'snogged somebody for nine hours'. This anecdote underscores the rigorous technical and physical commitment actors must bring to their roles, far beyond the emotional portrayal.
Patrick Kennedy, who has appeared in 'War Horse' and 'The Queen's Gambit', alongside Buring, elaborated on the intricacies of stage kissing. Their discussion with Lauren Morris sheds light on how actors navigate the potential messiness and technical challenges of sustained physical contact while maintaining character and delivering a believable performance for the audience. It's a testament to their professionalism that they can maintain such an illusion over extended periods.
The play itself, 'Stage Kiss', offers a meta-theatrical exploration of love, art, and the theatrical process. It asks audiences to consider how much of an actor's true self is invested in their performance, especially when the lines between their character's life and their own begin to merge. The insights from Buring and Kennedy add another layer of understanding to the craft, demonstrating the significant effort that goes into creating these seemingly effortless romantic portrayals.
For UK audiences, 'Stage Kiss' provides a humorous yet poignant reflection on relationships within the demanding world of theatre. The frankness of the actors' discussion offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain, demystifying some of the more intimate aspects of stagecraft and highlighting the dedication required from performers to bring stories to life night after night.
While 'Stage Kiss' is a theatrical production, the broader conversation around intimacy on set and stage has gained increasing prominence in the UK entertainment industry, with the introduction of intimacy coordinators becoming more commonplace to ensure actor comfort and safety. This ensures that while performances like those by Buring and Kennedy are convincing, the well-being of the performers remains paramount.
Source: Lauren Morris interview