It's time for another top-secret, behind-the-scenes, finger-licking-good edition of "Getting Up Close and Liminal with the Limbo Crew!"
Today, we’ve tracked down the ever-elusive John Caswell to get a super secret field report on the development of LIMBO. We sat down with this mysterious mythical man and tried to uncover some of his mystical secrets.
John, who on earth ARE you, anyway?
I’m John, I’m a theatre maker, and I like Pokémon, Nando’s chippies, and general self-loathing I love making theatre and just generally being around it. if I’m not acting, I’ll direct. if I can’t direct, I’ll crew. If I can’t crew, I’ll volunteer for front of house. Failing that, I’ll be in the front row of the audience!
What’s the show you’ve seen that affected you the most?
Shake n Stir did a production of Animal Farm when I was in high school, and its stuck with me ever since
Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Lara thinks she is, but it’s Maddie. Gotta be. Don’t tell Lara! Or do, she probably needs to know.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
It sounds weird, but I like to laugh hard then wave my hand over my face, and go straight faced. (Like Alex does in Madagascar.) I started doing it when I was in school as a stupid joke, but it’s become a pre-show focussing ritual that honestly really helps!
You’re playing Tom in LIMBO, could you tell us a bit about him?
Tom is a very shy person, and has lost a lot of faith in people after something his friends have put him through. Tom is also a helper and a healer though, so while he’s untrusting and afraid of being hurt again, he puts the happiness and wellbeing of others first. Maybe I was just projecting when I created his character, but these are traits I want to display in my life, the fact that even though you’re hurting, you can still make other’s lives better, even though your world may be hurting, you can still heal another’s.
What do you like about playing Tom?
I love the way he opens slowly to characters. Exposing only a little bit here and there, until he properly connects to someone, wherein he shares a laugh with them and allows himself to be happy with them.
And there you have it, a rare glimpse into the life of the equally rare John Caswell. We'd like to thank John for taking time out his busy schedule to chat with us and we can't wait to hear from his again! And an extra special thanks to Isabeau Schubert for the stunningly awesome photography!
LIMBO will be performing from June 29 - July 1 and tickets are on sale now. For more information, including how to buy tickets, check out our Facebook event and at standupensemble.com/limbo. We can't wait to see you there!