Richard Bainbridge and Toni Feetenby in The Scarlet Pimpernel
TONI Feetenby describes Marguierite, the character she plays in The Scarlet Pimpernel, as feisty'.
The word could well be applied to Toni herself, whose energetic nature allows her to juggle being a mother, a drama teacher and an actress. "I like to keep busy. I get a buzz from whizzing from one thing to the next," says Toni.
The Scarlet Pimpernel opens at York Theatre Royal on Wednesday, in a new production by York Musical Theatre Company.
The cast have had to steel themselves to learn sword-fighting. A professional fight director has been brought in to teach the art of blade combat.
Set during the French Revolution, the play revolves around Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy Englishman whose life is thrown into turmoil when his best friend is sent to death by guillotine, an incident made worse when he discovers his wife is to blame.
Sir Blakeney takes on the disguise of the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel and, with the aid of his audacious secret league', endeavours to save as many as possible from getting the chop.
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Toni says her role differs from typical romantic leads, which she deems as "usually quite wet'"
She first stumbled on the play ten years ago and loved it immediately. "It can be a serious drama yet have comic moments," says Toni. "It has a blend of beautiful and diverse music, not to mention spectacular costumes and sets."
Toni insists that this modern sounding operatta has stayed true to its original story and, with its swashbuckling sword fighting, is bound to appeal to young and older generations alike.
Tickets for The Scarlet Pimpernel are available by phoning the Theatre Royal box office on 01904 623568
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