In Conversation with Jessica Martin | The Effect
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
In this week's Backstage Blog, we speak to Jessica Martin, part of the cast of THE EFFECT, coming soon to Theatre Works!
Q: Welcome to Theatre Works! How are final preparations going? What excites you most about bringing The Effect to our stage?
There are so many elements I am excited about, but it’s our team of creatives and performers working together that makes me most excited. There is so much to explore in this text, and alongside our director Alonso Pineda, we have been having a ball diving deep into the world of the script. Each rehearsal a new element of design is being introduced to us as the actors, by our incredible lighting & set designer, Tom Vulcan and sound designer Jack Burmeister. It’s so exciting to see how beautifully it both complements and enhances the work we have been doing in the rehearsal room.
Q: The Effect has lived a life before now - can you catch our readers up a bit about where the show has been before now? What made you decide this needed to be on the Theatre Works stage?
The Effect premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2012, winning the UK Critic’s Circle Award for Best New Play. We saw it reach the Australian stage in 2014 with productions at MTC and STC. In 2023 the play had a London revival, followed by a NYC Production in 2024. After reading the newly revised script we were struck by how relevant this story felt in today’s world, where mental health is so deeply affected by current economic pressures, the political climate, social isolation and loneliness.
Q: You have an impressive team of performers on board - from seasoned theatre veterans to exciting young talents (as a peak behind the curtain, I’m writing this question hours after Damon Baudin’s Green Room Award win!) How have this talented team gone about dissecting this complex text?
Our director Alonso Pineda has guided us through a very detailed script analysis process, which has included lots of research and discussions around the complex themes of the play. I’ve been learning a lot about phase 1 clinical trials, and about the effects of dopamine on the brain. Every rehearsal we are finding more and more in Lucy Prebble’s incredible writing. She encapsulates the human experience in a way that is relatable, raw and moving.
Q: What do you think will surprise audiences about this work?
Alonso has a fantastic eye for combining an excellent script, music and sound elements, technology and set design to fully immerse the audience. With the collaboration of Tom’s set and lighting design, and Jack's sound design, the audience will be transported into our world, and leave as witnesses to the experiment that is unfolding in the world of the play.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in the process so far?
The first table read and the design presentations were a very special moment for me. Looking around and seeing the incredible cast and creative team that we have brought together for this show was particularly memorable. Each person brings such a wealth of talent and expertise, and it feels really special to be collaborating all together.
THE EFFECT plays at Theatre Works from 8 - 18 April.
Lovely interview – it's clear this team has real chemistry and passion for the material. 🎭 The immersive design and timely themes sound like they'll make for a powerful production. home is where he is 🏠 Break a leg to the whole cast! 🎬✨
This is such a wonderful insight into the rehearsal room — thank you for sharing, Jessica! It's fascinating to hear how the team is diving into the science behind the play, especially the research into phase 1 clinical trials and dopamine's effects. The fact that the 2023 London revival and 2024 NYC production led to a revised script makes me even more curious to see how this production resonates with today's audiences. It sounds like Alonso Pineda, Tom Vulcan, and Jack Burmeister are creating something truly immersive. And congratulations again to Damon Baudin on his Green Room Award win — what a moment for the team!jestyn kingdom of marionettes
It's always a joy to read about a production where the cast and creative team are genuinely excited to be working together. Jessica's description of the table read and design presentations as "memorable moments" says a lot about the collaborative spirit Alonso Pineda has fostered. The combination of Tom Vulcan's set and lighting, Jack Burmeister's sound design, and a cast that includes Green Room Award winner Damon Baudin sounds like a recipe for something truly special. I'm particularly curious to see how the technology and sound elements will immerse the audience in the "experiment" unfolding on stage. Speaking of alternative takes on creativity and the spaces we inhabit, you might enjoy just the false sun. Wishing everyone involved a wonderful…
I found the discussion about balancing emotional intensity with authenticity really interesting. Jessica Martin’s perspective on bringing nuance to The Effect shows how much thoughtful preparation goes into a performance, much like the careful development behind projects such as Diffusiongemma.
If atmospheric games are your thing, kingdom of marionettes is definitely worth keeping in mind. It appears to combine an eerie mood with a visually interesting world.