Olivier Nominee Rosie Sheehy Reflects on the Year's Most Heartbreaking Play
In a rare and candid interview, Welsh actor Rosie Sheehy opens up about her second consecutive Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress, this time for her powerful performance in the emotionally devastating play Guess How Much I Love You?. The production, which explores a couple's crisis after a devastating prenatal diagnosis, has been so intense that it led to ten 'show stops' where performances were paused due to audience distress.
A Play That Pushes Boundaries
Guess How Much I Love You?, written by Luke Norris and directed with unflinching honesty, follows an unnamed couple, portrayed by Sheehy and Robert Aramayo, as they grapple with the news that their unborn baby has profound open spina bifida. The play delves into the agonizing decision of whether to terminate the pregnancy, blending sharp humor with relentless emotional depth. Sheehy notes that the script moves at breakneck speed, capturing the raw turmoil of the characters.
The impact on audiences has been profound. Sheehy reveals that at a critical moment in the play, when the severity of the situation becomes clear, multiple incidents occurred, including fainting and one audience member vomiting. "You could feel the penny dropping quite severely for people," she says, highlighting the visceral reaction the production elicits.
Navigating Emotional Toll and Awards Season
Sheehy's nomination places her in a stellar lineup against actresses like Cate Blanchett and Rosamund Pike. Reflecting on the news, she shares that she was washing dishes when her agent called, screaming with excitement. This mirrors Aramayo's experience, who also received award news while doing chores. Sheehy emphasizes the importance of preparation for the Oliviers, having learned from last year's ceremony to eat properly and maintain her energy levels.
Performing in such a demanding role took a significant toll. Sheehy admits that the play affected her nervous system, requiring a week to return to normalcy after the run ended. The theatre provided extensive support, bringing in medical professionals, grief counselors, and real couples who faced similar situations to aid in research. Out of sensitivity, Sheehy even advised pregnant friends or those with young children to avoid the play, acknowledging its heavy emotional weight.
A Career Built on Raw Authenticity
Sheehy's approach to acting thrives on emotional complexity. From her role in Machinal to David Mamet's Oleanna, she gravitates towards characters that are raw and unvarnished. Growing up in Port Talbot, a town known for producing acting legends like Michael Sheen and Anthony Hopkins, she feels a deep connection to this tradition and expresses a strong desire to collaborate with Sheen in the future.
Looking ahead, Sheehy is set to appear in a film adaptation of Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country, starring Sydney Sweeney. Whether she wins the Olivier or not, her place at the forefront of contemporary theatre is secure, marked by a commitment to tackling profound social issues with fearless intensity.
