Take Your Time opens Friday 21st August at the Bridewell Theatre, navigating how Francesca’s past and present has shaped her today. Learn more about what you can expect:
1: What was the main influence in designing this show?
My dad is a huge fan of science fiction films—Back to the Future is one of faves, which he showed me when I was old enough, along with other great sci-fi films. Both of my parents worked in the film industry, so storytelling and cinema were a huge part of my upbringing. I wanted to bring some of that cinematic magic into Take Your Time, that’s where the split-stage idea came in. The whole show is an ode to sci-fi, filmmaking, and ultimately to my parents, who introduced me to this incredible world.
2: Was there a particular sci-fi work that gave you permission to tell a personal story through the genre?
We don’t often see science fiction on stage, which is one of the reasons I was excited to explore it. What I love about great sci-fi—whether it’s Back to the Future, The Terminator, or About Time—is that beneath the spectacle, it’s always about something deeply human. It’s about saving the people you love, learning to live in the present, or fighting for humanity. The science fiction is the vehicle, but the emotional story is what stays with you. That’s what I wanted to capture in Take your time.
3: Does changing the past stop us from living in the present?
I believe that is very common and easy to dwell in regret, and the things we didn’t or did do. And that stops you from living in the present. We have to be able to let go, learn, to forgive ourselves, and understand that the only thing we have is the present moment.
4: Did writing and performing this piece change your perspective on loss?
I don’t think it change it, I think it’s my way of dealing with it. Grief is a universal feeling and we all deal it in different ways.
5: What would you like audiences to take away?
All we have is now. Appreciate the people around you who love you and be grateful for everyday you get because things can change very quickly.
6: What has been the most enjoyable part about creating Take Your Time?
Getting inside the characters head, understand their motives, and how they deal with grief. Also, the time travel bit is super fun, and our director has created an amazing way to show it on stage, which has been a challenge.
Take Your Time opens Friday 21st August at the Bridewell Theatre. Many thanks to Lupe Ramos Bianco for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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