Abby Cooley

Acting Up

US exchange student Abby Cooley takes to the stage in Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Mull Little Theatre, one of the smallest theatres in the world...

Abigail Cooley is an International Theatre Production Major at Ohio Northern University. Part of her degree is to work or study abroad. She is currently on the island of Mull, one of the inner Hebridean islands in the north west of Scotland.

"I came to Mull because one of my professors, Catriona McPhee, is actually Scottish and she has worked here as a Director before. I am here on a Stage Management placement working throughout the season with Mull Little Theatre in Dervaig"

Mull is a beautiful introduction to Scotland.

"It's been fantastic. I’d never been here before either, and it’s been such a surprise, how gorgeous it is. And so friendly.

Abby is a very multi-talented student.

"I'm part of the stage management team, working backstage doing deck cues and stuff like that. I also have four very small parts where I am actually on stage – I play a murderer, the son of Donald Bain, the King's son and the daughter of Lady McDuff."

It must have been a fantastic experience putting on such a famous play.

"It's definitely been an experience putting on Shakespeare."

So did Abby have any idea what Scotland would be like before she arrived?

"I had no idea what I was walking into. This is my first trip out of the States. I just kind of got on a plane and landed! Luckily it’s been great. Glasgow was also very friendly. I was lost there and I walked up to this bus driver and asked if he could help me find the station. He said yes just get on my bus and I’ll take you there!"

Mull seems to attract many different nationalities.

"I haven't met any other Americans but I’ve become friends with some people from Australia, and some from India and there are lots of people from England here. It's really funny I was actually emailing my Mum saying that it's surprising that a lot of my friends are not Scottish. There are many more incomers than locals. It seems that everyone here is from different places and are doing really good work.

Mull Little Theatre is little in every way.

"There is a core group of five actors and we have three shows running right now. There's 'Macbeth' (which incorporates all five actors), 'Art' (which incorporates the three male actors) and a clown show for children called 'Egg', starring Fiona Collis, who is also in Macbeth. Apart from me, all the actors are Scottish as far as I know.

"The current Little Theatre – now celebrating its 40th year – only has 43 seats, the smallest house that I've ever worked in. It is a really a great space. No matter how many headaches it may give us. It's been a learning experience."

So is it different working in a tiny theatre?

"It's more nerve-racking but it's also a lot more intimate and for me there's more of a sense of accomplishment. You can see people's reactions close up because you are literally six feet away. People seem to be impressed by what happens here considering that it’s a converted barn."

Is Mull Little Theatre really the smallest theatre in the world?

"It was for a very, very long time, but I think it has sadly been surpassed by one in Germany. They have stolen the crowds of the smallest theatre!"

Mull Little Theatre is actually getting a little bigger. A new Production Centre (or Theatre Factory) is being built in Aros Park beside Druimfin which will allow Mull Theatre to create a new model for theatre practice in the Highlands.

And is it true that its bad luck to utter the name Macbeth in the theatre?

"Yes, it is a tradition, but not one that I have been following! Maybe I should think about that! They say its bad luck to say it. I don’t think we've been abusing the word Macbeth, but nobody has actually steered us away from saying! People think it's more of a joke. More, 'ha you said it. Too late!'"

So would Abby recommend to other students to do an exchange to Scotland?

"I would definitely tell others to try it here. There is also a good exchange programme between my university and Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh. I know some students that have gone there and loved it!”

"In fact when they heard that I was coming to Scotland, they were saying that's fantastic and that I would have so much fun. But I am the first one that I know of to come to the island of Mull from my university. I think this is definitely going to become something that could become an annual exchange.

"It's been a golden opportunity to learn about what I am meant to be doing and really find out if I like what I am studying to be.

"And I am so excited about going on tour. I want to see all around Scotland. The touring aspect was something that I am interested in when I graduate.

Mull Little Theatre's tour will take Abby and the group around Scotland from Skye to Aberdeenshire.

"We are trying to spread the word everywhere..!" says Abby.

The Mull Little Theatre company is on tour around Scotland until the end of October.

Related Links

• Mull Little Theatre