Isis Hainsworth has emerged as a breakout star in director Carrie Cracknell's new production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, which has transferred to the Duke of York's Theatre following a successful run at the Old Vic. Hainsworth plays teenage maths prodigy Thomasina Coverly, a role that earned her an Olivier nomination. She is described as the heart and soul of a play that blends comedy, tragedy, and complex themes including chaos theory, determinism, thermodynamics, and Romanticism.
Overcoming Intimidation
Hainsworth admitted to feeling intimidated by the play initially. "I was really intimidated by Arcadia before we started, because it's so huge, there's so much language and science and maths are my worst subjects," she said. She also expressed nervousness about portraying a child without falling into stereotypical acting. Hainsworth, who is dyslexic, researched figures like Ada Lovelace to prepare for the role.
Plot and Themes
The play is set in a Derbyshire country estate and alternates between the present day and 1809, when Thomasina is tutored by Septimus Hodge, played by Seamus Dillane, a friend of Lord Byron. Hodge recognizes Thomasina's genius, a fact later explored by present-day characters tracing her discoveries. "She is very much ahead of her time, a young genius," Hainsworth noted. She emphasized that the play is not solely about intimidating mathematics and science, but also includes "sex and mishaps and a beautiful meetings of hearts and minds."
Career Trajectory
Hainsworth, originally from Edinburgh, began dancing at a young age and joined local theatre groups. At 18, she was cast in Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour in the West End, leading her to move to London. She has since appeared in TV series such as In Plain Sight and Harlots, and earned acclaim on stage in productions like A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Bridge Theatre. The Olivier nomination for Arcadia has accelerated her career, with the West End run continuing to thrill audiences.
New Cast and Vibe
Hainsworth noted that the cast is about 50% new members, calling it "weird and exciting to go back and think what did I do in this scene, and can I try and make it better?" She contrasted the winter run at the Old Vic with the summer transfer to the West End, adding, "It's nice that we're doing it without a huge star, which is rare for the West End at the moment. Tom Stoppard is basically our star." Arcadia runs at the Duke of York's Theatre until September 12.
