Daniel Dercksen shares a few thoughts with Emily Child, who is sensational in Steven Berkoff's Decadence, a risqué story of love and obsession, a naughty play that is a feast for all the senses…sex, temptation, indulgence, and glorious extravagance meet desire and a touch of murder..

It must be exciting for you to do such a 'big' play such as this at the start of your career?
The show is very exciting, yes. Berkoff is very challenging, yes. But my career started quite a few years ago really. I have been up to all kinds of exciting nonsense since then so I feel Decadence is just the next step - I need to take it in my stride.

Tell me about how you landed the opportunity?
It's simple really. Scott and I were drinking a beer in around October last year. We wanted to work together. He suggested Decadence. I phoned him in January and we made it happen. Chris was on board straight away and there you have it!

You have two challenging roles to play in a 90-minute non-stop rollercoaster ride of emotions. Tell me about the challenges?
Well the challenges when working with text like Berkoff's are never-ending really. He shoots his characters from the calm to the grotesque in an instant.
You have to be 100% on your toes at all times. It's not the kind of show you "relax into". The more "relaxed" you become the more you need to keep yourself in check. That in itself is a challenge. As for the emotional part… I guess I can be a bit all over the place sometimes too, so maybe I'm just used to that!

Was it difficult to grasp Berkoff?
Yes and no. Learning the lines was difficult, yes, but getting into and learning to love them certainly wasn't. His writing is so layered, complex and exciting that it sucks you into its world!  There is never a dull moment in this text.

Your views on Berkoff?
Well, as a man, from what I have read and seen in interviews, he is perhaps not who I would invite round for dinner. But as a writer he can be my friend. He is clearly rather indulgent and self-obsessed but who isn't? He just tells the world about it in his plays.

There is a great connection between you and Scott Sparrow. Is this the first time you are together on stage?
This is indeed our first "stage meeting " But  were friends first. Perhaps that's why we get on and work together well. 

What do you think makes Decadence such a triumph?
Christopher Weare. What a legend. I couldn't dream of working with a better director. He makes magic. He is a true master of his craft.

You are extremely provocative and vulnerable in the play. How do you cope with this?
I guess as Nike says, I "Just do it." I was a but shy at first. I think I am rather conservative by nature, but at the end of the day it's the work that comes first!  Working with people as professional as Scott and Chris I have never felt vulnerable… provocative maybe… but never vulnerable. I feel safe because I believe what I am doing is important. Decadence is an important play.

How do you relate to the characters you play?
Well I am ashamed to say I know what its like to eat and drink as much as Helen, but I know for a fact that I  have never plotted to kill my husband, like Sybil. So I guess I understand some characters more than others.

The horse-riding scene will always be remembered, don't you agree?
How could I forget it! Scott goes wild every night!  It is even funnier from where I am sitting…

What do you do when you are not on stage performing?
I try and spend as much time as I can with my fiancé, my family and friends. I am a big family girl. I am lucky enough to feel very loved by them all. I try and make them feel the same whenever I can! I also love wine… so my fiancé and I spend quite a lot of time on the wine route…

Is this what you have always wanted to do with your life, being on stage performing?
Yes. I think so. Well… when I was little I just wanted to save the world… but one step at a time.

How did it start for you, when was the first time you knew that you were going to be an actress?
I think it was the day the boy I liked at school joined the drama club. I just couldn't stay away after that.

Your future plans?
Well, more stage at the moment really! The Mechanicals' season is coming up soon so it's back to rehearsals for me! How exciting! I also have a wedding to plan… what a lucky girl I am!

Any comments you would like to share about the play and your experience?
Yes. Thank you Berkoff, you wicked, wicked man you. What a joy to say those "naughty words on stage…"  I can't wait for tonight!

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