INTERVIEW: ‘The Honey Trap’ is the hit of the off-Broadway season
Photo: The Honey Trap stars, from left, Harrison Tipping and Daniel Marconi. Photo courtesy of Carol Rosegg / Provided by Print Shop PR with permission.
The Honey Trap, the new play by Leo McGann, is a bonafide hit of the off-Broadway season. The play, which has been extended multiple times at the Irish Repertory Theatre in Midtown Manhattan, is set in Belfast in 1979, which was the height of the Troubles. The narrative surrounds two British soldiers who strike up a flirtatious conversation with two “local girls at a unionist pub on the city’s outskirts.”
Harrison Tipping performs in the piece in the role of Bobby, and he recently exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about the new thriller. Performances of the show continue through Nov. 23. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What did you like about The Honey Trap when you first read the script?
I loved how when you read the story you didn’t dislike or judge anyone involved in the conflict and story. They are all just people doing the best they can in the situation they are in, which is forcing them to do things that feel conflicting.
Were you familiar with the Troubles and this tumultuous time period, or did you have to conduct some research?
I did a large amount of research for this one, particularly from a young British infantry soldier’s perspective. It was a scary time for anyone no matter what side you were on.
How would you describe Bobby as a character?
Bobby is a young boy lost in a man’s world. He’s trying to belong and fit into an environment, which is so alien to him. His sweet innocence and pureness are ultimately the things that causes him harm.
What’s it like working with director Matt Torney?
Working with Matt was a joy and great learning experience for me. Loved how he let actors play and explore in the room, and he was always up for a laugh, too!
The thriller genre is not always seen in theater. How do you and the company keep the proceedings intense?
The world of the Troubles is intense. It’s hard, gritty and scary. Allowing ourselves to fall into this environment every day with a dash of fun and excitement is a joy.
Does it feel awesome to be in a play everyone is talking about?
Being a young man from Wrexham in North Wales performing in NYC is beyond a dream come true. Being involved in this play is a blessing, and I only aim to make my friends and family proud of me and my work.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Honey Trap, featuring Harrison Tipping, continues through Nov. 23 at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
