Spotlight On: Meet our Winnie Foster
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, February 2023
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Liza Corrigan Walmsley and Violet Edwards in a promotional image for Tuck Everlasting (Photo by Riley McLean)
Winnie Foster, the 11 year old girl with a sense of adventure, is the protagonist in the storyline of Tuck Everlasting. Made famous by Alex Bledel (notably Rory in Gilmore Girls) in the 2002 film adaptation and by Sarah Charles Lewis in the Broadway production, our Winnie Foster is shared by two young actors, both of whom are YPT students.
Liza has been a student at Young People’s Theatre for many years and has appeared in several productions. Most notably, Liza played Thomas O’Malley in our production of Disney’s The Aristocat’s Kids and Emma in our production of Beware the Jabberwock.
The role of Winnie Foster can be described as anything but small. With the storyline revolving around her decision to drink the water and live forever or choose a life well lived, Tuck Everlasting follows Winnie as she explores great life themes of life, time and freedom. On reflection of the production process, Tuck Everlasting Director and YPT’s Artistic Director Riley McLean said,
“Tuck explores universal truths, ultimately asking what life would mean if it never ended, and whether a never-ending life would be worth living. It’s a powerful sentiment for a ‘kids’ show but our dedicated cast was more than up for the challenge.”
We asked Violet and Liza about their experience portraying Winnie Foster below.
Who is Winnie Foster?
Violet: Winnie Foster is an eleven year old girl who lives with her mother. She Is very curious about the world outside her backyard, and she wants to find adventure.
Liza: Winnie Foster is an 11 year old girl who is very curious and wants to explore her woods but is trapped inside her house.
What is Winnie’s biggest challenge?
Violet: The cast and team I have been lucky enough to work with in this production of Tuck Everlasting is the most rewarding part of the experience. They have allowed me to learn and grow as a performer through their skills and training, along with creating such an amazing and enjoyable environment to work in together.
Liza: Winnie wants to drink the water to live forever but she has to choose whether to erase her past or live a full life
What has the rehearsal process been like for Tuck Everlasting?
Violet: The Tuck Everlasting rehearsals have been such a great experience for me as this is my first lead role. The cast is so supportive and we all have such a great connection. The intensive rehearsals have been my favourite because by the end of the day we saw so much progress in the show.
Liza: Tuck has been the greatest experience. The cast and crew have been so supportive and kind and so much fun backstage. I have been so lucky to have been a part of it.
Do you see any similarities between yourself and Winnie?
Violet: Yes I do , I think Winnie and I are both adventurous and not afraid of a challenge. I also think Winnie and I are both a Little bit stubborn.
Liza: Me and Winnie are very similar as I feel after being in Tuck every day I find myself becoming a pat of Winnie and acting in ways Winnie does in the show.
If you weren’t playing Winnie foster what role would you like to play?
Violet: Definitely Hugo because he is such a fun outgoing character and I love the connection between Hugo and constable Joe.
Liza: I would want to play The Man in the Yellow Suit because it would be so fun to play a villian for once.
Why should people see Tuck Everlasting?
Violet: This is such a fun show about friends and family, and it leaves you thinking would you drink water?
Liza: Tuck is such a beautiful show for all ages and proves you don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.
Violet and Liza will perform the role at alternating performances. This is the only role that has been double cast in this production.
Tuck Everlasting (Theatre for Young Audience Edition) plays until 26 February at YPT Theatre.
