How to Hold Your Breath at the Royal Court

The story begins with a sexual encounter between customer relations executive Dana (Maxine Peake) and Jarron (Michael Shaeffer), who claims to be a demon.

Dana’s world gradually breaks down as she travels to Berlin for a job interview and then Alexandria, accompanied by her pregnant sister Jasmine (Christine Bottomley) – while Europe goes into financial collapse.

Dana and the Librarian (pic: Manuel Harlan)

Along the way Dana is guided by a mysterious character known as the Librarian (Peter Forbes), who supplies her with a series of ‘how to’ books.

Here director Vicky Featherstone and writer Zinnie Harris have broken down three key scenes from the play with lead actors Peake and Shaeffer, offering a detailed analysis. You can also watch the complete finished scenes.