Remember Above the Stag’s Alright Bitches from last year? Well now the team are about to deliver part two with Bitches Ahoy. We spoke to director Andrew Beckett about this ridiculous romp across the oceans.
Is Bitches Ahoy a story follow-up of last year’s hit Alright Bitches?
Yes! This time we set sail on an all-inclusive gay cruise around the Mediterranean, following the three main characters Garth, Max and Fat Pam from last year’s Alright Bitches, which was set on a gay holiday in
Gran Canaria.
So Bitches Ahoy is set on a cruise ship… Have you been on a cruise, gay or otherwise, yourself?
No I’ve haven’t, although I would love to have said I did my research for this production – alas the budget restraints didn’t permit me an all-inclusive cruise. I am more of a Gran Canaria holidaymaker myself than a high seas cruiser. After directing this show, however, I expect P&O will gain a new cabin boy.
If you could go on a cruise, where would you go to and why?
I’d love to. And I’d probably like to visit the Med and stop off at all of the little Greek islands, just like in Mamma Mia.
What is your favourite part of this new show?
Without giving too much away, there is a rather special tribute to Cher that still makes me laugh hysterically. The two actors in this particular scene really deliver a showstopper.
The cast of last year’s Alright Bitches has regrouped for this year’s Bitches Ahoy – has it been beneficial to the production process to work with familiar actors?
Absolutely! Using the same actors means that there is a shorthand to the rehearsal process and everyone has already made good friendships, which means it’s immediately a lot of fun.
Can you give us an idea of what songs to expect at
this show?
Bitches Ahoy isn’t a musical but as the show is a celebration of all those summer holidays with your friends – whether on a beach or on a cruise – you can expect to hear some of your favourite summer hits, which no doubt will continue in the bar at the interval.
Finally, how would you sum up this production
in a sentence?
A camp riot of sun and sailors upon the seven seas!
Bitches Ahoy opens this Thursday (19 Jan) and runs until Sunday 26 February at the Above the Stag Theatre, 17 Miles Street, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RZ. Book tickets via abovethestag.com.
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