[title of show] is the latest production in the smaller studio space at the Boyz Award-winning Above The Stag theatre in Vauxhall. Dave Cross spoke to director Robert McWhir about this musical about writing a musical.
Hi Rob, can you sum up in one sentence what [title of show] is all about?
It’s a very clever, funny meta-musical about two gay guys writing a musical about two gay guys writing a musical.
What’s the story set up?
The story is essentially about the creation of [title of show], about fulfilling a dream and the friendships and frictions that make that dream happen. In addition to gaining legitimate industry recognition, many of the pipe dreams expressed by the characters start becoming realities along the way.
Can you talk us through the characters?
All of the characters are real people who were involved in the original concept, creation and performance of [title of show]. They each have specific characteristics, but apart from that, the actors are encouraged to put their own stamp on the dialogue and develop the characters freely.
And the cast?
We are lucky enough to have an absolutely brilliant cast in Jordan Fox, Kirby Hughes, Michael Vinsen and Natalie Williams, each with excellent voices and they’re all throwing some fabulous shapes!
What can you tell us about the songs?
The songs are an eclectic mix of various musical theatre styles, all original and affectionate pastiches.
Obviously few musicals are really written in such a short space of time, but how near the truth is the play about what goes on ‘behind the curtain’ of musicals?
The play was actually a four year journey from inception to performance on Broadway. From a production point of view though, it’s a very accurate time record of how many Off-Broadway, and certainly Off West End productions will come together!
This production is your return to Above The Stag, what is it about the theatre that you like and what do you think of the new venue?
The new venue is FANTASTIC! Probably now one of the best equipped Off West End theatres in London. It’s a joy to work there – as well as the venue itself, Peter Bull goes to great lengths to keep the atmosphere light and easy to work in. It must be almost impossible not to have an absolute ball when you work there, it’s such fun!
Tickets at abovethestag.com
Above The Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE11.
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