After an incredibly successful run at Birmingham's fantastic Fringe Theatre, The Old Joint Stock, The Mad Ones transfers to London with a limited run at The Other Palace Studio. We took the opportunity to speak with Courtney Stapleton, who is starring in the show to tell us more.
Q) Hello - before we begin, please could you tell us a little bit more about The Mad Ones and the character that you play?
So, The Mad Ones is a story of self discovery and self love. It’s about a normal high school girl, navigating the world, figuring out who she is and dealing with the curve balls that life can throw at us. It’s a story of love, friendship, grief and fear but ultimately a story about learning to be yourself and love yourself through it all. I play Kelly, Samantha’s best friend, who is so secure in herself, super spontaneous and doesn’t give a crap what anyone else thinks of her.
Q) What was it about this musical that piqued your interest and made you want to audition?
For me it was definitely the soundtrack. I listened to the whole thing when I got the audition through and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Q) You’ve been in shows of all sizes, from regional premieres to Palladium residencies - does your day-to-day experience differ when performing with a smaller ensemble cast, and why/why not?
I actually don’t think it does differ too much. At the end of the day it’s a team effort and that extends to everyone backstage too. We couldn’t do it without each other and it doesn’t really matter how big or small the team is, we all have to work together to make something special. I think you can form stronger bonds with people when there are less of you which is so so lovely, so I’m looking forward to that, but ultimately it’s much the same.
Q) You’ve got such a great back catalogue of musicals that you have performed in - how does your artistic approach differ when tackling a lesser known musical? Is it more or less challenging?
I think it’s a lot less challenging and a lot more exciting. Sometimes when you’re in a big well-known West End musical, the show is the show. The company know what works and the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind, which means that sometimes as actors we get very minimal creative license to make a character our own. When you do newer, lesser known stuff like this you often get to play and workshop so much more, which is so exciting as an actor. I’ve already had a chat with Emily, the director, and I’m so excited to have such a creative rehearsal process.
Q) The Mad Ones has an incredible soundtrack - are there any songs that resonate with you in particular, or any standout songs that you’re looking forward to performing?
I think, for me, I’m really looking forward to performing ‘Top Ten’ because I think Dora Gee [Samantha] and I are going to have so much fun doing it, and I’m also really looking forward to singing ‘The Mad Ones’ because it’s probably one of my favourite songs in the show.
Q) The Mad Ones recently had a successful run at the Old Joint Stock, a stunning intimate venue in Birmingham. How do you think this story will translate onto The Other Palace stage?
I’m not sure it will be too much different in The Other Palace Studio space. I think we’re expecting about 100 people per night, so it’s still going to be a super inmate experience.
Q) What can audiences expect and why should audiences come along?
This show is a rollercoaster. You will laugh, you will cry, you will fall in love with this score and with these characters. You would be a FOOL to miss it.
The Mad Ones runs at The Other Palace from 07th May until 01st June.
Headshot photography by Ruth Crafer | Previous Production images from Shipwreck Productions
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