Meet the Cast of Sweeney Todd: Alex Kirkham
/“...careful with your coriander, that’s what makes the gravy grander.”
'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' opens a week tomorrow! Running from Thursday 15th September until Saturday 17th at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking - We are expecting it to be a sell out so don't leave it to late to buy tickets - You can book now at our box office
Alex in rehearsal with Jon Bingham and Neil Brown (PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONT OF HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Your name: Alex Kirkham
Your role: The bird seller.
Tell us about your character: The bird seller works on Fleet Street, selling small birds in cages; possibly for people to keep as pets...I imagine that would’ve been fashionable at the time. In the show, the bird seller sells a Green Finch to Anthony to present to Joanna as a romantic gift.
Your favourite lyric or line: Not my line, but I do enjoy Mrs. Lovett singing “...careful with your coriander, that’s what makes the gravy grander.” Probably because it rhymes...and there’s some alliteration. That’s always satisfying.
Everyone knows something of the Sweeney Todd story, but what extra do you think we will get from the Simply version of this Sondheim telling? Our production of Sweeney Todd will allow audience members to see and hear a classic story in ways they hadn’t considered before. The stage of the Rhoda McGaw Theatre is very giving in terms of width and depth; which will definitely amplify the drama that unfolds in this musical.
Alex (PHOTO COURTESY OF FRONT OF HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY)
What’s your favourite song in the show and why? My favourite song in the show is probably the ‘kiss me’ quartet, where The Judge, Beadle, Anthony and Joanna sing simultaneously. It’s extremely clever.
What other shows have you done? ‘Sweeney Todd’ is my second show with Simply Theatre. Last year I played Tom Collins in ‘RENT’. In the past I’ve played The Adult Male (Spring Awakening), Mr. Bumble (Oliver!), The Baker (Into the Woods) and appeared in the chorus of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘West Side Story’ to name a few.
Has anything ever happened to you, on-stage, that wasn’t in the script? Recently in a production, I had to open a small book and read a receipt inside. Long story short, when myself and another cast member opened the book on stage in the second act, we were surprised to find a rude drawing on the receipt – sneakily planted in the book by someone else in the cast.
What musical moment first made you think, “I want to do that!”? Going to see ‘Blood Brothers’ for GCSE Drama.
What are you enjoying most about being part of Simply Theatre? Generic answer, but the people! The social side of Simply Theatre is second-to-none. We have nights out, nights in, birthday drinks, birthday karaoke, birthday cake...the list goes on.
What else do you do besides singing, dancing & acting? Last Summer I finished my music degree at Chichester and moved back to Berkshire. Since then, I’ve been working as a learning support assistant for 16-21 year olds. When I’m not at work or in rehearsals, I’m usually writing stories and lyrics, catching up with friends, eating or sleeping.