George Fouracres stars in ‘One Man Musical’ at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho. This unique production, which received rave reviews during its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut and Soho Theatre runs, has transferred to London’s West End.
Fouracres, known for his roles in ‘Hamlet’ at The Globe and ‘Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’ on Channel 4, takes on the challenge of being the sole performer in this innovative show. Directed by Georgie Staight and supported by musical comedians Flo & Joan, ‘One Man Musical’ promises to be a theatrical experience like no other.
‘One Man Musical’ will run until 2nd March at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho. Tickets are available now.
You’re starring in ‘One Man Musical’ at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. What can you tell us about the show?
The show is about a very famous musical theatre composer, possibly the most famous of them all? It is an all-singing, all-screaming, some-dancing romp through his life, times and work. Written and composed by Flo & Joan, the greatest little slugs to ever put notation to sheet music.
How does it feel to be the sole performer in a musical? What unique challenges does this present?
I’d say the main one is trying to hold people’s attention by yourself for 75 minutes at 100mph. Also not losing my voice over 6 weeks. This is my first professional musical and I’m terrified that if my voice goes, even for a day, the show will tank. I can’t have that on my conscience, those sluggies gotta eat. So I’ve cut down heavily on my favourite things: big pints of fresh beer and yelling raspily like a goblin.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with director Georgie Staight and musical comedians Flo & Joan?
Flo & Joan are my new sisters now, which is nice. I only grew up with boys who used to kick me down the stairs for fun and lock me in the porch in my pants at night. I am stunned by F&J’s musical ability, it’s truly astonishing how they can come up with a song or a tune the same way I come up with ideas for what to put in my next sandwich. And we all grew up on the same diet of Chuckle Brothers and The Worst Witch, so it’s a blessed relief not having to constantly explain my frames of reference.
Same goes for Georgie ‘Blades’ Straight (everyone in the industry calls her ‘Blades’ as she’s a former international rollerblading champion, did you know that? Make sure everyone knows that and that they call her Blades. Tell them she’ll get really offended if you don’t call her Blades to her face). Blades has been an incredible captain of a ship filled with, let’s face it, the weirdest little three person crew afloat.
The show has already had successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre. How has it evolved since its debut?
Well we have more music, more songs, more costumes, AMAZING lighting design, and I’ve become half a stone lighter through sheer physical exertion. We were originally 58 mins, now we’re 74 mins (I promise the extra quarter of an hour is a CRACKING quarter of an hour). I believe we are also getting less frequent visits from legal teams (fingers crossed but always be on your toes), and without being trite it’s been lovely to introduce the show to a new kind of audience that seem to be discovering just how incredible Flo & Joan are.
You’re portraying a very famous Lord, how have you gone about embodying the character?
I spent some time in his shoes/roller skates! After sunset I walked up a boulevard to board a starlit train to Battersea to look at the cats, then I flew to Argentina with Madonna, who’s really into geology, so we went to the national school of rocks, then met up with Nicole Scherzinger, who introduced me to the bible, and I picked out his two favourite stories, one old testament (Tribe of Joseph in Egpyt, Genesis) and one new testament (Crucifixion), then got back to the west end just in time to catch a performance of an opera, which I phound very haunting.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see ‘One Man Musical’?
I promise you that, whether you love this Man or loathe him, you will find something to adore in this show. And always remember, all of us are one big joke, and near-billionaires will always be fine in the end, even if you laugh at them. Please come and watch us, you can’t imagine how happy it will make me to see your face in the audience, whoever you are!
One Man Musical is currently on at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho, tickets can be found at onemanmusical.com
