Gina Murray stars in the world premiere of the new intimate musical Trio, which runs at the New Wolsey theatre until 15th October 2022.
The new intimate musical, with a new original score, is the latest by the creative team of Paul Sirett, Peter Rowe and Ben Goddard, whose previous collaboration include Midsummer Songs, Oxy and the Morons and Mods and Rox.
Trio will star Gina Murray (Chicago, Hairspray) as Becca, Ian McLarnon (Follies, Les Misérables) as Ian and Richard Costello (Death of England, Never Lost at Home) as Phil. Peter Rowe will direct the world premiere production with musical direction by Ben Goddard, set & costume design by Libby Watson, lighting design by David Phillips, sound design by James Cook and casting direction by Debbie O’Brien.
Trio will mark the first piece of theatre by Peter Rowe to debut at the New Wolsey Theatre since he stepped down earlier this year as Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre, completing a celebrated 22-year tenure at the award-winning theatre. He has also recently been announced to be writing and directing the theatre’s upcoming annual Rock ‘n’ Roll panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
This world premiere production will also have livestreamed performances on 14 & 15 October 2022.
Tickets for Trio are on sale at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
You’re starring in Trio at New Wolsey Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
Trio is the story of three characters who start their journey in 1983 to becoming connected with each other in a triangular fashion. It’s set in a recording studio and there are some amazing songs (by Ben Goddard) and although there are some dark themes in Paul Sirett’s fabulous script, this is balanced brilliantly, with humour and positivity.
It is not traditional musical theatre. It’s much cooler than that! Folk/country/rock/pop songs, sung fantastically by Richard Costello and Ian McLarnon. I’m honoured to sing and act alongside them. Pete Rowe has directed us with such skill and the whole experience has been a real treat!
What was it about the story that really appealed to you?
First off, it’s brand new! A world premiere is always attractive as it means as an actress, I get to originate a role and have created Becca along with the team. Also, the script is so completely unique. It’s not like anything else I’ve ever seen in terms of its approach and style. It’s very filmic, which I love.
I was excited to play a character like Becca because she is so relatable. There’s a bit of Becca in us all. She struggles with knowing who she is at first. But she comes out on top. Hers is not a comfortable journey, but this role is one of the biggest challenges of my career. I couldn’t resist!
And how would you describe the score of this new musical?
Sensational! As I said, it’s not conventional musical theatre. Nobody understands music better than Ben Goddard! He has Co-produced and arranged my upcoming album so I’m definitely a fan. Also, nobody understands my voice better than he does, so this was a massive factor in my decision to do Trio. Each song tells the story brilliantly but also is a stand-alone anthem. That’s rare. I love the style. It’s more Fleetwood Mac than it is Les Mis. So me!!!
You play Becca, tell us a little more about the character, and what you love about playing her?
She is waaaaaay older than me at 50…. 🤣🤣🤣 so that’s a stretch! She is a receptionist. I’ve been a receptionist in my life – many times! I know what that’s like. You’re not seen as important but without you there’s no captain at the helm of the ship! She also struggles to know who she is and lives through other people until she finds her confidence in her own skin. She’s funny, quirky, dry, cute and has hidden depths and strength- I can relate to all those things to some extent.
What’s the biggest challenge in performing an intimate show like this?
Learning the words!!! Argh! And also remembering that it’s not a “big show”. A screen style delivery works best for this script and for the intimacy of the relationship with the audience. There are only 3 of us in the piece so the workload is much more intense than I’m used to. Big challenge! And I’m never off that stage.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Trio?
DO IT!!!!!
