Grace Mouat is no stranger to originating roles in new musicals, and now she’s stepping into the high heels of Lucy Wyman in 13 Going on 30 The Musical, currently playing at Manchester Opera House. With a career that’s spanned Six, & Juliet, and most recently Mean Girls, Grace brings a wealth of experience, and a lot of heart, to this latest screen-to-stage adaptation.
“I’ve been very lucky to do a lot of original musicals or original versions of musicals,” Grace says. “It’s something I never take for granted. It’s one of my favourite things, doing new musicals, so it’s really exciting to be here in Manchester again, doing another one.”
Based on the beloved 2004 rom-com, 13 Going on 30 follows Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who wakes up in her 30-year-old body after a birthday wish goes awry. “It’s a classic chick flick, rom-com comedy,” Grace explains. “But what I love about the story is how universal it is. We’ve all been there, navigating cliques at school, growing up, reflecting on who we are and who we want to be.”
The musical adaptation, directed by Andy Fickman, avoids pinning itself to a specific era. “We’re not using loads of iPhones or making it really modern,” Grace says. “There’s definitely a nod to the noughties, but we’re keeping it kind of era-less. It really shows how timeless the story is.”
Grace plays Lucy Wyman, Jenna’s best friend turned rival, and relishes the opportunity to embrace the darker side of the character. “I guess Lucy could be described as the villain of the show, which I can’t lie, I’m having a little bit too much fun doing,” she laughs. “There’s something about hearing the audience get angry at you and thinking, ‘Yes, I’ve done my job.’”
Working with director Andy Fickman has been a highlight of the process. “He has us laughing every day,” Grace says. “He always leads with heart. He’s open, communicative, and really collaborative. That’s so important when you’re taking on an iconic role. You want to make it your own, and the creative team have been so open to that.”
The score, by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, is packed with catchy tunes. “They’ve written some serious earworms,” Grace says. “It’s super pop, rock, commercial. If I had to compare, I’d say it’s High School Musical meets The Greatest Showman, with a bit of Disney, Ariana, Meghan Trainor, and Little Mix thrown in.”
But it’s not all upbeat numbers. “Some of the ballads are really heartfelt,” Grace adds. “Lucy Jones, who plays Jenna, is just sensational. I love getting to listen to her sing the score every night.”
The show also features a talented young cast, who play the younger versions of the main characters. “They are the best of the best when it comes to young talent in this country,” Grace says. “It’s really helpful as an actor to see your character’s younger self on stage. It adds so much depth. And they’re going viral on TikTok, which is wild!”
Opening in Manchester has been a joy for Grace. “Manchester is literally my favourite city,” she says. “Every time I get off that train, I feel my shoulders drop. If you want to do a brand-new comedy, go to Manchester. That audience will tell you if it’s good or not.”
The audience response has been electric. “It’s been mega,” Grace says. “There was this moment when Lucy walked out in Jenna’s iconic dress, and the audience gasped and then cheered so loud we had to stop the scene for 30 seconds. It was just for a dress! But it shows how vital every department is, from design to wardrobe to music and choreography.”
For Grace, originating roles in new musicals is more than just a job, it’s a passion. “There’s something so special about being there at the beginning,” she says. “I had a new reprise added in rehearsals, and I got to collaborate with the writers on it. It’s tiny things like that, but they stay in the score. That blows my mind.”
As for what Grace wants audiences to take away? “Support new musicals,” Grace says simply. “It’s hard out here. But being part of something new, something that might one day be a classic, that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
