Interview: Melinda Orengo on Police Cops The Musical at Southwark Playhouse

Melinda Orengo stars in the show that’s been making waves in both Edinburgh and London with its unique blend of humour and high-energy performance. Police Cops The Musical is not your typical musical theatre experience. It’s a riotous ride filled with laughs, catchy tunes, and a whole lot of heart.

The show was a sell-out success at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, when the creators; Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson and Tom Roe brought the show back with a bigger cast, expanded script, and a brand-new soundtrack by Ben Adams. Police Cops The Musical then transferred to Southwark Playhouse Borough and returns in 2024 to the venue’s new Elephant space.

“It’s very, very funny and very silly,” says Melinda. “This time there are some bigger dance numbers, and it’s a much more physical show. It’s so entertaining and the stupidness of it is really clever.”

Orengo’s journey into Police Cops began with auditions. “It had always just been the three of them in the show, so when it got bigger, they held auditions for the two female presenting roles and the understudy,” she recalls. “I didn’t really know much about them as a company, but I soon learned just how talented they are.”

Despite initial nerves during auditions, Orengo impressed the creators and landed the role. “The guys were so specific in the audition room of what they wanted,” she says. “They know exactly what will work, and what will be funny, it was the same in rehearsals.”

You mightalso like

First Look: [title of show] at Southwark Playhouse

KENREX to Transfer to Southwark Playhouse

The show’s journey from Edinburgh to London has been a whirlwind for Melinda and the cast. “Edinburgh was like a completely different thing,” she explains. “These guys are like superstars in Edinburgh, everyone at Fringe already knows and loves them. Coming to London was a bit of a shock, it felt like we had to work that bit harder, like we were starting all over again.”

With each iteration, the show evolves, and Melinda appreciates the opportunity to refine her performance. “Now that we know what worked last time, and what we could do better, I think there’s a little bit more of an ease going into this one,” she reflects.

Working with the creators of the show, Melinda has gained invaluable insights into comedy and performance. “I’ve learned so much from them,” she says. “Just about how I hold myself on stage, about my pacing in a scene, things that I haven’t been taught before.”

One of the highlights of the latest version of the show is the new 80s-inspired soundtrack by Ben Adams. “It is very 80s,” Melinda says. “Ben Adams is just so amazing at writing that very distinctive sound and audiences will definitely feel immersed in that decade.” Since the run at Borough there have been some new songs added, “we’ve got some gospel in there now too,” says Melinda, “but it’s still very catchy and you’ll be singing these songs all the way home.”

What looks like the chaos of the show to the audience is actually carefully choreographed. “It’s a lot of work to get it so controlled that it looks as if it isn’t!” Melinda admits. “But if you think it looks like chaos on stage, you should see us backstage, I mean, that’s where it really is chaos!”

In Police Cops The Musical, Melinda and her castmates take on multiple roles, adding to the frenetic energy of the show. “We all do play a lot of different characters,” she says. “I feel like I should count my costume changes, it’s hard work but it’s just so much fun for everyone involved.”

With the show now playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, Melinda is excited to bring the the show to a new audience as well as existing fans. “It’s a really nice place,” she says of the venue. “And there’s an added balcony, and so you’ve got more going on, but it still stays true to the original set that we had.”

For Melinda, the joy of Police Cops The Musical lies in its sheer entertainment value. “It’s just nice to come in and watch something that’s different,” she says. “And you can just have a good laugh and enjoy some really good songs.”

With its blend of comedy, chaos, and catchy tunes, Police Cops The Musical is a night of pure entertainment that’s not to be missed.  See it at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 20^th April 2024.