Rosemary Ashe reprises her role as Grandma in the West End transfer of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical which is playing at the Ambassador’s Theatre until 12th October 2019.
Rosemary originally played the role when the production played Curve Leicester. The musical has book and lyrics by Jake Brunger, music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary and direction by Luke Sheppard.
Book The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Tickets
How would you describe this stage adaptation of Sue Townsend’s novels?
This is a musical adaptation of the FIRST of Adrian Mole’s Diaries, (Aged 13 and 3/4) by the late Sue Townsend, adapted by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary. It is very faithful to the book, and tells the story of a year in the life of the teenager Adrian Mole. The songs and underscored music add beautifully to the narrative, which is in turn both, very funny, amusing, touching and moving. The mood of the show can switch suddenly from a hilarious situation to a quite serious one. It zips along at a good pace and there really is never a dull moment!
What do you like most about playing the role of Grandma?
This is the first time I have played a Grandma, so I am relishing it! In this show she has been the matriarch of the family, then that role is usurped by her daughter in law, only to be given back to her because of the circumstances of the story. She is a feisty, no nonsense character with a warm heart. And she has a wide variety of hats! Musically she has a great variety of things to sing, so she really is huge fun to play.
You get to be a kid for some of the show too, how has that felt?
Playing a schoolgirl in the show is also hugely enjoyable! I must admit when I first put on little white ankle socks and school shoes, I felt most peculiar; it took me back a long way!! The great thing about the show is, that we are not pretending to BE schoolkids. It is quite clear to the audience that I am still Grandma but in school uniform. It’s a lovely concept that we are supporting the real children in the show, it makes it a totally ensemble show, which is a joy.
You originally played the role in Leicester, do you think it’s changed much moving to the West End?
Yes, I played the role in Leicester 4 years ago, and whilst the fundamental structure of the show remains the same, there are some changes. Particularly the addition of the disco scene, ‘Misunderstood’, which I think is genius writing and excellent story telling. ‘The Royal Wedding’ number has been totally re-written and there have been various nips and tucks and little additions to the script. My original solo ‘How Could You?’ has been turned into a duet with Pauline, the mother character, which works SO much better and carries the story along beautifully.
What’s it been like working with the rotating cast of youngsters who led the show?
It was hard work! We had to rehearse everything 4 times, which meant 4 techs and 4 dress rehearsals! But on the plus side, the adult cast felt they knew what they were doing! Each team of children is different which makes it really interesting from a performance perspective.You get to know their individual quirks and habits and respond accordingly.
How have you and the adult cast been keeping your energy up through the run?
Lots of water, cool body sprays, healthy eating, all the usual things required for 8 shows a week! It is a very strenuous show to do, there’s no denying and each cast member has their own regime I am sure. Personally I just think positively and always have it in my mind that the majority of the audience haven’t seen the show before, so it must be fresh and energetic every time. Not that you can do this show at any other pace! I usually swim 3 times a week, but am not having to do that at the moment, as am so show fit!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole?
It is a joyous experience to see this show! It’s fun, heart-warming and everyone can relate to the woes of teenage angst! A great night out for adults and I would say children from the age of 10 upwards. It has an extremely strong cast of 6 adults and 4 children, who are clearly having a ball on stage, which is infectious to the audience.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical starring Rosemary Ashe as Grandma is booking at The Ambassadors Theatre until 28th September 2019.
