Ryan Carter will star in the new outdoor production of the Kander & Ebb musical revue The World Goes ‘Round, alongside George Arvidson, Jenny Fitzpatrick, Nick Barstow and Rosalind Ford.
The revue, which features songs from Kander & Ebb’s hit musicals including Chicago and Cabaret, will run for two weeks during the Barn Theatre’s Summer outdoor theatre festival BarnFest from 24th August to 5th September.
You’re starring in The World Goes ‘Round at BarnFest, how would you describe this production?
I’d describe it as a love letter to Kander and Ebb. It takes some of their most iconic songs, and formats it in a way that lets the actors present each song as its own mini musical. Their stuff is beautiful, so it’s cool to be able to showcase it properly.
What’s it like working with the rest of the cast and creative team?
Because we’re putting this whole thing together in 6 days, we’re working pretty hard on making sure we nail it and honour the material, that said, the combination of personalities is allowing for a really fun atmosphere. I’m having a blast. It’s a dream ‘first job back’ for sure.
Why do you think this Kander & Ebb revue is ideal for a return to theatre?
I think the format of ‘digital theatre’ that we’ve seen a lot of during Lockdown tends to lend itself towards contemporary MT, so Kander & Ebb being more ‘classic’ in structure but also lending itself to artistic interpretation is the perfect genre to come back with. Plus being able to pull songs from shows like Cabaret and Chicago means that everyone that watched this is guaranteed to know at least one of the songs from it.
You were one of the team behind Turn Up during lockdown, what did that experience teach you about yourself as a performer and a creative?
Oooooh good question. As a performer it was just cool to be part of something special, and to share that with my community, 75% of which I didn’t really know before the project. There’s a strength in knowing exactly where ‘your people’ are. As a creative? I think it validated my space in the industry for sure. That’s how it made me feel anyway, and I guess my perception of the industry being susceptible to change is important. Under-represented communities need to believe change is happening in order to justify the cost of taking up space in a predominantly white industry.
How does it feel to be returning to theatre, and how have The Barn been making you feel safe?
It’s so refreshing to be back in a creative environment! I consider myself very lucky to be one of the first ones going back into a musical. Is it different post-covid? Of course, but it’s nowhere near as difficult as I assumed it would be. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I don’t notice the precautions, but The Barn are so on top of it all that no one has a reason to worry.
What’s been your favourite moment of rehearsals so far?
We had our first stagger through of the show today, (Yes, literally 12 hours into our rehearsal process) and it was my first chance at hearing Jenny, Ros and George and Nick’s solo stuff. They’re insane. Like actually insane. I feel lucky that I get to watch them for free to be honest!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The World Goes ‘Round?
DO IT! I think if you like theatre, you have to support the versions of it that are starting to rise up. We’re not getting those 1400 seater theatres for the foreseeable future, so don’t hold out for that. Or think that you need the ‘glitz’ to experience theatre, It’s happening everywhere at the moment, and one of those places just so happens to be the Barn, where we’re performing The World Goes ‘Round.
The World Goes ‘Round starring Ryan Carter is at BarnFest 24th August to 5th September 2020.
