Interview: Sebastien Torkia on Berlusconi at Southwark Playhouse

Sebastien Torkia stars in the world premiere of Berlusconi – a naughty, noisy exposé of the original perma-tanned media mogul turned populist politician, told through the eyes of three formidable women ready to share their side of the story and break the veneer of that million Lira smile.

As Silvio tries to enshrine his legacy by grandiosely writing the opera of his life, his detractors are closing in…

Written by Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan, directed by James Grieve, choreographed by Rebecca Howell and designed by Lucy Osborne, Berlusconi is an urgent and prescient story about a brand of political leadership that has become all too familiar. With soaring melodies and driving beats, this hilarious and outrageous new musical assembles an award-winning team to tell the astonishing, outlandish, almost true story of one of the world’s most charismatic, charming and morally dubious political leaders.

The full cast includes McCallam Connell (The Colour Purple, UK Tour) as the Judge, John Conroy (Half a Sixpence, Noel Coward) as Luigi, Susan Fay (The Girls, UK Tour) as Mama Rosa, Jenny Fitzpatrick (A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic) as Fama, Natalie Kassanga (Dreamgirls, UK Tour) as Bella, Emma Hatton (Wicked, West End) as Veronica, Sebastien Torkia (RSC’s Matilda The Musical, West End) as Silvio Berlusconi, Sally Ann Triplett (Cabaret, Lido 2 Paris) as Ilda, Gavin Wilkinson (Guys and Dolls, Théâtre Marigny) as Vladimir Putin and Matthew Woodyatt (Piaf, Nottingham Playhouse) as Antonio.

Berlusconi is at Southwark Playhouse Elephant 25^th March to 29^th April 2023.

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You’re starring in Berlusconi at Southwark Playhouse, what can you tell us about this new musical?

Berlusconi, the musical, will be an exhilarating, madcap, hilarious and thought-provoking night out.

What was it about Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan’s script that made you want to be part of the production?

The tunes are fantastic and memorable, and the lyrics are incredibly witty and smart. Ricky and Simon have managed to amalgamate unadulterated fun and an important story.

How much of this story is true?

Despite the show really being an allegory of much of today’s political world, there are still many facts and truths in it.

You’re playing Silvio Berlusconi, what are you most looking forward to about taking on this role?

Berlusconi has had the most extraordinary life, hated and loved in equal measure. I’m looking forward to the challenge of emanating some of that in the space of a couple of hours.

And what do you think will be the challenges for you as an actor?

The challenge will be not to fall off this rollercoaster of a journey each night!! Haha

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Berlusconi?

I’d say…”Book this instant, you’ll have a riotous, rollickingly good, but thought-provoking, time!”

Berlusconi A New Musical is at Southwark Playhouse Elephant  from 25 March. Tickets are on sale here.