Now playing at Polka Theatre, Chocolate Cake follows the adventures of two brothers and the night-time disappearance of a chocolate cake in this scrumptious new musical adaptation by the creators of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion, from Michael Rosen’s beloved poem of the same name, which has just been published as a picture book.
Todd Heppenstall takes on the role of the older brother in Chocolate Cake, and we caught up with him to find out more about the stage adaptation of Rosen’s poem.
You’re appearing in Chocolate Cake at Polka Theatre, what can you tell us about it?
Chocolate Cake is an adaptation of a collection of poems by the brilliant Michael Rosen that have recently been published in a picture book. It tells the story of one family and a chocolate cake. And as for the rest, you’ll have to come along to Polka and find out!
How is the stage adaptation different from the poem?
I guess the play takes a handful of Michael’s unrelated poems and brings them together in a fun story. With fun music. And fun actors!
Tell us about your character?
I play Joe, who is the older brother of Michael, the main character. He’s 9 years old and lives a pretty sweet life of playing around with his brother and generally having a good time! Oh, and it’s his 10th birthday in the play, which is VERY exciting and important.
Do you need to approach a role differently knowing it’s a production for children?
I don’t really believe making theatre for children should differ massively – I think working on children’s theatre makes you focus more on the most important things; clarity, simplicity and energy. If you nail those, you can’t go wrong, and I think the same can be said for any kind of performance, whether it’s Hamlet, or Chocolate Cake. I don’t believe there should be any ‘dumbing-down’; kids are much more perceptive and intelligent than I think we give them credit for!
How have you got to know your fellow cast mates?
Aminita and Mark are great and it really helps that we all get along! You have to be prepared to get to know each other quickly so that you feel comfortable right from the off, meaning you can really play and let go in the rehearsal room. I like to really play around to find the character and that’s been great fun with Mark and Aminita from day one!
What do you think a young audience will enjoy most about Chocolate Cake?
I think our audiences will love the vibrancy of the piece – the songs, the design and the fun script – it fizzes with energy. Barb Jungr’s score is fantastic and will have you singing the tunes long after the play finishes! Verity Quinn’s design is a feast for the eyes, and the script that Peter and Barb have developed is littered with jokes and giggles.
Chocolate Cake is at Polka Theatre 23rd March – 13th May 2018.
