Tori Allen-Martin is no stranger to the world of theatre and music. With a career that has spanned multiple disciplines, from singing and writing to acting and directing, Tori embodies the spirit of a true creative force. We sat down with Tori to discuss her latest project, the musical adaptation of Midnight Cowboy.
Tori’s path into the performing arts was unconventional. After leaving school, Tori was offered a development deal with a major record label. However, the restrictive contract led to frustration, and it was her mother who encouraged her to explore musical theatre. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey:
“I’m sort of the poster girl for just make your own magic,” Tori reflects. “I never went to drama school because I didn’t believe I was good enough to get in. And my family didn’t really have the money… So I had to learn on the job.”
Tori’s career has been a testament to perseverance and creativity. She founded Interval Productions, focusing on new writing and providing opportunities for emerging artists. But Tori feels just as comfortable on-stage as she does off-stage, and her next role is in the world premiere of Midnight Cowboy at Southwark Playhouse.
Based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy and the motion picture adaptation, Midnight Cowboy tells the poignant story of two men navigating life in New York City. Tori describes it as “a story of two lonely misfits trying to hustle their way through life and catch a break, finding friendship and love, in each other, and in the most unexpected places.” The musical adaptation brings a new dimension to this classic tale, leveraging music to express emotions that the characters cannot verbalise.
“I think it’s perfect for a musical because they can’t say to each other’s faces exactly how much they care, but they can do that through the medium of song,” Tori explains, “to me, it feels like this story should always have been a musical, it’s perfect for it.”
The music adds an extra layer of to the narrative, Tori notes, “Though the story is very tragic, the music gives us hope and keeps us lifted, and keeps us believing.”
In Midnight Cowboy, Tori Allen-Martin takes on the roles of Cass and Orange, two women who significantly impact Joe Buck’s journey. Cass, a character from Act One, is a hustler who uses her charm and sexuality to navigate the world. Tori describes Cass as “a bit of a hustler herself… She uses men and sex to get money. She’s very sexually confident.” When Cass meets Joe Buck, their encounter is a meeting of minds, both physically and emotionally. This scene is particularly memorable, as Tori notes, “They have a night that Joe describes as one of the best of his life.”
One of the most challenging yet exciting aspects of Tori’s role in Midnight Cowboy is the portrayal of intimate scenes. Tori notes that these scenes are not just about physicality but also about exploring themes of vulnerability and empowerment. “I really wanted to hone in on female pleasure,” Tori explains, highlighting the importance of representing this aspect on stage. “Because it’s not something that exists enough, really.”
In Act Two, Tori plays Orange, a school teacher who buys Joe’s services for a night. This encounter feels more intimate than the one with Cass, as it involves a deeper emotional connection. Tori explains, “It feels a lot more intimate and open and honest.” Through these characters, Tori explores Joe’s relationship with sex and hustling, highlighting moments that quietly change the course of his life. These vignettes offer a nuanced look at Joe’s interactions with women, showcasing how each encounter teaches him something new about himself and his vulnerabilities.
Tori is enjoying the collaborative environment of Midnight Cowboy, highlighting the talents of the cast and crew. Despite not having worked with Paul Jacob French, who plays Joe Buck, before, Tori says the chemistry was immediate.
“Because we have a sex scene, we had the intimacy director in on day four, so I guess you could say we’ve got comfortable with each other quite quickly!” Tori explains, “but he’s the nicest person and so amazingly talented … I think his career is going to absolutely blow up, and when it does, you heard it here first!”
Working with director Nick Winston has also been a highlight. Tori appreciates Nick’s ability to create a nurturing environment and his exceptional vision as a choreographer, “I love Nick… He just creates the nicest rooms of people. His vision is exceptional because he’s a choreographer first,” Tori notes.
Tori has been impressed by the juxtaposition of emotions in the show, which can shift from laughter to tears in moments “I think it’s a piece that’s really going to evoke reactions in people,” Tori says. “In a world where there’s a lot of toxic masculinity… it’s really important to see this story about a young man who just keeps getting knocked down.”
Tori believes Midnight Cowboy has the potential to be a landmark show, offering something unique and fresh, and encourages audiences to book early, “I think this is a show with big potential, like Hamilton or Six, you’re going to want to be able to say you were one of the first people to see it.”
Midnight Cowboy starring Tori Allen-Martin is at Southwark Playhouse 4th April – 17th May 2025.
