Croft House Theatre Company return to the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre after their complete sell out performances of The Sound of Music with this fabulous production of Victoria Wood’s stage show: Acorn Antiques – The Musical!
This all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza sees sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta struggling to keep their antiques business open, as shop after shop on the High Street closes. A devious third sister Miss Bonnie plans to sell the shop to ‘The Guilty Bean’ (the world’s second biggest chain of coffee shops).
With family secrets, life-changing acting and high-spirited musical numbers, can they still employ Mrs Overall? Will Mr Clifford ever get his memory back, and remember who he’s engaged to? And most worrying of all, will Mrs Overall be able to tap dance whilst holding the tray?
For more information on Acorn Antiques – The Musical and to book tickets:
Box Office: 0114 249 6000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
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Interview by William J Connolly
W: What first attracted you to the idea of directing Acorn Antiques – The Musical?
M: I was approached by Croft House Theatre Company due to my love and general obsession with Acorn Antiques on TV and Victoria Wood’s work in general.
W: What is it about Acorn Antiques that you loved so much?
M: The whole concept was way ahead of its time. The wobbly sets, bad camera angles, forgotten lines and actors playing characters who are playing characters. Genius!
W: Is the stage show as funny as the TV show?
M: Yes, although you can’t approach the stage show in the same way. Any audience members who don’t know AA could think it’s just a bad production when it’s actually meant to be played badly. It’s a fine line.
W: The show has large musical numbers too?
M: Oh yes! Tap dancing, fosse
style ‘Chicago’ routines but also some fantastic smaller numbers and of course the Victoria Wood forte – the Ballad, two beautiful numbers, ‘Remind Him’ and ‘Gent’s Duet’.
W: What can people expect when they come and see your production?
M: An honest and loving homage to Acorn Antiques and Victoria’s truly brilliant writing.
W: What’s it been like working with your cast? I hear they were all auditioned and chosen specifically for the show?
M: That’s correct. It’s very important to get the casting right especially when Acorn Antiques includes well loved characters that we are trying to emulate.
With weeks to go, the cast are working hard but we still have a way to go. Compared the professionals, we only rehearse a tenth of what they do so I think we do really well, especially when audiences see the standards we will reach in March.
W: What are the similarities and differences between the TV series and the musical?
M: The main characters are the same but the story is totally different. It’s a lovely fresh look at the world of Acorn Antiques.
W: Did you ever see the show in London?
M: Yes. I saw the final Saturday Matinee of the 16 week run with the original cast. Julie Walters was amazing, as was Celia Imrie. Victoria Wood was there and she even made a little cameo appearance and stopped the show! Amazing!
I also saw the touring production (which is the version we are doing) and Ria Jones as Mrs. O was fantastic.
M: Her shortness and comic genius.
W: Can people expect the TV series replicated on stage or is this a re-imagination of the story? What can audiences expect?
M: They can expect 2hrs 15mins of laughs, tears, tantrums and campness! Oh, and maybe a macaroon or two.
W: Are you a fan of Victoria Wood’s work? Did you watch her TV shows?
M: Oh yes! ‘As Seen on TV’ was shown on television when I was 10 and even though I didn’t understand all of the humour, it always made me laugh.
Her songs were and still very much are infectious and Victoria’s ‘An Audience With…’ I could probably quote word-for-word! Is that sad? Or obsessive? You decide. (Laughs)
W: What is it about Victoria Wood’s writing that makes the show so special for you?
M: She is just a comedy genius. Her writing is so lyrical, almost like music, and she writes from the heart.
W: Which character would you like to play?
M: I’d like to play Miss Babs or Mrs. O. They are both genius, well written characters but obviously female. Otherwise it would have to be Mr. Clifford so I could be in the thick of the action.
W: Sheffield has such a great reputation for producing great quality theatre. Has this added any additional pressure?
M: No. In a way it makes it easier because you know your ensemble will come through and pull it off. With a first class backstage team, you know all bases are covered and it’ll come together come March 19th.
W: With 7 weeks until the show opens, what are you most excited about once you make the transition to the Lyceum Theatre?
M: Seeing your vision come together and trouble shooting on the hoof when problems arise.
W: How have rehearsals been so far?
M: Interesting, stressful but SO much fun. (Laughs)
W: Not long until opening night now…?
M: Eeek!!!!!
W: So why should people come and see Acorn Antiques in March?
M: To support this incredibly talented cast of local people, see Victoria’s work live on stage and maybe even have a macaroon or two if Mrs. O. has any spare.
W: And finally, how will you remember your journey with Acorn Antiques – The Musical?
M: Emotional!
W: Mark, the best of luck and thank you.
For more information on Acorn Antiques – The Musical and to book tickets:
Box Office: 0114 249 6000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
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