Interview: GYPSY's Gemma Sutton

Hi Gemma! Thanks for joining BroadwayWorld UK today. You're currently starring in the incredible, critically acclaimed Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre - how's it all going?

I'm really enjoying it. It's been a crazy year playing both June and Louise, and thrilling to be involved in such a well-received production with a very special company both onstage with the cast and offstage with the crew, band and creative team.

How much has the show changed and evolved since Chichester?

The main difference is the shape of the stage and theatre. The Savoy Theatre is a proscenium arch whereas Chichester has a thrust stage. I think the show suits the Savoy better, as it really makes you feel transported to the Vaudevillian era and (albeit a grand version) to the sort of theatres Mama Rose and her little troop would have played. We have gained a few extra members of the company also for the West End transfer, so of course the show has evolved with different people playing the roles and bringing a different take on the character, which is great because it keeps things fresh.

You started out playing June, and are now finishing the run as Louise - how has the transition been?

In some ways challenging, in other ways quite easy. I have been very lucky to be able to play a different character in a piece of theatre that has been in my bones for a year now since we started at Chichester. Whereas with a normal rehearsal process you spend some of the time working out what the piece is about and the in-depth relationships of the characters, that work had already been done, so in rehearsing for Louise I could focus solely on her journey through the piece and also her different physicality and vocal quality. No more squeaky belting and blisters on my toes from June's pointe shoes!

Sounds painful! Do you find it hard to make sure you sing the right part in June and Louise's duet?!

Ha, I can't deny that for a few weeks it was quite tricky and I had to concentrate really hard! But it's easier now, thank goodness.

Glad to hear it! Do you think you play Louise differently to how you would have if you hadn't also lived June's story? Does it affect how you interact with your onstage sister?

That's an interesting one. I think I am able to see how happy Louise is in her skin and within her role in the family. She doesn't have the pressure June feels being relentlessly pushed to be the novelty child performer she no longer feels she is inside. Louise is also a character who has the emotional intelligence to empathise with the people around her - it's why she can still love and forgive her mother even though she has been ignored for so many years. Having been able to look at the show from different character perspectives means I can certainly empathise all the more with June's plight when she spills all in the If Momma Was Married scene, and understand why she elopes with Tulsa, which is in some way a comfort to Louise as she progresses through her life.

How would you describe Louise and her relationship with Rose?

The family may have a dysfunctional dynamic, but there is love there. Mama may push her girls - but she cares and puts enormous effort into them. Louise is happy to be in the background - she's probably the character most at peace with herself in the show. She knows she's not talented in a performance aspect and that's fine by her - she can sew, which is a useful skill for the troupe. Being in the background also gives her the opportunity to observe the wonderful performers on the Vaudeville circuit which will of course have influenced the wonderful performer she became when she found her 'niche' as a Burlesque star.

Imelda Staunton has certainly wowed audiences with her turn as Rose - she's a bit of a living legend. What's the most important thing you've learned from her?

It has been amazing to witness how Imelda has led the show over the year. It takes dedication, passion, determination and tons of talent to do what she does night after night and it's a true testament to how success can come from working hard and loving what you do.

What's the funniest thing that's gone wrong on stage during a performance of Gypsy?

I definitely did NOT get the long snake tail of my final 'strip' dress caught in the stage and have to yank it out in front of the audience before rushing to the final position. Very sexy! Well, as various characters in Gypsy say: "That's show business"!

Oh dear! What's your favourite scene in the show (to perform or watch) and why?

I think my favourite is Louise's dressing room scene - the big stand-off with Mama Rose where they both let rip over the tensions that have been building over the years. It's so well written - to see how the two characters' roles have reversed in terms of power and status and how the relationship has fallen apart. I also love 'Together Wherever We Go' because it's a rare moment of Rose, Herbie and Louise feeling like a happy, close family and the audience always seem to enjoy it.

What happens to June once she elopes? Does she become successful?

Having read the few biographies written about Rose, Louise and June, I gather she did go on to be a successful Hollywood and Broadway actress - after many years toiling away in 'Dance Marathons' and the touring life as an actor before that, learning her craft. She always wanted to be an actress and she achieved that, but it seems history has remembered her as a spoilt little brat through how she's portrayed in the musical and in the shadow of Gypsy Rose Lee. It's a shame really as she was clearly talented and a real trouper.

Gypsy finishes at the end of November - what's next for Gemma Sutton?

I'm going to have a relaxing Christmas at home with my family and friends, watch the BBC TV broadcast of our production of Gypsy (which we filmed a few weeks ago) with a mince pie and a glass of port and next year....we shall see!

Sounds perfect! All the best for the end of your run!

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