Interview: Jemma Alexander on THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL

Having opened Off-Broadway in 2005, The Great American Trailer Park Musical has been performed across the US, Australia and Europe. It's had a bit of a hiatus over the last couple of years but Garry Lake and Waterloo East Theatre have brought the show to London where it is currently enjoying a limited run. BWW:UK recently caught up with cast member Jemma Alexander to talk about the show.

Please can you give a brief synopsis of The Great American Trailer Park Musical?

The musical explores relationships between the tenants of Armadillo Acres in Florida. A trio of 'trailer trash' women narrate the story of new tenant Pippi (a stripper on the run) who has an affair with Norbert - the husband of agoraphobic housewife Jeannie. Plus SO many more sub-stories that you will love but I won't spoil it!

There are some very interesting characters in the production! Tell us a little more about your role.

I play Jeannie who is married to her childhood sweetheart Norbert. Unfortunately, due to the kidnapping of their baby, she has become an agoraphobic and has not left their trailer for 20 years. With the prospect of an anniversary celebration, she plucks up the courage to step outside but is met with a whole host of other surprises!

You have recently opened at Waterloo East Theatre. How has the audience reaction been thus far?

Amazing. The show is brilliant and the reaction has proved it. With a title like The Great American Trailer Park Musical, you know what you're getting yourself into! People have come along knowing that it's going to be silly and fun and have consequently loved it.

Waterloo East is a somewhat intimate space. Do you feel the show works well in such a venue?

Yes, definitely. The story is narrated by three characters within Armadillo Acres: Betty, Lin and Pickles. They are hilarious and boost the comedy with audience interaction so having a small theatre with everyone so close really helps you feel involved with the story.

You are the first British cast to tackle this musical. Why do you think it's taken so long for it to be staged in London?

I'm really not sure because it's an incredible show so it really should have been here years ago! Maybe now with the likes of controversial comedies such as The Book of Mormon, it has paved the way for more cheeky musicals to be performed here!

How do you feel the current London fringe scene compares to the likes of Off-Broadway?

We have some fantastic shows on our fringe in London at the moment and I am so proud to be a part of this scene. I don't know enough about Off-Broadway theatre to be able to compare but if you get me a flight to New York, I promise to review all the shows and touch base on my return!

The Great American Trailer Park Musical is fairly unknown in this country. How would you entice people to come and see the show?

The story is heartwarming and side-splittingly funny. Also the cast are insane! I am working with six musical theatre legends and I don't think you will hear voices like theirs in any other show at the moment. The songs are very catchy and are brilliantly put together under the musical direction of James Taylor; not to mention the whole show being expertly directed by Kirk Jameson. I can guarantee you a night of fun if - or rather when - you come to watch!

The Great American Trailer Park Musical runs at Waterloo East Theatre until Sunday 5 June 2016.

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