BWW Interviews: SHREK's Alice Fearn

Hi Alice, welcome to BWW:UK! Thanks for chatting with us today. How are things?

Great, thank you. Currently in previews and little changes here and there are still being made so it's all still go. I have to say it is an incredibly fun show so, although it's very full-on with rehearsals during the day plus shows in the evening, I am absolutely loving it.

You've now done several performances as Gingy in Shrek: The Musical - how has that been?

Fantastic. It's a part that the audience knows and, in many ways (I hope!), already love, so when Gingy first arrives on stage on a tray in the torture scene he gets a fantastic reaction. And with the scene that follows (the very iconic moment when the words "The Muffin Man" are uttered), the response is fantastic. It puts me at ease to know that the audience is very much on your side and that they're all enjoying seeing a show and characters they already know and love.

Ah, "The Muffin Man"...a classic! Can you tell us a little bit more about your character? As far as one can with baked goods, do you relate to Gingy in any way?!

Well, I can't say I've ever been compared to a cookie, but in any character I think I do add a little bit of myself! Gingy likes to challenge people and stand up for what he believes in and I think I can see myself in those qualities. Even in the torture scene he does confront Farquaad as much as he can and that is the quality I admire most about him. He is one of the most vocal and defying 'freaks' amongst the fairytale creatures and that is, very probably, how I'd describe myself in life.

Am I right in thinking that you also play other characters throughout the show?

Well, actually only one. I sing the majority of the ensemble music from backstage but only ever play Gingy and the Sugar Plum Fairy on stage. Then again, playing a Russian ballet dancer and a cookie is quite challenging so I think I'm pretty happy with just those two!

Well, yes, I would imagine so! You're covering Princess Fiona, too, and have already done your first few performances. How did you feel when you first went on in the green frock?

It was an incredible experience. With the intense schedule we have had over the past four weeks I thought I'd never get through it, but after adrenaline kicked in I had the best time. The first act went by in a bit of a blur, but the second act was a lot of fun and since then I've just been able to enjoy it! Everyone in the cast and crew has been unbelievably supportive and I have to say, after only two performances as Fiona so far, I don't think I could be loving it any more than I am!

Drury Lane is a massive theatre with plenty of history; are you excited to be performing there?

Couldn't be more so! I think it's one of the most iconic and prestigious theatres in London's West End. People who have worked there over the years have told me how grand and enormous the building is and I couldn't agree more.

It's known to be pretty haunted...any ghostly goings-on as yet?!

I've heard plenty of stories; however, I've not seen or heard anything myself! Wouldn't walk around there alone at night though, that's all I'll say!

Do you have any other projects on the go at present, or are you just focusing on Shrek for now?

To be honest, the rehearsal schedule with changes and understudying are taking over my life. My dog is lucky if she gets a walk in the morning at the moment! I'm practically living at the theatre so I have no time for any other projects. But once it all calms down and I have some free time in the day who knows. I secretly always like to keep busy...

Thanks Alice, and all the best with Shrek!

Catch Alice in Shrek, now playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Click here to book tickets!

 

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