The most ballistic couple onstage hits the road one more time, through an enhanced version of the London production currently touring across the country. Guillermo Nazara sneaks into the rehearsal room to chat with its lead actors, and learn the most interesting facts about this fiery musical bringing back a true, exhilarating story of adventure and deathly love.
How does it feel to be bringing such a thrilling, historical tale all around the country for the first time?
AJH: It’s awesome! I think the story is so rich. When you break it down, it has so many elements: danger, love, romance with some humour added to. The fact that now people all around the country will be able to see it is so exciting!
KT: The role itself is so exciting for me, personally! There’s so many things I like about Bonnie – how sassy she is! I really can’t wait to bring my version of that into the character. They’ve already had a taste of it in London, but I’m really looking forward for everyone else to see how exciting this show is.
What would you say that you’re bringing to the role through your portrayal?
KT: I like to think I’m bringing more of a fiery side. She fights back. I’m not sure if that it’s me, but it’s certainly the kind of sparkle I want to give. I’ve also brought my own flavour into the songs. I’ve done musical theatre before, but I’ve also done a lot of pop and rock singing – that’s influences many of the choices I’ve made regarding the score.
AJH: It’s been very exciting to me – turning up and down until I could find my own Clyde. In my version, I’ve tried to make him more sensitive soul. Obviously, he got caught up in a bad life and fell in love along the way. In fact, many of the bad choices that he made were due to the fact that he needed to survive. Certainly, that doesn’t excuse any of the horrific things he did, but there’s certainly an element of that in it.
What’s been the process of constructing your character? Have you done any research on the true characters or their previous portrayals?
AJH: I did a lot of research through films based on Bonnie and Clyde – even when they were not necessarily in them, but the story surrounds them. I wrapped myself into that era and came across some historical items, like photographs or diary entries that Bonnie used to write.
KT: I saw the musical before – I’ve watched it at the Garrick and loved it. I’ve also listened to the soundtrack for years! So I already knew the material and was familiar with the story. I’ve watched some Bonnie & Clyde films, but not until we started the rehearsal process. I didn’t want to bring too many preconceived ideas before we actually started working on it. I wanted to do things my own way, instead of feeling as if I was copying somebody else. I’ve also seen The Highway Men, which is a very thorough insight into the media frenzy that they were followed by. I think it’s a great look and understanding at how dangerous and dusty the circumstances they were in were.
What, would you say, this role has that makes it unique in comparison to the ones you’ve played previously?
KT: The fact that you see all of her journey during such a long period of time. She starts as a teenager and you see her transformation into the concept of Bonnie and Clyde. To me, it’s very interesting to portray all of these chapters she goes through, as it’s very new. It’s a stimulating arc: to see how she evolves while trying not to go too far with my depiction. And also, developing that relationship with Clyde – making sure that the audience understands that it’s gradual and how every slight incident changes them.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve found in portraying this role?
AJH: Vocally, it’s extremely challenging. The writers have created a beautiful piece, but it’s a marathon. To do that every day is gonna be a mission!
KT: You never leave the stage. It requires a lot of stamina. When I first got the job, I was very excited, but I was also aware that it was going to be hard work. I need to pace myself and get over a 7-show week – making sure I bring the same to every performance.
If you would have to give me one single reason to come see this show, which one would it be?
KT: Because it will be the most exciting ride of your life!
AJH: If you don’t know it, you must come because the score will you blow you away. And if you do know it, come see it because it’s a completely fresh take with also a fresh cast. And it’s going to be electric!
Bonnie & Clyde is currently on tour until 26 October. Tickets and venue information are available on the following link.
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