'A hug makes eveything better...'
/An interview with David Oliver playing Jack
How many shows have you done with Simply Theatre?
I’ve performed in a few now! Return to the Forbidden Planet, Little Shop of Horrors, Spring Awakening and now Into The Woods.
Tell me a bit about your character
Jack is a boy on the verge of manhood. Throughout the show, we see how Jack grows and changes as he journeys through the woods. There’s a lot to like about Jack, he’s naïve, endearing and simple…or is he? Jack’s journey is just beginning - it’s exciting to look into what he’ll become in the future, outside the play, as it were. One of the themes of the play is that everything is cyclical. Where does Jack fit in? Does he make the same mistakes that is elders did?
Did you know much about Into The Woods before you auditioned?
I didn’t! I’d heard the music and knew of the play, but I’d never seen it before. I was right in the middle of Spring Awakening rehearsals when I auditioned, everything was a bit manic!
What’s your favourite part of the show/song?
Honestly? When I hug the baker. I’m not going to lie - a hug makes everything better. From a non-selfish point of view though, I enjoy the scenes where Little Red, Cinderella and Jack are all together. I like the dynamic they have going.
What’s been the best/worst show you’ve been in or best/worst part you’ve played?
I had to masturbate on stage with girls dancing “ring-a-ring-a-roses” around me, with my parents and gran watching. Haven’t decided whether that’s a best/worst moment yet.
Describe Into The Woods in 3 words
- Thought-provoking (Shh, It’s allowed, it’s hyphenated.)
- Meandering
- Growth
If you were trying to sell the show, what would you say?
At one point, it contains a gender confused cow in a wig, wearing a sassy red cape. That’s truly one diva cow. If that’s not worth your money I don’t know what is!
