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| Harry Wright |
Harry Wright writes a rehearsal guest blog for West End Frame about starring in The Mikado.
As I pack my bag to set off for another day of rehearsals I check off a list of things needed; Script? Check! Score? Check! Rehearsal clothes? Check! 5 inch heels? What!!
Welcome to the world of playing a Ladyboy. In this new and exciting production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic The Mikado you will be fan kicked and bevelled to Bankok and back by the original exhilarating musical score and Drew Bakers modern twist on this comical operetta masterpiece.
I play ‘Pish Tush’, the star act at the Ladyboy’s nightclub ‘Titipu’ owned by The Mikado. Only having three weeks to get this show on its feet, the rehearsal period has been very intense and challenging, especially getting used to dancing in the heels whilst singing the incomparable score, known to be one of the hardest sings of all G&S’s work. However, the energy and excitement from all of the other talented cast members pulls you through the pain and blisters and keeps the enthusiasm in telling the show's story.
Whilst relaying the comical side of the plot line, our version also brings up a subject rarely spoken about in society. The life of real Ladyboys. For me this has been a very interesting, in depth part of the character building and as an actor has taught me to be fearless when jumping into a role so different from who you are as person. The biggest challenge in playing a woman, besides the heels, was completely losing my masculinity and self-consciousness and just focusing 100 percent on committing to the character as there are people out there struggling with their own identity and desire to physically change themselves as a person. These people have to be honoured.
The Mikado, as you know it, has definitely been taken on a rollercoaster ride and turned into a never-before-seen piece of theatre. The rest of the cast and I are extremely excited to be bringing this production to the Battersea Barge for five shows from the 5th – 8th May and also are proud to announce the transfer of this exotic extravaganza to The Rise club in the heart of Leicester Square from the 19th – 29th of May. So prepare yourself for "a short, sharp shock"!
Harry Wright
Good luck Harry ...watch you don't fall over wearing those 5 inchers
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