Roz Ford (centre) played the female lead of the delightful musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, a journey through a charming yet lonesome musical theatre fan’s favorite 1920’s musical. The Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group excelled at creating the decadent and glamorous world of the 1920’s; celebrating and mocking it simultaneously. Ridiculous, silly, absurd, adorable and romantic, you couldn’t help being swept away by this funny and talented cast. Roz Ford played a bride in turmoil about her impending marriage, which, as musicals never fail to offer, ended in happy nuptials. She kindly agreed to answer some questions for this Fringe experience.
How are you finding the fringe so far?
“The Fringe has been incredible. There hasn’t been one boring moment since I arrived for the final rehearsals in July. I feel 8 years old again; constantly intrigued by anything and everything everywhere I go”
What’s been the best show you’ve seen?
“It’s impossible to decide on the best show I’ve seen, because everything is so different. I thoroughly enjoyed the Drunk Tank production of A Midsummer Night’s dream, but Tom Thum’s beat boxing show was mind-blowing. Action to the Word’s production of Clockwork Orange was absolutely captivating and amazing aesthetically pleasing… the men are half naked and extremely well kept! I have to mention Out of the Blue’s a cappella show too. There’s just too much to choose from”
How do you keep your energy levels up every night?
“With such a fun show it’s impossible not to feel energised from the moment the overture begins, even after a long day flyering and battling a cold. It is vital to keep energy levels high as this is part of the appeal of the show. Without energy the show is dead”
How did the show begin and how has it changed?
“The show has changed hugely in the two weeks since our opening performance. We are comfortable enough on the stage now to add those extra unexpected ad-lib lines which keep it fresh and humorous to us who have heard the jokes a million times”
How did you prepare for your performance?
“We warm up for a good ten minutes before each performance, playing games and singing energetic songs to get us in the mood, but I’m ashamed to admit that I can normally be found consuming Lucozade tablets and coffee before the show starts”
What do you think about the controversy surrounding the commercialisation of the fringe this year?
“I’ve read that the fringe is ‘falling flat’ and that it is ‘dying a slow death’, but speaking as someone who visited for the first time in 2009 and performed for the first time this year, I would never have thought such things. To me the Fringe is so wonderful because of its vitality. It is a shame to note at times a vague corporate atmosphere in the bigger venues, and I can’t deny the fact that ticket prices have rocketed and audiences are notoriously difficult to summon, but this doesn’t detract from the unique sense of tradition and family that surrounds Edinburgh during the Festival Fringe, however cheesy it may sound”
And what about next year?
“I can’t wait ‘til next year! Before the Fringe began I had my doubts as to whether I wanted to sacrifice summer holidays and time at home with my family, but now I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity for anything. I will be tripping over myself running to next year’s auditions in the hope of being accepted into the show. There’s nothing else as fun, rewarding and exciting as performing in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe”
Leave a Reply