You ain’t seen nothing yet: King’s Musical Theatre Soc spill all on their latest musical

King’s Musical Theatre Society (KMT) is run by ambitious and talented students from various backgrounds, who are all united by their love for musical theatre.

In just six weeks, they’ve brought their winter show, Carrie, to life, and it’s finally hitting the stage for three performances (from the 19th to 21st November) at The Greenwood Theatre.

The King’s Tab interviewed the cast and crew to hear about the creative process behind the show and how they balanced uni life with rehearsals.

What is Carrie about and why choose it for KMT’s mainstage?

via Ava Satasi

Nicole Fiehn, the producer, said the show is about a teenage outcast who suffers at the hands of bullies, as well as abuse from her mum. “From the outside, it seems like it’s a story about a girl who’s possessed and has telekinesis, but really it’s a story about kindness and having compassion for others,” Nicole added.

“It’s such an interesting blend of different kinds of stories that we’ve never seen before,” Sam Matchett-Griffiths, the director, says. Carrie is “one of the only examples” of a musical set in both a high school and within the horror genre.

Evelyn Chow, a co-musical director, had more to add about why Carrie specifically was chosen. “This show requires strong singers, dancers and actors, so we thought we’d choose a show that can adhere to different strengths!” she said.

What should the audience expect from the show?

Ollie Jones, a co-musical director, said: “There must have been a reason that Carrie was a flop on Broadway.” The musical “packs so much” in terms of style, with Ollie pointing to rock, classical and musical theatre characteristics that branch out from its standard, “contemporary” form. “It’s such an exciting mix!” he added.

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Karen Kuroiwa, a choreographer, said that whilst Carrie isn’t a “dance-heavy show”, “each number features dynamic formation changes and canon movements rather than complex choreography.”

What do you like most about directing or choreographing?

For director Sam, the best part is watching his “talented friends on stage”. Though he cited “hard and stressful” the work can be at times, he says he couldn’t do it “without the best PT ever.”

Evelyn is a classically trained musician and studies music at KCL, but is a longtime fan of musical theatre (but she vehemently denies any theatre kid allegations). She finds that directing allows her to “combine these two vastly different worlds”.

Musical directing is “an all-round skill”, Ollie explains. It involves playing the piano, singing, being a vocal coach and communicating “the complex musical language to everyone.”

As a choreographer, Karen’s favourite part is seeing the show come together, and “realising that what you imagined turns out even better in reality.”

Tell us about your characters

via Ava Satasi

Lulu Huges plays Carrie Wight, a victim of bullying from peers and at the hands of her mother, who’s staunchly religious. Lulu sees Carrie as “timid and weak”, but believes she stays hopeful despite difficult cirucmstances, which is “what has kept her going”. “But she also possesses an anger towards the world which is understandable so there’s a darkness to her,” Lulu added.

“Billy is horrible. There’s not a single redeeming thing about him,” Louis De Planta said of his character. Louis’s favourite part about playing Billy is straying from his comfort zone and embracing a role so different to his persona. “He’s very straight and manly which is not really me, but it’s really fun to put on that energy.”

What message should audiences take away?

Charlotte Flynn, who plays Margaret, wants audiences to understand there are “millions of Carrie Whites in the world”. “It’s important to remember that just because everyone’s doing something, it doesn’t make it okay,” she added.

Lulu said: “Hurt people hurt people and the characters in Carrie are just in a cycle of hurt and abuse.”

For Aiden Phipps, who plays Tommy, it’s important for audiences to understand people are “morally flawed”. He doesn’t believe any of the characters in Carrie are “perfect” protagonists, and finding it difficult to identify or embrace characters is an interesting challenge. “You see them making decisions that you really wish they wouldn’t,” he added.

How do you balance your social life with a mainstage musical?

Cesca Fitzsimons, who plays Mrs Gardener, said it’s not an easy balance to strike. “Sometimes it is very hard. I’m like, ‘Oh why am I doing this to myself? I need free time.’ But it’s also like KMT isn’t a chore. I do it because it’s fun and all of my friends are there and I actually truly enjoy it.”

Cesca explained that whilst it is a big commitment, it provides a welcome break from uni work, and becomes easier to balance when you love it.

What do you most enjoy about KMT?

via Ava Satasi

Ella Williams, who plays Sue, said being part of KMT is “one of the best things I’ve ever done in life.” “People have been so warm to me and really received me with such open arms,” she added.

For Kylie Freeman, a principal dancer, KMT marks the first time she’s been involved in a mainstage uni production. “It’s such a big jump but everyone’s been really friendly and welcoming,” she said.

Although musical theatre isn’t Flo Wilkes’ typical style of singing, KMT was the reason she stayed at King’s. Flo, who plays Chris, has started falling in love with the genre because of the community it offers her. “It is really rewarding to get so invested in a show and a soundtrack and make it your whole life for a while even though it is tiring at times. I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience,” she said.

The question was enough to almost drive Nicole, the show’s producer, to tears. Nicole has changed career paths numerous times, and she’d felt ready to give up at times. She moved back home “to the other side of the world”, but a niggling feeling remaind that her place was London. “So when I came back to London, I knew that I had to pursue this passion of mine that is musical theatre. I’m so glad that now I’ve found my home at KMT.”

Featured image via Ava Satasi