REVIEW
Little Theatre Company present
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 6 - Sat 9 Nov 2024
Little Theatre Company present
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 6 - Sat 9 Nov 2024
It’s a brave company that decides to produce a show that features kittens and snakes, a train, vocal busting songs and an epic storyline adapted from Mary Hayley Bell’s 1958 novella. Standing alone, Whistle Down the Wind is a pretty epic production and on top of all that, there’s also a humongous set that needs to be moved frequently in scene changes throughout the show which, safe to say, is not for a faint hearted back-stage hand, that’s for sure.
So, with all that in mind, it was with keen anticipation and perhaps a little slight trepidation, that I took my seat at the Palace Theatre for LTC’s (Little Theatre Company) opening night of Whistle Down the Wind.
Set in Louisiana at the heart of the God fearing United States Bible Belt of the 1950s, the show kicks off with the rousing vocals of the ensemble with the Keys to the Vaults of Heaven and a wonderful solo from Stephanie Wilson as the Minister.
The story focuses on Swallow and her family. Her mother has recently passed away leaving her father Boone to bring up 15 year old Swallow and her siblings, Brat and Poor Baby. With the pain of losing their mother still very raw, a spark of hope is given when they unexpectedly discover an injured and bloodied man in their barn, who they believe is Jesus after he inadvertently exclaims “Jesus Christ!” on being found.
After promising not to tell anyone that he is in their barn, Swallow, Brat and Poor Baby, along with most of the children of the town (how many kids do you know who can keep a secret?) manage to keep The Man hidden from the grown-ups. Meanwhile, however, the adults have been informed by the Sheriff (Scott McFall) of a dangerous prisoner on the run, and are out to find him with a vengeance.
Mia Mejias completely embodies the role of Swallow with an endearing performance conveying a youthful innocence in believing that The Man can bring her mother back, yet still portraying the emotions of a girl on the cusp of womanhood (A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste/The Nature of the Beast). Majias also has a great voice for belting out some of the wonderful songs that this show offers and is a joy to listen to.
Joel Arnold as The Man certainly has no problems belting out any of his numbers and has the audience gripped from his first entrance. Perfectly cast, Arnold portrays The Man beautifully, displaying all the frustrations of the injured and misunderstood man on the run and having to deal with children who think he’s Jesus and who want him to tell them stories from the Bible.
The chemistry between The Man and Swallow is palpable and their Try Not To Be Afraid number is beautifully sung and performed.
There are some impressive performances all round from everyone in the cast including Sean Hynes and Cerys Wilkin playing Amos and Candy as the leather clad biker couple, clearly fulfilling the musical genre that Jim Steinman contributes to the show in the Tire Tracks number and I’m sure I heard a ‘dashboard light’ lyric in an earlier song too.
I’ve always wondered how Lloyd Webber and Steinman’s music could ever have been imagined by producers as a collaboration in creating the score for such deep subject matter in a storyline: one minute we have soaring melodies and next we’re rocking out, but maybe it’s the light and shade, the innocence and the anger in the book that make it work? Either way the songs are powerful and emotive and the LTC cast have no problems delivering.
Bradley Green as the father, Boone, also stands out with some great vocals in Grown Ups Kill Me going in to Whistle Down the Wind with Swallow in a touching performance.
There are two teams of children who take turns to perform each night and the opening night’s team were 'Team Robin' who all did a sterling job in their roles, not least when they get to sing one of the most popular songs of the night, No Matter What, where they give up their precious toys and belongings to The Man they believe is Jesus to show their love for him. A truly touching scene with some gorgeous singing.
A special nod to Harriet and Freddie who both do a splendid job playing Swallow’s sister and brother, Brat and Poor Baby.
Directors, Lewis Griffiths and Gemma Caracher have produced some well rounded characters and meaningfully performances from their actors and MD, Alex Wood has likewise clearly worked hard in producing some great sounds from the cast as well as from the band.
The set, as predicted, is a clunky move and a little distracting at times, but the backstage team were super efficient in getting the job done and no doubt will have it down to a tee in no time. The kittens worked pretty well but I did think the snake was a little stiff and could maybe work on movement a bit more in warm-ups perhaps!
Overall, LTC have given us a great night out with songs you will recognise from when the show first hit the West End in the nineties and provided chart hits from Boyzone (No Matter What) and Tina Arena (Whistle Down the Wind).
One of the best moments of the night was left right to the very end after the bows and after the cast had left the stage - bar one. I won’t spoil it but I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it now…….
Review: Kim Tobin
So, with all that in mind, it was with keen anticipation and perhaps a little slight trepidation, that I took my seat at the Palace Theatre for LTC’s (Little Theatre Company) opening night of Whistle Down the Wind.
Set in Louisiana at the heart of the God fearing United States Bible Belt of the 1950s, the show kicks off with the rousing vocals of the ensemble with the Keys to the Vaults of Heaven and a wonderful solo from Stephanie Wilson as the Minister.
The story focuses on Swallow and her family. Her mother has recently passed away leaving her father Boone to bring up 15 year old Swallow and her siblings, Brat and Poor Baby. With the pain of losing their mother still very raw, a spark of hope is given when they unexpectedly discover an injured and bloodied man in their barn, who they believe is Jesus after he inadvertently exclaims “Jesus Christ!” on being found.
After promising not to tell anyone that he is in their barn, Swallow, Brat and Poor Baby, along with most of the children of the town (how many kids do you know who can keep a secret?) manage to keep The Man hidden from the grown-ups. Meanwhile, however, the adults have been informed by the Sheriff (Scott McFall) of a dangerous prisoner on the run, and are out to find him with a vengeance.
Mia Mejias completely embodies the role of Swallow with an endearing performance conveying a youthful innocence in believing that The Man can bring her mother back, yet still portraying the emotions of a girl on the cusp of womanhood (A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste/The Nature of the Beast). Majias also has a great voice for belting out some of the wonderful songs that this show offers and is a joy to listen to.
Joel Arnold as The Man certainly has no problems belting out any of his numbers and has the audience gripped from his first entrance. Perfectly cast, Arnold portrays The Man beautifully, displaying all the frustrations of the injured and misunderstood man on the run and having to deal with children who think he’s Jesus and who want him to tell them stories from the Bible.
The chemistry between The Man and Swallow is palpable and their Try Not To Be Afraid number is beautifully sung and performed.
There are some impressive performances all round from everyone in the cast including Sean Hynes and Cerys Wilkin playing Amos and Candy as the leather clad biker couple, clearly fulfilling the musical genre that Jim Steinman contributes to the show in the Tire Tracks number and I’m sure I heard a ‘dashboard light’ lyric in an earlier song too.
I’ve always wondered how Lloyd Webber and Steinman’s music could ever have been imagined by producers as a collaboration in creating the score for such deep subject matter in a storyline: one minute we have soaring melodies and next we’re rocking out, but maybe it’s the light and shade, the innocence and the anger in the book that make it work? Either way the songs are powerful and emotive and the LTC cast have no problems delivering.
Bradley Green as the father, Boone, also stands out with some great vocals in Grown Ups Kill Me going in to Whistle Down the Wind with Swallow in a touching performance.
There are two teams of children who take turns to perform each night and the opening night’s team were 'Team Robin' who all did a sterling job in their roles, not least when they get to sing one of the most popular songs of the night, No Matter What, where they give up their precious toys and belongings to The Man they believe is Jesus to show their love for him. A truly touching scene with some gorgeous singing.
A special nod to Harriet and Freddie who both do a splendid job playing Swallow’s sister and brother, Brat and Poor Baby.
Directors, Lewis Griffiths and Gemma Caracher have produced some well rounded characters and meaningfully performances from their actors and MD, Alex Wood has likewise clearly worked hard in producing some great sounds from the cast as well as from the band.
The set, as predicted, is a clunky move and a little distracting at times, but the backstage team were super efficient in getting the job done and no doubt will have it down to a tee in no time. The kittens worked pretty well but I did think the snake was a little stiff and could maybe work on movement a bit more in warm-ups perhaps!
Overall, LTC have given us a great night out with songs you will recognise from when the show first hit the West End in the nineties and provided chart hits from Boyzone (No Matter What) and Tina Arena (Whistle Down the Wind).
One of the best moments of the night was left right to the very end after the bows and after the cast had left the stage - bar one. I won’t spoil it but I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it now…….
Review: Kim Tobin
MEET THE DIRECTOR, FORMER 'JERSEY BOY' LEWIS GRIFFITHS PLUS TWO OF THE FABULOUS LEADS OF THE SHOW!
"Whistle Down the Wind revolves around the time and place where the word teenager was invented.
Swallow, a 15 year-old-girl growing up in America’s deep South in the fifties, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and the first words he utters are “Jesus Christ,” it’s as if all her prayers have been answered. Swallow and the town’s other children vow to protect the stranger from the world that waits outside ... the townspeople who are determined to catch a fugitive hiding in their midst.
As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she is going.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music, with lyrics by acclaimed Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler songwriter Jim Steinman. It features “No Matter What,” which was covered by Boyzone, hitting number one in 18 countries.
Whistle Down the Wind contrasts the relentless influence of the modern world with the traditional values of the old days. Something which the community at its heart yearns to return to.
Swallow, a 15 year-old-girl growing up in America’s deep South in the fifties, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and the first words he utters are “Jesus Christ,” it’s as if all her prayers have been answered. Swallow and the town’s other children vow to protect the stranger from the world that waits outside ... the townspeople who are determined to catch a fugitive hiding in their midst.
As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she is going.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music, with lyrics by acclaimed Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler songwriter Jim Steinman. It features “No Matter What,” which was covered by Boyzone, hitting number one in 18 countries.
Whistle Down the Wind contrasts the relentless influence of the modern world with the traditional values of the old days. Something which the community at its heart yearns to return to.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Lewis Griffiths, 39, from Southend on Sea
Lewis Griffiths, 39, from Southend on Sea
Tell us a bit about your performing career/training and what shows you’ve been in?
My career and training followed the same path as many with an interest in the arts. After school clubs, weekend classes, local training establishments & the eventual admission to a London college. None of these held my attention for long thought as I was too keen to get out and work to learn on the job. So that’s what I did. Before I even began my professional training I’d already appeared in several local productions and debuted in the West End with ‘Whistle Down The Wind’. I toured the UK with ‘Love Shack’ at 19 and jumped from show to show from then on, both in London and on tour. Ranging from ‘Fame’ to ‘Rent’, ‘Legally Blonde’ to ‘Ghost’ to ‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert’, Leading an international tour of ‘Dirty Dancing’ as Johnny Castle and three times custodian in the role of Nick Massi in ‘Jersey Boys’. The transition into commercial TV has been tricky, however, appearances in ‘Silent Witness’ for the BBC and playing the romantic lead in my first feature film ‘A Very English Christmas’ have proved there’s avenues open for the future.
Which show holds the best memories for you?
I would have said, ‘Whistle’ as it was such a huge leap into the professional world of Theatre. I could have said ‘Jersey Boys’, as that was the show on which I was first cast in a principal role for 3 consecutive productions. I could have said ‘Dirty Dancing’ as that show really pushed out my comfort zone as a dancer and as a leading man of an entire company. My best memories, however, came on GHOST. Everything about that show was a joy from beginning to end. It was such a busy show for me and I had the best time on and off stage with the people I toured with.
How long have you been a member of LTC?
I’ve been an associate member for about a year and a half, and an active member less than 6 months - largely due to my partner and Co Director Gemma’s influence.
Why did you join?
I’d seen a few productions and was suitably impressed at the standard. I assisted Gem with the choreography on ‘Made In Dagenham’ and was asked to cameo in ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’
My career and training followed the same path as many with an interest in the arts. After school clubs, weekend classes, local training establishments & the eventual admission to a London college. None of these held my attention for long thought as I was too keen to get out and work to learn on the job. So that’s what I did. Before I even began my professional training I’d already appeared in several local productions and debuted in the West End with ‘Whistle Down The Wind’. I toured the UK with ‘Love Shack’ at 19 and jumped from show to show from then on, both in London and on tour. Ranging from ‘Fame’ to ‘Rent’, ‘Legally Blonde’ to ‘Ghost’ to ‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert’, Leading an international tour of ‘Dirty Dancing’ as Johnny Castle and three times custodian in the role of Nick Massi in ‘Jersey Boys’. The transition into commercial TV has been tricky, however, appearances in ‘Silent Witness’ for the BBC and playing the romantic lead in my first feature film ‘A Very English Christmas’ have proved there’s avenues open for the future.
Which show holds the best memories for you?
I would have said, ‘Whistle’ as it was such a huge leap into the professional world of Theatre. I could have said ‘Jersey Boys’, as that was the show on which I was first cast in a principal role for 3 consecutive productions. I could have said ‘Dirty Dancing’ as that show really pushed out my comfort zone as a dancer and as a leading man of an entire company. My best memories, however, came on GHOST. Everything about that show was a joy from beginning to end. It was such a busy show for me and I had the best time on and off stage with the people I toured with.
How long have you been a member of LTC?
I’ve been an associate member for about a year and a half, and an active member less than 6 months - largely due to my partner and Co Director Gemma’s influence.
Why did you join?
I’d seen a few productions and was suitably impressed at the standard. I assisted Gem with the choreography on ‘Made In Dagenham’ and was asked to cameo in ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’
You've told us that were actually in Whistle Down the Wind as a child, can you tell us about that experience and how it feels being in the director’s seat now?
The answer to this is not as you’d expect. They say you should never meet your heroes and I’m a firm believer in not trying to replicate a memory. My childhood experience on ‘Whistle’ couldn’t be replicated at LTC so I’m not even going to try. We have a production of immense talent and heart that may be manifested by me but influenced by my time on the show. 13 year old Lewis is steering the 39 year old Lewis who is in turn directing this production. |
Tell us about the show in your own words and why you wanted to direct it.
In a nutshell, adapted from the novel and film of the same name, Whistle Down the Wind is a story of a group children who discover a man in their barn, led to believe he is “Jesus” the division between the towns perception of faith becomes clear. Swallow is a girl finding her way into womanhood whilst dealing with the loss of her mother. She is the bridge between these two polarised worlds and what unfolds is a whirlwind adventure of biblical proportions in the Deep South of late 1950’s America. |
Why did I want to direct this? Well I honestly think the post 2000’s adaptations of this show have somehow missed the mark and don’t really capture what the story is actually about. It’s so multifaceted and convoluted I don’t mind admitting it’s a juggernaut of a show to take on even for established directors. I just hope my first effort manages to land among the credible or at least evades embarrassment in comparison.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
As a kid it was always ‘A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste’ because I idolised Dean Collinson who played Amos in the West End and wanted to be just like that. Now as I’ve “matured” I relate to so many other elements of the story and sympathise more with The Man. ‘Nature Of The Beast’ is fast becoming a highlight of the score … I won’t say too much
If you could play any role or direct another show, what would it be?
I was actually asked this question by a colleague at the Palace Theatre the other day.
I’d love to revive and direct a new version of ‘BOUNCERS’ by John Godber. It’s a brilliant, malleable four-hander play that reflects on the lives, opinions and POV of four very eclectic doorman. It could be made incredibly relevant and current given the way society is these days, there’s so much scope and range of motion in it. I’d also like to play Scar in ‘The Lion King’ or Draco in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Gem and I don’t get out much these days with Leo, our Son taking priority. We did see David Tennant in ‘Good’ at the Harold Pinter theatre and that was a masterclass.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
…at one of many baby sensory & toddler classes or dancing aimlessly to Bluey. If I have the energy or time for myself though I’ll be out on a run.
As a kid it was always ‘A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste’ because I idolised Dean Collinson who played Amos in the West End and wanted to be just like that. Now as I’ve “matured” I relate to so many other elements of the story and sympathise more with The Man. ‘Nature Of The Beast’ is fast becoming a highlight of the score … I won’t say too much
If you could play any role or direct another show, what would it be?
I was actually asked this question by a colleague at the Palace Theatre the other day.
I’d love to revive and direct a new version of ‘BOUNCERS’ by John Godber. It’s a brilliant, malleable four-hander play that reflects on the lives, opinions and POV of four very eclectic doorman. It could be made incredibly relevant and current given the way society is these days, there’s so much scope and range of motion in it. I’d also like to play Scar in ‘The Lion King’ or Draco in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Gem and I don’t get out much these days with Leo, our Son taking priority. We did see David Tennant in ‘Good’ at the Harold Pinter theatre and that was a masterclass.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
…at one of many baby sensory & toddler classes or dancing aimlessly to Bluey. If I have the energy or time for myself though I’ll be out on a run.
Below: Lewis in rehearsal Photo credit-Kim Tobin Photography
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
Absolutely, all the years I’ve work in theatre there have been numerous occasions on several shows that I have corpsed, dried and cracked. Am I going to divulge which show or shows it was that I corpsed? No. Am I going to explain what dialogue I was doing when I completely dried and forgot my very reason for being on stage? Doubtful. Am I going to allude as to which song I crucified due to cracking the vocals. Not a chance. Theatre is about being in the moment and those particular moments (thankfully) have passed. Til the next time
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
As you can imagine, Priscilla had some wild costumes. I was the Native American Indian from The Village people, a Cupcake, a Bogan Punk, a Showgirl an Emu and a funeral guest in a mermaid dress topped with a taxidermy raven turban and the arse cut out….To name a few. I liked playing the UPS guy in Legally Blonde and still have my uniform!
Lastly, why do you think people should come and see the show?
I think people should come and see the show because it’s a bit of an Andrew Lloyd Webber treasure that doesn’t always get the recognition and acknowledgment it deserves. It’s a stirring piece of theatre with a beautiful moral, a diverse score with a touch of Meatloaf nuances. Some amazingly powerful performances and we’re only here for a fleeting moment so join us at the Palace Theatre from 6th to the 9th November, because “A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste” … but so is the chance to see this show. Get a ticket, No Matter What!
Absolutely, all the years I’ve work in theatre there have been numerous occasions on several shows that I have corpsed, dried and cracked. Am I going to divulge which show or shows it was that I corpsed? No. Am I going to explain what dialogue I was doing when I completely dried and forgot my very reason for being on stage? Doubtful. Am I going to allude as to which song I crucified due to cracking the vocals. Not a chance. Theatre is about being in the moment and those particular moments (thankfully) have passed. Til the next time
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
As you can imagine, Priscilla had some wild costumes. I was the Native American Indian from The Village people, a Cupcake, a Bogan Punk, a Showgirl an Emu and a funeral guest in a mermaid dress topped with a taxidermy raven turban and the arse cut out….To name a few. I liked playing the UPS guy in Legally Blonde and still have my uniform!
Lastly, why do you think people should come and see the show?
I think people should come and see the show because it’s a bit of an Andrew Lloyd Webber treasure that doesn’t always get the recognition and acknowledgment it deserves. It’s a stirring piece of theatre with a beautiful moral, a diverse score with a touch of Meatloaf nuances. Some amazingly powerful performances and we’re only here for a fleeting moment so join us at the Palace Theatre from 6th to the 9th November, because “A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste” … but so is the chance to see this show. Get a ticket, No Matter What!
MEET THE CAST
Mia Mejias, 21, lives in Wickford and is playing the role of Swallow
Mia Mejias, 21, lives in Wickford and is playing the role of Swallow
How long have you been a member of LTC?
I’ve been a member 7 Months! This will be my first production with LTC!
Why did you join?
Hunchback and Grease looked absolutely amazing. I had just finished university and wanted to continue performing!
What was the last play/musical you saw?
I saw Hadestown and it is literally the best piece of theatre I have ever seen
If you could play any role, what would it be?
This is super difficult, but I would have to say “Alice” in Alice By Heart! It’s such a complex role with some of the best music I’ve ever heard from a musical. The whole show is just incredible
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found...
Baking, baking, and a bit more baking
I’ve been a member 7 Months! This will be my first production with LTC!
Why did you join?
Hunchback and Grease looked absolutely amazing. I had just finished university and wanted to continue performing!
What was the last play/musical you saw?
I saw Hadestown and it is literally the best piece of theatre I have ever seen
If you could play any role, what would it be?
This is super difficult, but I would have to say “Alice” in Alice By Heart! It’s such a complex role with some of the best music I’ve ever heard from a musical. The whole show is just incredible
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found...
Baking, baking, and a bit more baking
Below: Mia in rehearsal Photo credit-Kim Tobin Photography
Tell us about the show in your own words
The show, to me at least, is about good/bad and how they can exist within each other. It’s a world that is always changing and not always for the better. You either get swallowed by the grief or you can hope for something greater, simply because it should be and that’s a good enough reason. It’s about taking responsibility for yourself, while facing all the complex emotions of life. It’s ALOT
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
There’s a brief moment where Swallow and Poor Baby (her little brother) sing together in act 2. There’s emotionally heavy content right before and after, but this little moment is just so innocent and pure between the siblings. It’s a nice reminder of the childlike goodness that exists within the world, as well as serving as a bit of hope for the audience… before it’s quickly squished
Describe your character in Whistle Down the Wind in 3 words.
Evolving, vulnerable and genuine
How do you learn your lines?
I love reading my lines with others to learn them, but this isn’t always possible. So I record myself saying all of the other lines, leave mine out, so I can test if I know when I’m meant to say what! Also a lot of pretty highlighting and colour coding!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Emma Stone, particularly in LaLa Land!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I was dropped on stage, off my friends shoulders while performing “Love is an open door.”Despite the fact everyone says I tripped or fell, I can assure you I was DROPPED. It was the only time it ever went wrong, and the only performance that was recorded
What's your favourite dressing room item?
Fluffy socks!! Trying to find some that fit the themes of Whistle has been a mission
What's the best costume you've ever worn in a show?
Belles ballgown in Beauty and the Beast! I don’t think anything will beat it, it was so puffy
Why do you think people should see the show?
Everyone has worked super super hard and is just insanely talented! They aren’t just the most talented people I’ve ever met, but the nicest! I feel super lucky to be sharing the stage with them!
The show, to me at least, is about good/bad and how they can exist within each other. It’s a world that is always changing and not always for the better. You either get swallowed by the grief or you can hope for something greater, simply because it should be and that’s a good enough reason. It’s about taking responsibility for yourself, while facing all the complex emotions of life. It’s ALOT
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
There’s a brief moment where Swallow and Poor Baby (her little brother) sing together in act 2. There’s emotionally heavy content right before and after, but this little moment is just so innocent and pure between the siblings. It’s a nice reminder of the childlike goodness that exists within the world, as well as serving as a bit of hope for the audience… before it’s quickly squished
Describe your character in Whistle Down the Wind in 3 words.
Evolving, vulnerable and genuine
How do you learn your lines?
I love reading my lines with others to learn them, but this isn’t always possible. So I record myself saying all of the other lines, leave mine out, so I can test if I know when I’m meant to say what! Also a lot of pretty highlighting and colour coding!
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Emma Stone, particularly in LaLa Land!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I was dropped on stage, off my friends shoulders while performing “Love is an open door.”Despite the fact everyone says I tripped or fell, I can assure you I was DROPPED. It was the only time it ever went wrong, and the only performance that was recorded
What's your favourite dressing room item?
Fluffy socks!! Trying to find some that fit the themes of Whistle has been a mission
What's the best costume you've ever worn in a show?
Belles ballgown in Beauty and the Beast! I don’t think anything will beat it, it was so puffy
Why do you think people should see the show?
Everyone has worked super super hard and is just insanely talented! They aren’t just the most talented people I’ve ever met, but the nicest! I feel super lucky to be sharing the stage with them!
MEET THE CAST
Joel Arnold, 36, is from Leigh on Sea and plays 'The Man'
Joel Arnold, 36, is from Leigh on Sea and plays 'The Man'
How long have you been a member of LTC?
Coming up for 18 months. This will be my third LTC production (after 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'Arsenic & Old Lace'). The time’s flown by!
Why did you join?
I'd recently moved to the area and didn't know anyone locally; I was primarily looking for a way to meet people and make new friends. I've been performing since I was 18 - theatre has always been my safe space - so joining a drama society seemed a good shout. I saw that LTC were about to hold new member auditions, took the plunge, and have never looked back.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Hadestown. I went in knowing next to nothing about it. Ignore the haters, they’re mad. It's incredible. Go see it.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
In a musical, Sweeney Todd. In a play, Iago.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Crying about the latest Spurs game.
Coming up for 18 months. This will be my third LTC production (after 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'Arsenic & Old Lace'). The time’s flown by!
Why did you join?
I'd recently moved to the area and didn't know anyone locally; I was primarily looking for a way to meet people and make new friends. I've been performing since I was 18 - theatre has always been my safe space - so joining a drama society seemed a good shout. I saw that LTC were about to hold new member auditions, took the plunge, and have never looked back.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Hadestown. I went in knowing next to nothing about it. Ignore the haters, they’re mad. It's incredible. Go see it.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
In a musical, Sweeney Todd. In a play, Iago.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Crying about the latest Spurs game.
Below: Joel in rehearsal Photo credit-Kim Tobin Photography
Tell us about the show in your own words
For me, at its most basic level, it's a story about the different ways people cope with loss - whether that be bereavement, loss of hope, or the loss of innocence. How do we react when faced with the harsher realities of life? Do we allow ourselves to become cold, fearful, maybe even violent? Or do we hold onto what's good and choose to put our faith in something - new possibilities, each other, our own better natures?
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
"Try not to be afraid" (a duet between the Man and Swallow in the second act). It's a beautiful number, but what sets it apart for me are the character dynamics in that moment, and how it shifts the emotional arc of the story. The Man is manipulating and using Swallow, but also realising how much he genuinely cares for her; he's projecting this protective, Christ-like persona and appealing to her faith while knowing it's misplaced and that ultimately he will disappoint her. The tenderness is real, and a reflection of him at his best, but it’s simultaneously in service of who he is at his worst. It's meaty.
Describe your character in Whistle Down the Wind in 3 words.
Desperate; calculating; vulnerable.
How do you learn your lines?
I’m neurodivergent; it’s not without its challenges, but one of the perks is that my brain tends to absorb music and dialogue very quickly. I only need to hear things a few times and they’re pretty much locked in, which is like having a cheat code when it comes to performing. I can’t claim any real credit for it.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sam Rockwell. Incredibly versatile, and 100% committed in every role I’ve ever seen him play.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
Not quite, but I did once have an offstage mishap: I had a quick costume change in the wings during a run of Nicholas Nickleby, but there was one performance where the right leg of my trousers (which were quite big and normally slipped off easily) got caught on the laces of my boot, and I couldn’t for the life of me get them off. A fellow cast member saw me panicking and came over and tried to tug them, but with such force that I was sent flying backwards with a very audible crash into the clothes rail. I was meant to be on at that point - another member of the cast had to do a funny walk across the stage and back again just to fill the time. (The audience was not fooled.)
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Sweets. My dentist will kill me when this show is done.
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
It’s a toss-up between the First World War army uniform I had for Macbeth and the renaissance-era costume I wore as Mercutio during a promenade production of Romeo & Juliet.
Why do you think people should see the show?
So you can say you saw Mia Mejias in action before she became famous.
For me, at its most basic level, it's a story about the different ways people cope with loss - whether that be bereavement, loss of hope, or the loss of innocence. How do we react when faced with the harsher realities of life? Do we allow ourselves to become cold, fearful, maybe even violent? Or do we hold onto what's good and choose to put our faith in something - new possibilities, each other, our own better natures?
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
"Try not to be afraid" (a duet between the Man and Swallow in the second act). It's a beautiful number, but what sets it apart for me are the character dynamics in that moment, and how it shifts the emotional arc of the story. The Man is manipulating and using Swallow, but also realising how much he genuinely cares for her; he's projecting this protective, Christ-like persona and appealing to her faith while knowing it's misplaced and that ultimately he will disappoint her. The tenderness is real, and a reflection of him at his best, but it’s simultaneously in service of who he is at his worst. It's meaty.
Describe your character in Whistle Down the Wind in 3 words.
Desperate; calculating; vulnerable.
How do you learn your lines?
I’m neurodivergent; it’s not without its challenges, but one of the perks is that my brain tends to absorb music and dialogue very quickly. I only need to hear things a few times and they’re pretty much locked in, which is like having a cheat code when it comes to performing. I can’t claim any real credit for it.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sam Rockwell. Incredibly versatile, and 100% committed in every role I’ve ever seen him play.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
Not quite, but I did once have an offstage mishap: I had a quick costume change in the wings during a run of Nicholas Nickleby, but there was one performance where the right leg of my trousers (which were quite big and normally slipped off easily) got caught on the laces of my boot, and I couldn’t for the life of me get them off. A fellow cast member saw me panicking and came over and tried to tug them, but with such force that I was sent flying backwards with a very audible crash into the clothes rail. I was meant to be on at that point - another member of the cast had to do a funny walk across the stage and back again just to fill the time. (The audience was not fooled.)
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Sweets. My dentist will kill me when this show is done.
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
It’s a toss-up between the First World War army uniform I had for Macbeth and the renaissance-era costume I wore as Mercutio during a promenade production of Romeo & Juliet.
Why do you think people should see the show?
So you can say you saw Mia Mejias in action before she became famous.
Below: The Cast of Whistle Down the Wind in rehearsal
Photo credit-Kim Tobin Photography
Photo credit-Kim Tobin Photography