Interview with Jacob Fowler, The Addams Family UK Tour

Interviews

14 Aug

This summer, the comedy musical The Addams Family made its way back to the UK stage. Starring in the kooky production is Jacob Fowler (known for his time on Heathers). This is the third time the show has been on the stage since its debut in 2017 so we’re catching up with Jacob to find out more.

1. To begin with, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what keeps you inspired as an actor?

Hello, my name is Jacob Fowler! I think the thing that keeps me most inspired as an actor is watching other people’s performances. There is no better example of this than being in the rehearsal room for Addams and seeing theatre greats like Lesley Joseph, Clive Rowe, and Ricardo Afonso find new ways to keep the material fresh. It really is inspiring.

2. You are playing the role of Lucas in the UK tour of The Addams Family this summer. What drew you to this role and the production itself?

I’d never seen The Addams Family, but I had watched Carrie Hope Fletcher's ‘Watch Me Wednesday’ vlogs from the first tour of it back in 2017. The script is SO funny - funnier than most things I’ve ever seen. When I heard who was going to be in it with me, I was even more excited. What a cast!

3. This show has such a unique tone to it. How do you approach the blending of comedy and sincerity in your role?
Lucas, as a role, is more meek compared to the Addams Family themselves, but it’s a nice challenge to play against them, without it becoming a ‘boring’ role! I (hopefully!) find his comedy in his sincerity.

4. How would you describe Lucas’ relationship with Wednesday and what is its significance to the overall flow of the musical?

Lucas’ relationship with Wednesday is the primary plot of the show, or at least it serves as the catalyst that triggers all the other subplots. They are polar opposites on paper, but we’ve enjoyed playing with the fact that maybe they aren’t as different as they seem…?!

5. The show deals with themes of love, identity, and family. Is there a particular moment in the show that resonates with you the most?

I have to say, I’ve welled up a few times hearing and watching Ricardo sing Happy Sad. It’s so beautiful, and it touches him so much that he often can’t help himself get emotional, which is so, so touching to see. Lucas enters the scene as he sings this song, so I’ll literally get to watch him sing the final part of the song every night, which I am looking forward to. He’s a legend.

6. There are some great songs in this production - do you have one you are particularly excited to work on and see develop over time?

My favourite song is One Normal Night. It’s the first time that all the characters are really introduced and seen on stage together. I get to do a little bit of vocal riffing, which is always fun, but we’ll see how much I can eventually get away with… ;)

7. Lucas goes on quite a journey throughout the show—how do you approach his character development?

It’s nice to have quite a bit of an arc within a character like Lucas. He starts very meek and shy, and is completely awed by Morticia and Gomez, but the script is so well written that it slowly brings him out of his shell and, by the end, he truly is one of the Addams’ family.

8. You’ve performed in a range of productions—how does The Addams Family compare to your previous roles?

Well, personally, it is the role with the least amount of singing and dialogue I have ever played, so it has been a very different experience for me. But, because of this, I’ve been able to delve into other areas of the rehearsal period I may not have before. Usually I’m so hung up on my voice, and how well I sound or hitting certain notes, but this time I haven’t had to worry about that, so I’ve been able to approach the acting and scene work in a different way, which has been refreshing to say the least!

9. What can audiences expect from this new tour?

Audiences can expect all of the famous Addams family characters they already know and love, with a few added extras in the Beinekes, and a story that’ll leave you belly laughing!

10. Finally, why is it important for people to come and see The Addams Family in the current social and political state of our country?

I think people should come and watch The Addams Family to 1. Escape the seriousness of the world for a few hours and laugh like you’ve never laughed before, and 2. Come and watch a show about embracing people’s differences, and seeing that we’re actually all far more similar than we think. It’s a very special show, for sure.

The Addams Family is touring across to limited venues in the UK until 30 August.

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