Interview: Jack Baldwin, Hold On To Your Butts

Across the festive period the hit fringe parody Hold On To Your Butts will be premiering in London. Based on the greatest film of all time, the production is performed by just two two actors and a foley artist. Ahead of its run at the Arcola Theatre we spoke with Jack Baldwin who has performed in great productions like The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and Hamlet to find out more.

Can you begin by introducing yourself and telling us how you discovered Hold On To Your Butts?

Hullo, I’m Jack and I play lots of characters in Hold On To Your Butts. I heard about it in Edinburgh this year, so I went to see it and had a great time!

Do you know what inspired the group to create a parody of this particular dinosaur classic?

I guess because it’s a fun idea which wouldn’t quit!

This production was a hit at the Fringe and now it’s coming to the capital, why will this show appeal to London audiences?

It’s got broad appeal across all age ranges whether or not people are familiar with the source material.

Where do you even begin on the process of developing this work and what were the challenges along the way?

You’ve got to be true to the original movie but have to play around with it a little, giving the audience the moments they really want whilst surprising them. It’s not about just being goofy for the sake of it, the characters have to feel in danger. Then you have to see how you can recreate camera shots of great scenery or action whilst you’re just in a room with whatever comes to hand.

How do sound effects play a role in the performance, and do you have a favourite sound effect you like to perform with so far?

I only listen to the sound effects, I think my favourite might be the peanut butter. (Come watch to find out!)

You’ve previously worked on Mischief Productions like The Play That Goes Wrong. Are there any skills you’ve obtained from this show and applied them to the role you have in Hold On To Your Butts?

The great skill in the creation of both companies’ work is how accessible it is, how light and seemingly easy. Yet the level of detail and skill that’s gone into them is ridiculous. Comedy & farce & physical theatre is like a swan swimming, you don’t see the work it takes. Things that I’ve learned? The same stuff that’s true of a lot of theatre I love - as a performer you have to put the audience first; work as an ensemble, a team to make the show the best it can be for the people who are seeing it.

How do you prepare for the physical comedy and quick transitions required for this high-energy show?

Not as well as I should!

Do you ever get nervous about referencing such a beloved movie? How do you keep the balance between homage and parody?

It’s easy to get nerves about it but you have to remember the joy it brings, how uplifting the play is.

If you could add any scene or twist to the parody, what would it be and why?

Maybe Hammond and the Compys from the book?

If you could twist another classic film into a parody which one would you choose?

Gladiator!

Hold On To Your Butts runs at the Arcola Theatre until 11 January before heading out on a UK Tour. www.holdontoyourbutts.com