BFFs Kathy and Stella host Hull’s least successful true crime podcast. When their favourite author is killed, they are thrust into a thrilling whodunnit of their own! Can they crack the case (and become global podcast superstars) before the killer strikes again…?
The hilarious comedy musical from the Olivier Award-winners behind Fleabag, Baby Reindeer and A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) returns!
Written by Jon Brittain (Rotterdam) and Matthew Floyd Jones (Frisky & Mannish). The acclaimed show transfers to London’s West End after successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and on tour. The cast is led by Bronté Barbé as Kathy and Rebekah Hinds as Stella.
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| Bronté Barbé and Rebekah Hinds. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic |
Ahead of the show running at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, we spoke with Rebekah Hinds to discuss the show.
Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
A born and bred Hull lass, with a penchant for True Crime. Unfiltered in every way apart from perhaps being unable to properly articulate how much she fiercely loves her friend. She’s a bit stroppy and defensive at the same time as being quick-witted and warm. It’s hard to put Stella in a box, she’s very layered actually (cheers Jon [Brittain] & Matthew [Floyd Jones]!) She’s impulsive which gets her into trouble, but has a huge heart (much like everyone I’ve met from Hull.)
What first attracted you to the piece and what made you want to return?
It’s funny. But properly funny. Not like the scripts that think they’re funny but make my body convulse with cringe. But that’s just my humble opinion. I was booked on a workshop of the show last year, secretly thinking I’d leave it there. Then accidentally fell in love with every single page and when I was offered the job I thought ‘oh no I’m going to have to exhaust myself in Edinburgh.’ A good decision.
This version is newly expanded, how much fun is it getting to play in the role but have more to play with as well?
It’s so wonderful to be a part of creating something from the beginning. We know the characters so well now that so many new ideas come tumbling out in the room. Every song by Matthew Floyd Jones is a banger and there’s no exception with the new songs in this expanded version. The process is a journey. Our co-director Fabian Aloise likened it to what some mothers say: ‘It’s like having a second baby, you forget that the first one was difficult and painful because the result was beautiful and magical.’ This is very much all of us birthing our second baby. The second one should be easier to raise because you know what you’re doing. But they all grow up and have therapy and blame you for everything even though you tried your best at the time. This analogy lost its way a bit.
Rebekah Hinds and Bronté Barbé. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic |
With murder mysteries back in the big time thanks to films like Knives Out and it’s sequel, what do you think makes the genre so appealing?
I think it’s that combination of being entertained and challenged at the same time. The audience gets to indulge in something dark and chaotic, but feel like they are part of the process of resolving it. And if there’s singing, even better! It’s like doing a Sudoku while getting a massage (with a happy ending..)
With TRUE crime, I think there’s a morbid fascination with the psychology of the criminal mind. Which is certainly what it is for me anyway.
What do you want an audience to take away from seeing the show?
Sore abs from laughing.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Perfect Night Out!
Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder runs at the Ambassadors Theatre from 25th May until 14th September 2024. Visit https://kathyandstella.com/ for booking.
Rebekah Hinds. Photo by Samuel Black |
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