They're Funny… They're Silly… And They're Really Really Bad!
The Baddies love being bad. They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits…who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think…
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| Photo by Jess Shurte |
With songs by Joe Stilgoe (Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors), The Baddies is a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story. A laugh-out-loud riot for all the family.
Rising star Lottie Mae O’Kill plays Mama Mouse in the show. With the show on tour we sat down with Lottie to learn more.
What can you tell me about The Baddies and your role as Mama Mouse within the show?
The Baddies is a wonderful Musical adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler! Music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe, book by David Greig and Jackie Crichton, with direction and choreography by Katie Beard and Heather Scott Martin.
We follow the Story of a Mama Mouse telling her Mice Babies the story of ‘The Baddies’. We then meet the Troll, the Witch and The Ghost and follow their attempts to steal a little girl's hanky! But of course, they are the Worst Baddies in the World! Mama Mouse acts a narrator in the show and a lot of her lines are straight from the book. She is a fun, theatrical mother who loves her mouse babies! She enjoys playing games, telling stories and teaching her children manners and important lessons.
Having taken part in the rehearsal and development session for the show, it is so fulfilling to go full circle and be a part of the show on tour?
It’s amazing! When I was asked to be a part of the Rehearsal and Development sessions I was so excited. I knew it was going to be a wonderful show and I was so excited to be a small part of it. Little did I know, I’d end up in the original cast - originating the role of Mama Mouse! In the workshop, I played Mama Mouse, The Girl and The Witch! It was so fun to play all three characters and to help start to create them and the world they live in. Learning the music and watching the parts written in front of us was so interesting. I loved being a part of it. It’s great being onstage singing the songs and seeing how far the show has come! This tour is going to be wonderful. We are already having so much fun. We are visiting some incredible venues - we are so lucky to be touring!
How useful was the original book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schaffer when you were preparing for the role?
It was so helpful! I got my hands on a copy and read it a couple of times. We had each page printed out and stuck on the wall so we could refer to it and help us craft the story. Growing up, I read a lot of Julia’s books so I was already familiar with Julia’s world and characters - so it’s so exciting bringing these new characters to life!
What is the message you want audience members to take away from seeing the show?
There are a few important messages in the show! My favourite message is the fact that there is a place for everyone. No matter who you are, there is always a place for you! You will find your crowd, your people. I think it’s such an important message.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for a role like this?
Warming up is so important for actors. It gets us physically, vocally and mentally warm. I start warming up as soon as I wake up, just some gentle humming to get the voice working. Once in the theatre at 9am, we do a 15 minute physical warmup followed by a vocal warmup. We will do cardio, strength, abs and arm workouts followed by a stretch. We then do a fight call, which is where we run the fight sequence that happens in the show to make sure everything is safe. Next we do our makeup and get into costumes and wigs. I enjoy this time - I put on my headphones and chill, but also I’ll have a laugh and a chat with my cast mates! Since we do shows at 10.30, 1.30 and sometimes 4.30 it can be very demanding! So we have to really pace ourselves, drink lots of water and eat good food!
When did you know that you wanted to perform?
Ever since I was a child! I was lucky to attend singing, dancing and acting classes throughout my childhood, all the way up until I was 16.
Ever since I was a child! I was lucky to attend singing, dancing and acting classes throughout my childhood, all the way up until I was 16.
I went to a local dance school, East Sussex Dance Studios, and went to Heathfield Youth Drama every Friday night. I did lots of musicals, plays, competitions, festivals and workshops! I made my West End debut aged 15, playing Patrice in 13 The Musical. I moved to Hertfordshire shortly afterwards to study musical theatre, followed by a Degree at Guildford School of Acting. Theatre has been my dream job for as long as I can remember. I am so grateful!
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
The first musical I remember watching was Little Shop of Horrors at The Menier Chocolate Factory. I must have been 4/5 years old? We would always watch the 1985 movie at home and we would have the soundtrack playing in the car. It remains my favourite musical to this day, I even have a tattoo of Ellen Greene as Audrey on my arm! I was so moved and inspired and knew I was witnessing pure theatre magic - I still remember them singing Suddenly Seymour - I caught the bug and I’ve been performing ever since!
What inspires you?
My family inspire me to work very hard and be grateful. My friends inspire me to find happiness and joy everyday, and to not loose sight. I’m truly surrounded by so much support and love. Music inspires me to dance, sing, move and smile! Movies, plays and musicals inspire me to keep dreaming and know that there are so many wonderful pieces of art out there to read, watch and be a part of! I also have a little Pinterest board of Dream Roles that I envision myself playing! Watching theatre inspires me the most. I recently watched Matilda in London and I was so inspired! One of my dream roles is Miss Honey and I had such an amazing time - it’s a beautiful musical.
What does theatre mean to you?
Theatre means so much to me. It’s an escape but it’s also my reality! I get to be onstage in these musicals, and perform in these worlds, playing characters. But it’s also my job. I’m so lucky to have a job that doesn’t feel like work because I love it so much! I love everything to do with theatre and musicals. I listen to musical cast recordings everyday, and I watch musicals as often as I can. Theatre is so important, it makes people feel a million emotions, it can make people feel seen and heard. My wish is that we make it even more accessible. That’s something I’d like to work towards and help with as my career progresses.
The Baddies is touring with dates booking until 12th June 2025. For dates and tickets visit https://baddiesonstage.com/
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