Step inside a magical toyshop where toys spring to life as the clock strikes midnight.
But their world is under threat. When tech entrepreneur, Peyton Pixel, plans to tear down the toyshop and replace it with an AI experience centre, the toys must prove that REAL children still want REAL toys.
Harnessing Belle Ballerina feisty attitude, Rebel Racer’s high-octane energy and Grumble the Dinosaur’s cake-fuelled courage, the unlikely team set off on an epic adventure to show that technology can’t replace the magic of true friendship. But can they outsmart Peyton and save their home before daybreak?
We caught up with cast member Reece Kerridge to learn more about the show.
You’re playing Astro, Borebot, and also acting as a Swing. How do you physically and vocally differentiate between a high-energy character like Astro and a more mechanical Borebot?
A lot of research. When creating the characters for this show I purely looked at movements from astronauts and robots and how they are perceived in the world through movies, TV but most importantly a child’s eyes.
A lot of research. When creating the characters for this show I purely looked at movements from astronauts and robots and how they are perceived in the world through movies, TV but most importantly a child’s eyes.
The Mousetrap has been at St Martin’s Theatre for decades. What is it like performing a high-energy, modern mini-musical in such an iconic, historic space?
The West End is full of history and to be performing on a stage with London's longest running show is amazing. I think a show like Midnight in the Toyshop brings a youthful energy to a theatre that’s steeped in history.
The West End is full of history and to be performing on a stage with London's longest running show is amazing. I think a show like Midnight in the Toyshop brings a youthful energy to a theatre that’s steeped in history.
The show pits traditional toys against Peyton Pixel’s AI experience centre. As an actor, how do you tap into that "human" (or "toy") heart to prove that technology can't replace true friendship?
I think there’s a good crossover for technology and toys, but too much technology can take you away from the present and that’s important to get the mix right even as an adult. Being present in the world is important for long last friendships.
I think there’s a good crossover for technology and toys, but too much technology can take you away from the present and that’s important to get the mix right even as an adult. Being present in the world is important for long last friendships.
If you had to describe Astro’s "special power" or role within the group of toys, what would it be?
Astro is a great character as he can interact with the group but also prove being a Lone Ranger is good too. He can work on his Astro skills and then show them to the group!
Astro is a great character as he can interact with the group but also prove being a Lone Ranger is good too. He can work on his Astro skills and then show them to the group!
With showtimes as early as 11:00 AM, how do you get your energy levels up so early in the day?
A good breakfast!
A good breakfast!
Perform Productions focuses heavily on child development through drama. How does it feel knowing you might be performing to a child who is seeing their very first professional musical?
I remember the first musical I ever saw was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and remember being totally hooked by the spectacle for the show. So, being in a position to now be on the other side inspiring kids to watch theatre and have the same feelings is magical. Also, as a kids’ writer myself there’s something beautiful about telling stories to the younger years, and even adults, who can learn through the medium of the arts.
I remember the first musical I ever saw was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and remember being totally hooked by the spectacle for the show. So, being in a position to now be on the other side inspiring kids to watch theatre and have the same feelings is magical. Also, as a kids’ writer myself there’s something beautiful about telling stories to the younger years, and even adults, who can learn through the medium of the arts.
If you could bring one toy from your own childhood to life at midnight, what would it be?
I had a white teddy bear that shone in the light and I called him Silky. So I wish Silky would come to life and come on adventures with me.
I had a white teddy bear that shone in the light and I called him Silky. So I wish Silky would come to life and come on adventures with me.
Grumble the Dinosaur is "cake-fuelled"—if you needed a specific snack to get through a three-show day, what would your "fuel" be?
Deliciously Ella’s Cacao and Almond energy ball.
What do you hope the children (and the parents) take away from the show after the curtain calls?
1. Toys are amazing and technology is too. 2. Theatre and storytelling is a great way to get people’s imagination thriving. 3. If you like the songs, watch this space…!
1. Toys are amazing and technology is too. 2. Theatre and storytelling is a great way to get people’s imagination thriving. 3. If you like the songs, watch this space…!
The "Midnight" Lightning Round:
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favourite toy you owned as a kid? Silky the teddy bear
If you were a toy, would you be a plushie, an action figure, or a robot? Plushie
Describe Midnight in the Toyshop in only three words. Full of magic
Which character's costume is the most fun to wear? Astro
Grumble the Dinosaur loves cake—what’s your go-to treat? Deliciously Ella’s Cacao and Almond energy ball
If you could have one "superpower" from a toy, what would it be? Like Toy Story, come to life when the humans are gone to go on adventures
Favourite song in the show to perform? Rebel Racer
Better sidekick: A robot or a ballerina? Robot
The best part about performing at the iconic St Martin’s Theatre? Walking through the same stage door as many of the greats have
Action figures: Keep them in the box or take them out to play? Play of course!
One thing you always have in your dressing room? SNACKS!
What’s your "recharge" move after a 3-show day? Sleep!
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favourite toy you owned as a kid? Silky the teddy bear
If you were a toy, would you be a plushie, an action figure, or a robot? Plushie
Describe Midnight in the Toyshop in only three words. Full of magic
Which character's costume is the most fun to wear? Astro
Grumble the Dinosaur loves cake—what’s your go-to treat? Deliciously Ella’s Cacao and Almond energy ball
If you could have one "superpower" from a toy, what would it be? Like Toy Story, come to life when the humans are gone to go on adventures
Favourite song in the show to perform? Rebel Racer
Better sidekick: A robot or a ballerina? Robot
The best part about performing at the iconic St Martin’s Theatre? Walking through the same stage door as many of the greats have
Action figures: Keep them in the box or take them out to play? Play of course!
One thing you always have in your dressing room? SNACKS!
What’s your "recharge" move after a 3-show day? Sleep!
Midnight in the Toyshop runs at St Martins Theatre in London from Tuesday 7th until Sunday 12th April. For tickets visit https://www.perform.org.uk/shows/midnight-in-the-toyshop
Post a Comment