It’s a mark of something wonderful that sees a theatre full at 5pm on a Friday afternoon, but the new musical The Band, based on the songs of Take That, did just that.
fairypowered was happy to be invited to interview cast members Rachel Lumberg and Faye Christall. Both actors play the same character, Rachel, at 16 (Faye) and 40 something (Rachel).
fairypowered wondered what career the actors envisioned at sixteen. Unsurprisingly, both wanted to perform, with Rachel adding, “I started to do fashion but 6 weeks in and I was bored so I went to performing instead. I’d been doing Youth Theatre from around 15 and I’d done backstage and everything and then I ended up in David Copperfield.”
And did you always want to perform? “Yes always” answered Faye, with Rachel adding “I wanted to be a Nurse when I was around 8, but I was always the one who got up and did a “turn” and then joining the Youth Theatre… it was a natural progression to perform.”
So, what advice would you give your 16 year old self? “Save for tax!” laughed Rachel, “seriously though I’d tell myself to listen more and be bold and follow your dreams” “I think I’d tell myself to be more brave in future, don’t overthink too much” added Faye
We see Rachel at two very different points in her life – how do you see yourself when you are a 40 something? “Still enjoying life, be happy, maybe children, but most of all be happy” smiled Faye. “I agree with being happy” said Rachel, “I’m a 40 something now and I’m not doing what I thought I would be doing at this age, but I am enjoying what I am doing”
How you describe your character Rachel? Faye answered, “Young Rachel is a loyal friend, she has Debbie in her life and that stops her being timid and afraid. She loves life and she wears her heart on her sleeve” Rachel agreed “she is a loyal friend. I don’t think she ever really grieved for Debbie so lots of unfinished issues. She doesn’t argue with her partner Jeff because she grew up with her parents arguing. The friends all split when they hit a major tragedy instead of holding on to each other and she still has that struggle”
The Band is loosely based on a true story and the cast had been quite emotional when they had the chance to meet some of the people involved in the story when the show was in Leeds.
The casting of the show is amazing with the younger and older girls being a perfect match. Something that is hi-lighted during Back For Good. “Its fabulous isn’t?” said Rachel, “My family saw Faye on stage and were amazed because it was exactly me when I was 16”
How are you enjoying touring? “I’ve toured before but never in anything as long as this” said Faye. “Yes” answered Rachel “it’s the longest our I’ve ever done. But I do love an Open Top Bus Ride – and with the show being in theatres for 2 weeks at a time I have the chance to learn all about whichever place I am in!”
And finally, how do you feel about performing with Take That? “It’s very surreal” answers Faye, “but they are very genuine and treat everyone equally. My sisters are huge Take That fans, so they were more excited than I was.” Rachel added, “It was a real “pinch me” moment. The show is very much an ensemble piece though. Take That were very hands on from the very beginning, moving around songs that don’t work until it became the show they wanted”
With the songs fitting so perfectly into the show its hard to believe they weren’t written especially for the show. With the book written by Gary Barlow’s childhood friend Tim Firth, maybe the idea was already there when 16 year old Gary was writing A Million Love Songs in his bedroom.
The Band is currently at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 14 April and then on tour around the UK. More details are available at www.thebandmusical.com