Written and directed by Ben Elton, Close up: Twiggy the musical is currently running at Menier Chocolate Factory in London.
The Artiscape spoke to Aoife Dunne who will be playing Cindy.
Aoife was the winner of Play in A Day at Alexandra Palace for Sky Arts. Her theatre credits include Maria Friedman – Legends (Menier Chocolate Factory), Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Sondheim Theatre), The Witches of Eastwick (Sondheim) and Toy Show the Musical (The Auditorium in Dublin).
Can you tell us about Close Up – The Twiggy Musical?
Dunne: Close Up – The Twiggy Musical is an electrifying new musical that takes audiences on a journey through the captivating life and career of the iconic Twiggy. This show weaves together the story of the legendary British model, actress, and fashion icon, tracing her rise to stardom in the swinging sixties and her enduring influence on the world of fashion and pop culture.
With a nostalgic soundtrack that channels the spirit of the era, Close Up – The Twiggy Musical brings Twiggy’s remarkable life story to the stage in a way that is both entertaining and deeply moving. As the audience is transported back to the heyday of London’s mod scene to the bright lights of Hollywood and Broadway, they’ll discover the magic and resilience of a true icon whose impact still resonates today. Close Up – The Twiggy Musical is a vibrant celebration of Twiggy’s legacy, her timeless style and the indomitable spirit that made her a symbol of an era.
You play Cindy. What can you tell us about this character you play?
Dunne: I absolutely love playing Cindy. She’s the kind of friend we all wish we had in our lives or probably already have. With her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering confidence, she is the embodiment of a true friend. She’s the kind of person who says it like it is, unafraid to call out any funny business or speak her mind when necessary. Her loyalty runs deep and she has no problem standing up for her mates without hesitation. The main thing I love about her, and what sets Cindy apart, is her ability to offer that perfect blend of support and tough love. She’s there to celebrate Twiggy’s victories, but she’s equally there to offer a reality check when things get tough. It’s so amazing to get the chance to play this girl who embodies the essence of friendship, serving as a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering support throughout Twiggy’s journey. I really feel that her cheeky Irish charm and sense of humour help bring an extra little bit of warmth and spirit to her circle of girls and the story as a whole.
What, if any, have been the challenges for the team in putting this production together?
Dunne: The rehearsal experience for Close Up: The Twiggy Musical has been nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, it was clear that we were not just a cast and crew but a little tight-knit family. The sense of camaraderie between everyone is truly something special and we’re all getting along like a house on fire! The synergy in the rehearsal room is palpable, giving us this environment where creativity is just flourishing and where the magic of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical comes to life. Not only are we creating a musical; we’re building lasting friendships, and that connection is bound to shine through when we take the stage.
What are you looking forward to in performing in the show at Menier Chocolate Factory?
Dunne: I am thrilled about the opportunity to perform in Close Up – The Twiggy Musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory because I think that this venue will perfectly complement the deeply personal and intimate storytelling that the musical encapsulates.
The Menier Chocolate Factory’s cozy, intimate setting lets us make this connection with the audience that allows them to feel as if they are right there alongside Twiggy on her remarkable journey. The proximity between the stage and the audience creates an immersive experience, where every emotion, every note, and every moment can be felt on a deeply personal level.
It’s a space that allows us to not only showcase the music and performances but also to really show the raw and genuine emotions that lie at the heart of Twiggy’s story. It really is going to give us the ideal backdrop to share this beautiful and poignant narrative. I can’t wait!
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this musical?
Dunne: I think the audience will really enjoy Close Up – The Twiggy Musical because of the powerful nostalgia that the music gives us, and the comforting familiarity of the events portrayed in the musical. The music in the show transports us back to the enchanting sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, hitting us all with a welcome wave of nostalgia that tugs at our heartstrings.
It creates this shared sense of timelessness that can connect different generations and allows each member of the audience to reminisce about their own experiences or imagine what it was like during that iconic time.
The events in the musical, depicting Twiggy’s meteoric rise to fame, her struggles, and her triumphs, are also deeply relatable. They mirror the universal human journey of chasing dreams and overcoming obstacles, making Close Up – The Twiggy Musical not only a celebration of Twiggy but also a celebration of the human spirit.
It really is this unique blend of nostalgia and familiarity that will make Close Up – The Twiggy Musical an unforgettable and cherished experience for everyone who comes along.
