Sandy Wilson’s “The Boy Friend “is an all-singing all-dancing love letter to 1920s musical comedies. It returns to London after 10 years major revival.
The Boy Friend first opened in London in 1953, before a West End run in 1954, and ran for more than 5 years. A relatively unknown Julie Andrews ( at that time) starred in the 1954 Broadway run.
Set in Madame Dubonnet’s finishing school in the south of France, these perfect young ladies burst into song at the least provocation, and forbidden boy friends are forever popping through the French windows to sing and dance with them. Since its premiere in 1953, this light-hearted soufflé of a show has delighted audiences worldwide and has become one of the most well-loved British musicals of all time.
Director Matthew White renews his collaboration with the Menier having previously directed She Loves Me, Candide, Sweet Charity (also West End), Little Shop of Horrors (also West End) and The Last Five Years.
Speaking with Tiffany Graves about what attracted her to the production she tells us “I’ve previously worked at the Menier in Sweet Charity – also directed by Matthew White (for whom I recently played Ulla in The Producers too) – and I love his vision and creativity. So when he asked me to be part of The Boy Friend, I jumped at the chance”.
Graves adds “I’ve also worked with Bill Deamer, the co-director and choreographer, and adored his production at Regents Park 13 years ago – so it was a no-brainer for me to say Yes. They are the dream-team!”
As an actor how does Graves research and prepare for the role?
“I love to find out as much as about the era before starting rehearsals; how they spoke, the clothes they wore, how society was at the time, geographically – you name it, I research it!” Graves tells us. “I usually prefer not to listen to previous cast recordings of a show beforehand, though, as I like to hear the score and read the script with fresh eyes first so that I can make the character my own.”
Can she tell us about the character she plays?
She tells us, “I play Hortense, the French maid. She is Madame Dubonnet’s right-hand gal and helps look after things at Le Villa Caprice, the School for Young Ladies. She loves to see the girls flourishing and adores living on the Riviera in Nice.” Adding “I even get to sing a song (It’s Nicer in Nice) all about how marvellous it is there. She’s chic, warm-hearted and a pleasure to play.”
What does Graves feel will be the challenges in playing the role?
“Bill Deamer loves to push people to be the best they can possibly be with his choreography'” she tells us. “We worked together on the musical Shout many moons ago, so I have no doubt he will have me high-kicking, can-canning and jumping all over the place whilst singing and acting. The biggest challenge will be getting totally show-fit so that I can perform the number night after night.”
Finally we asked Graves what she thinks an audience will take away from this productions of “The Boy Friend”.
“I defy anyone not to leave this show without a smile on their face”, says Graves. “It’s a tale of love, loss and reunion – with glorious tunes, incredible dance numbers, and a band that will make your spirits soar and your stresses melt away. It’s such a brilliant cast, and we’ve already developed a wonderful company spirit that will hopefully transmit to the audience. I think it’s the kind of show people will want to see again and again.”
Sandy Wilson’s The Boyfriend runs from 22nd of November to the 7th of March at Menier Chocolate Factory.
