We chatted to Tom about starring in the world premiere stage adaptation of Babette Cole’s children’s book.
How does it feel to be part of Princess Smartypants? It has been an absolute pleasure being a part of the Princess Smartypants team. As a company, we have been working on the show for a very long time (in fact, our first research and development phase was way back in 2020) and so it is brilliant to see it finally make it to the stage! The show itself is a high energy, chaotic, joy to perform and I can’t wait to bring Babette Cole’s work to the stage for families to enjoy.
What can you tell us about the show? The show is a fun filled explosion of music, dancing, and silliness, with three multi-rolling performers joined on stage by a live drummer. Babette Cole wrote a great number of books in the Princess Smartypants series, but this show focuses on the very first that she wrote, where the young Princess outwits and dumbfounds several Princes attempting to win her hand in marriage. It is a brilliant story that encourages young people to embrace who they are and, at its heart, is about independence and empowerment. It is a privilege to bring such a message to young audiences.
With it being a modern day fairytale – what do you hope that young audiences take away from it? We hope that the show empowers all those watching to truly embrace who they are and encourages them to be bold and adventurous just like the princess at the centre of our story.
How has it been working on the production so far? Working on a show such as this you can’t help but be filled with energy going to work each day. From the very first day of rehearsals, it has been so enlivening working on the production. I mean, I get to dress up as a toad and jump about for an hour each day, what’s not to love! We hope that the joy we have had creating the show is apparent to all of those who come along to watch the finished production.
What are you most looking forward to about presenting Princess Smartypants to audiences? Presenting work for young people never fails to disappoint. Knowing that you are performing to children that may never have been to the theatre before is a privilege. On top of that, bringing a show like this to life, a show that is this absurd, ridiculous, chaotic, and joyous is brilliant. I’m looking forward to hearing the children laugh their socks off, scream at the silly toad prince, and jump for joy at the real hero of our story. I can’t wait!
By Emma Clarendon
Princess Smartypants is set to perform at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from the 28th May until the 1st June.