We chatted to Madison about her show Bombshell, playing at The Bread & Roses Theatre on the 11th June.
Hi Madison, how did the idea for the show come about? Hi! My mum was a Vegas showgirl, so I was exposed to sequins from a very early age. She taught me that there was no deadlier combo than a big brain and a bit of lip gloss. I’ve always been interested in the intersection between performance and activism, and wanted to explore ways to discuss complicated issues such as the climate crisis with a little bit of sparkle. Plus, I’m a huge rom-com fan and had to sprinkle a bit of that in there as well!
How has it been to see Bombshell develop? It’s been so special, particularly because I’m getting to do this with two of my very best friends. I remember writing the show and thinking, “Well, this is fun, but something this insane will obviously never be possible to actually put up with my budget.” I feel so grateful to my pals for believing in the show and helping me make it happen. I cry tears of joy in probably 80% of rehearsals, which is really starting to ruin my reputation as an unbreakable, impenetrable, extremely tough cookie.
How does it feel to be bringing the show to London? It’s amazing to bring the show to London! My mum is English, and I spent my youngest years living in the UK, traveling around as my mum took on various dance contracts before we moved to Vegas. To return here as an adult and to be able to perform a show that is inspired by those early experiences feels like a full-circle moment.
What would you like for audiences to take away from the show? I hope audiences walk away with a renewed sense of action and a direction to aim it toward. I also hope they leave with our silly songs in their heads and a smile on their face. We are entertainers at heart and want to give the audience a real good time first & foremost!
What made you want to be part of the world of theatre? As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. In my experience, it took an ensemble. My mother raised us primarily on her own, but she had a lot of support from the kind, talented, generous, sparkly show-people that she shared the stage with each night. I think the theatre provides a wonderful model of community, a place where people come together with each of their individual skills and contribute to something greater than themselves. It’s a powerful place to dream and create new realities, and I feel really lucky any time I get to be part of that.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets for the show visit: https://www.breadandrosestheatre.co.uk/whats-on.html