Little Lark of London

“A night at the theatre for me is all about the shared, reciprocal relationship between actor and audience”

Buyer & Cellar, a solo show starring Rob Madge,  is currently running at the King’s Head Theatre. The show, written by Jonathan Tolins and directed by Kirk Jameson, tells the fictional story of an out-of-work actor who is offered the opportunity to work in the basement shopping hall of Barbra Streisand’s Malibu home. 

Recently, we had the chance to chat with Madge about taking on the solo show. We discussed what made them want to be a part of the show, what it is like to be performing at the King’s Head Theatre and even how their love for Streisand has influenced their performance! 

How did you first get involved in the world of theatre?

Professionally, at the age of nine when I played Michael Banks in Mary Poppins in the West End. Prior to that, of course, I was wearing my Grandma’s padded bra with a red towel on my head being The Little Mermaid in the living room, so it was always destined to be!

What made you want to be a part of Buyer & Cellar?

I was thrilled to be asked, first and foremost! To be entrusted with another solo piece, this one being totally out of my hands in terms of the writing, and getting the chance to really stretch my acting limbs has been so much fun. I have wanted to do a play for the longest time and so to be offered one as sharp, witty and moving as this was a real gift! What really appealed to me was the concept – of course I adore Barbra Streisand (I would have to revoke my gay card if I didn’t) – but what interested me beyond that was the unlikely bond that forms between her and Alex. They have a really beautiful, complex relationship . . . And, fundamentally, it’s hilarious!

Can you tell us a bit about the show and the role you play?

So, first and foremost, I play everyone! It’s a solo show and we meet many characters, but the story is told from the perspective of Alex, an out-of-work actor in Los Angeles who finds himself working in Barbra Streisand’s basement mall (the true part of the story being that Barbra really has converted her basement into a shopping centre!). It’s essentially an imagined scenario of what it might be like if a gay actor found himself working for, and striking up a friendship with, the ultimate gay icon (Barbra Streisand!).

How does your own love for Barbra Streisand influence the way you play the role?

I feel closer to her than ever before as a result of this process! Jonathan Tolins, the writer of the piece, has explored her and her complexities so beautifully. We fall in love with the sheer absurdity of her basement mall, yet we also see the challenges that come with being “at the top of the mountain for so long.” Something that has been very helpful for me in the process has been the acknowledgement that we are seeing Barbra through Alex’s perspective. This is HIS interpretation of her. He admits to the audience within the first minute that this will not be an impersonation, merely an essence. “I don’t DO her,” Alex says. And neither do I! But we do interpret a version of what, in all our wildest fantasies, Barbra Streisand might be like behind closed doors.

What is it like to be performing at the King’s Head Theatre?

It’s been so lovely to come back to an intimate crowd – you really feel engaged with every audience member, which isn’t necessarily available to you in other spaces. A night at the theatre for me is all about the shared, reciprocal relationship between actor and audience and, especially in a solo show, the audience become the other character. Feeding off their energy has been wonderful.

What do you hope audiences take away from Buyer & Cellar?

I hope they’ll have laughed! That’s quite important in a comedy. And, other than that, that Malibu mansions like Barbra’s come in all shapes and sizes (ooh, did I just use a metaphor? Maybe!).

How would you describe Buyer & Cellar in one word?

“Gorgeous!” – Barbra Streisand, Funny Girl

Buyer & Cellar runs from 18 to 19 October at the King’s Head Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Photo Credit: Genevieve Girling