We sat down with Max Alexander-Taylor and Nicholas Carter who star in the new show, The Rise and Fall of Vinnie and Paul. The VAN GOUGH Musical.
Be a fly on the wall of the eight week houseshare that started as an exciting possibility of an artists commune. When Van Gogh invited Paul Gauguin to join him in Arles little did he know it was the start of a chain of events that would end with Van Gogh loosing his ear.
Get tickets here https://www.vinnie-and-paul-musical.com/
Max and Nicholas, how do you both balance the intense emotions of Vinnie and Paul’s relationship while keeping the energy of a rock musical alive?
The intensity of their emotions goes hand in hand with rock music score. Sometimes it is difficult to not let the emotion overtake the singing, which could make it unsafe vocally, so good technique is important!
What was the most surprising thing you each learned about Van Gogh and Gauguin while preparing for these roles?
Nick: I found it interesting that Paul Gauguin was initially stockbroker and never actually trained as an artist.
Max: Van Gogh created over 1100 over ten years but he only used about 30 different colours in his palette despite being known for his innovative use of colour.
The story explores the fine line between artistic passion and personal turmoil — how do you bring that tension to life on stage?
The music really captures that tension and excitement brilliantly. Neil Bastian has created such a thrilling rock score!
With only two of you carrying the show, how do you keep the dynamic fresh and engaging night after night?
Hard to say while still in rehearsals…!
If Vinnie and Paul had smartphones in their little yellow house, what do you think their most texted phrase to each other would be?
Nick: Paul would definitely be constantly telling Vinnie to “chill the f**k out!”.
Max: “You promised me we’d paint together…where are you?!”
With playing two such celebrated artists, are you at all worried about the reception from art historians?
In short…no! Our version is a fictionalised version of their time together. We have taken full artistic licence to bring their story to life in a way that feels rooted in truth but keeps the show exciting for the audience!