Following a hugely successful first run in Birmingham last year, The Mad Ones is putting its foot on the gas and accelerating down to The Other Palace for its London debut. Full of huge, soaring songs and invigorating vocals, this powerful coming-of-age musical perfectly blends humour and heartache, presenting the very best of a contemporary musical theatre show. We sat down with Thea-Jo Wolfe who play Beverly to discuss returning to the role of Beverly.

What excites you most about returning to The Mad Ones as Beverly for its London run?

The location! I haven’t been in a London based show for 7 years (there’s been a lot of living all over the country and on boats in that time) and while I absolutely love doing regional theatre, being from the North-East myself I think it’s some of the most important work to do, there’s a really exiting buzz about bringing a show to the centre of London. I’m very much looking forward to forcing friends to come and watch this fantastic show now that they can’t use the train to Birmingham as an excuse!

How has your approach to the role evolved since the show’s first run in Birmingham?

To be honest, I think we will find that out in rehearsal! Beverly was originally written considerably older than I am and while I didn’t particularly ‘age up’ how I played her before, we now have the writers on board with our version of Beverly having been young when she had Sam, so it will be fun to play with that and how it might affect  the dynamic.

Also, it’s the first time I’ve ever had a chance to revisit a role so that’s exciting! Sort of like in the argument you have in your head hours after the real one you always have much wittier comebacks, this time I can implement the ideas and choices that only came with the benefit of hindsight.

The Mad Ones is known for its soaring vocals—what’s the most challenging or rewarding song for you to perform?

In terms of a challenge, the song that can give me the fear is ‘Drive’. It might seem simple in amongst all the big belty numbers but it’s deceptively difficult to count (as anyone who had to put up with me learning it in the first instance can attest to) which probably says more about my maths ability than anything else… In my defence there is  LOT going on! But it’s such a fabulous ensemble number and the perfect soundscape to Sam’s state of mind.  The most rewarding is definitely ‘Miles To Go’. It’s gorgeous to sing but it’s also the explanation of why Beverly pushes Sam so hard to achieve. I love that it’s much bigger than their relationship, it’s about pressures and obstacles all women face and has such an important message. 

How does the show’s exploration of mother-daughter relationships and high school dynamics resonate with you personally?  

I think being in my 30’s now and seeing the teenage characters as young rather than the invincible mature grown up you perceive yourself to be at that age is an interesting dynamic. It makes me think of all the things I thought I was mature enough to do at high school age that must have given my parents a heart attack (sorry for all the festivals!). I think as a story with an absence of a villain, it’s easy to see Beverly as a negative force – holding Sam back, forcing her own ambitions on her… basically being a bit of a fun sponge but she just wants Sam to be safe and well equipped for the big wide world before she lets her go, which is something I think most people can relate to being a misunderstanding within their own family at some point. I like the idea of exploring that parents don’t have all the answers, they don’t always know how to say the right thing to their children and it’s their first time trying to do life too. 

With new performers joining the cast, including West End star Courtney Stapleton, how has the energy of the production shifted?

Again, that’s something we will find out in the rehearsal room, but it’s always exciting to see what new energy or choices different people will bring and the domino effect that will have on how Dora and I play our roles. Courtney has such a stellar CV so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing her take on the role of Kelly.

If audiences take away one message or feeling from The Mad Ones, what do you hope it is?

Hug your friends (and your Mam!) tell them you love them… but make your choices for you because you can’t please everyone.

Tickets for The Mad Ones are available here, 7th May – 1st June 2025.