With Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody now open in London’s Underbelly Boulevard Soho, we sat down for an exclusive interview with cast member May Tether about multi-role transformations, bringing super-fans to life on stage, and why affectionate parody connects with audiences, whether they know the original story or not.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody runs at London’s Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 1st November. Tickets here.
You play several characters across the show. Which transformation is the most fun to make each night?
Oh there is a wonderful change from Susan into Lumier every night and it happens within seconds, it’s so fun to see how the audience react! I have fun with that one.
One of the characters you play is Susan who acts almost like the audience’s guide through the story. How did you approach making her both part of the parody and a reflection of the fans who love Heated Rivalry?
I wanted to be true to every fan of Heated Rivalry that I’ve spoken with. They get a glimmer in their eyes and a physical reaction talking about the series. So I chose mannerisms from some of the super fans of the series who are in my life. They’ve been a huge inspiration for Susan, including my own mother!
Parody works best when there’s genuine affection underneath it. How important was it for the company to capture what fans sincerely love about Heated Rivalry?
It is the most important thing to us as a company that fans of the show see themselves reflected. We adore seeing people love the show and so many people who have seen it have said they love the fact the show is told from the fans perspective. It’s so inclusive, loving and truly is for them!
What do you think makes parody such a good way of celebrating something people genuinely love?
I think it’s really special to see yourself, whoever you are, reflected in art. When you’re a huge fan of something and it holds a special place, seeing actors on stage have it mean something to them through comedy, it brings everyone in that theatre together for an evening and there’s something so special about being able to laugh together about something you love.
For someone coming in with no knowledge of Heated Rivalry, what do you think they’ll still connect with in the show?
The show is a parody of a beloved series but it really does stand alone, the parody versions of the characters are ridiculous, funny and so wonderfully written it’s a joy to play them for us all. Even if you haven’t seen the series, it’s written and directed in such a way you can love all the characters regardless, just don’t be shocked when you go and watch the series after. You may be surprised to see a few slight differences.