Quentin, Hepple and Rawle at Pippin Q&A
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WOS Radio: Theatregoers Level Up at Pippin Q&A

Last night (11 January) over 100 theatregoers made their way to the Menier Chocolate Factory for the first major revival of Steven Schwartz's darkly humorous coming-of-age story Pippin which hasn't had a major London airing since 1973.

This high-concept revival which incorporates some of Bob Fosse's original Tony Award-winning choreography is directed by Mitch Sebastian and stars Harry Hepple, last seen in the West End in The 25th Annual Puttnam Country Spelling Bee, in the title role. As heir to the Charlemagne throne Pippin searchs for beauty, glory, fame and magic but in doing so has to come to grips with lust, sex, war, politics and religion. Starring alongside Hepple are Ian Kelsey, Matt Rawle, Frances Ruffelle, Caryl Bawden, Stuart Neal as well as a cameo performance from Caroline Quentin.

After the performance we were joined by Hepple, Rawle, Ruffelle, Bawdy, Neal and Quentin as well as Anabel Kutay and Kate Tydman of the ensemble all of whom shared with us their insights into rigours of the technical period and having Fosse's assistant in rehearsals. We also gained an insight into the perils of lycra costumes and having lighters on stage. Co-producer Natalie Macaluso was also able to join us to giving us a different perspective on this unusual piece and hints to a future for it.

To listen to an edited recording of the Q&A, which was chaired by Whatsonstage.com Managing and Editorial Director Terri Paddock, click the 'play' button below; or to subscribe and download from iTunes, click here.

For further information and booking for upcoming Whatsonstage.com Outings, click here.

- by Laura Norman

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	Pippin Listing Page

Internal Links
	Frances Ruffelle brings Beneath the Dress to Menier, 12 Feb - 31st Jan 2012 news
	Brief Encounter With ... Pippin's Gay Soper - 23rd Jan 2012 interviews
	Pippin Cast Are Game at WOS Q&A - 12th Jan 2012 blog
	Jill Halfpenny Stars in Menier Revival of Abigail's Party - 9th Jan 2012 news
	Review Round-up: Hepple, Rawle & Ruffelle in Menier Pippin - 12th Dec 2011 roundup
	1st Night Photos: Hodge Revisits Pippin at Menier - 8th Dec 2011 photos
	Pippin - 8th Dec 2011 reviews
	Show Pics: First Peek at the Menier's Space Age Pippin - 7th Dec 2011 photos
	Photos: Hepple, Kelsey, Rawle & Ruffelle Join Menier Pippin - 18th Oct 2011 news
	Sebastian Revives Schwartz's Pippin for Xmas at Menier - 21st Sep 2011 news