Stick Man delights families at Birmingham REP
Actor Kate Malyon knows kids favourite Stick Man by heart. As she should. She’s done more than 100 shows of the popular children’s favourite, which was written by Gruffalo team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The show rolled into Birmingham on Boxing Day for an extended run, which lasts until January 12. So we caught up with Kate to find out more about the show.
Tell us about Stick Man.
“Stick Man tells the story of a Stick who gets separated from his Stick family and his family tree and the hazardous journey he has trying to find his way back to them. He eventually gets help from a very special person!”
What do you hope the audience will take away from the production?
“Stick Man Live is a joyful experience. If you don’t leave the theatre humming the tunes with a spring in your step, I’ll eat my hat. There’s also a really important message people can take away from the show - if you go for a jog, take a map!”
What was your initial response to the Stick Man script?
“When I first read the Stick Man script, I was so pleased . . . and relieved. It’s a beautiful and true adaptation of the book. Full of all the fun, adventure, characters and lovely language so associated with Julia Donaldson’s writing.”
Have you found it hard bringing a character to life from the book?
“I’m very lucky in that I get to play quite a few very different characters during the show. Which is my most favourite thing to do! They’re all excellently written and well rounded, so it isn’t hard – it’s very fun.”
Did you always want to be an actor? How did you get to where you are today?
“Apart from a small stint of wanting to be an Archaeologist after watching Jurassic Park, I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else. It’s always been acting. I grew up doing a lot of local productions and being a member of most of the local drama, dancing and singing groups. Once I’d finished school I auditioned for Drama Schools and went to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts for three years. Since then I’ve been doing lots of lovely and varied work.”
What was your favourite book growing up?
“I don’t think I can choose just one!? I loved the Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories. I was also a big fan of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. Ooh and The Famous Five. And The Faraway Tree. And The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe . . . this is a hard question!”
What would you say to encourage people to buy a ticket?
“Stick Man really is the family show not to be missed. We’ll take you on a real adventure, with music, singing, fun characters and maybe even a little routine with some rubber rings! But I can’t say any more about that. You’ll have to buy a ticket and come see for yourself.”
Any advice for budding actors?
“Be 100 per cent sure it’s what you want to do. It’s can be too tough a job to not be 100 per cent. If you are sure then eat, sleep and breath it. Act in everything and anything you can – school plays, amateur dramatics shows, even just on your own at home. Practice makes perfect! Watch as much theatre as you can. Watch Films. Read plays. Know your stuff.
“There’s so much available to you – and a lot of it is free. Most importantly, enjoy it. Apart from being a chocolate taster – it’s the best job in the world!”
