Just four hours before curtain up, Carolyn Maitland stepped into the role of Mom/Lloyd in the world premiere of But I’m A Cheerleader at the Turbine Theatre.
The show was in danger of being cancelled due to a cast member being ill, but Maitland (better known as Ellen in Miss Saigon) was quick to step in and save the day.
“I’m so grateful to Carolyn for stepping in at the last minute,” said producer Paul Taylor-Mills. “Without her, the show would have been cancelled.”
Maitland is no stranger to taking on last-minute roles; and said “I just love being part of a team and helping to make something happen, It’s always such a buzz.”
But I’m A Cheerleader is a brand new musical comedy based on the cult classic film of the same name. It runs at the Turbine Theatre until 28th September.
Carolyn Maitland (she/her, Rags, Miss Saigon) has stepped into the role of Mom/Lloyd at the ongoing world premiere of But I’m A Cheerleader at the Turbine with four hours’ rehearsal. Maitland is also set to appear as the stand-in Mary and Mom/Lloyd in the show as it continues its London run.
The comedic role of Mom/Lloyd, normally played by Jodie Jacobs (she/they), is a fan favourite in the hit show, which continues its run to early May. As revealed earlier this week, Gina Beck (she/her) is set to take on the role of Mary later this month.
This stage version, previously seen at the Turbine as part of the venue’s MTFestUK in 2019, has a book and lyrics by Bill Augustin (he/him), music by Andrew Abrams (he/him) and direction by Tania Azevedo (she/her).
Musical direction and orchestrations are by Josh Sood (he/him) with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (she/her) and set and costume design by David Shields (he/him). Lighting is by Martha Godfrey (they/them) and sound design by Christ Whybrow (he/him).
The hit show, which received a warm review from WhatsOnStage, will continue at the Turbine Theatre until 8 May 2022. It is based on Jamie Babbit’s cult classic Lionsgate motion picture, which features a screenplay by Brian Wayne Peterson.
Orignal article here
Theatre credits include: Rebecca Hershkowitz in Rags (Park Theatre, London); Grace Farrell in Annie (UK Tour and Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto); The World Goes Round (Mac, Belfast), Marian Halcombe in The Woman in White (Charing Cross Theatre); Molly in Ghost (UK Tour); Ellen in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward Theatre); Joelle and Understudy Rita in Groundhog Day (Old Vic); Kathy Seldon in Singin’ in the Rain (Kilworth House Theatre); Understudy Kate and Lilli in Kiss Me Kate (Old Vic and Chichester Festival Theatre); Sally Bowles in Cabaret (ACT, Aberdeen); You Know How to Love Me (The Other Palace); Starting Here, Starting Now (The Pheasantry); Daughter in The Memory Show; Rose and Understudy Karen in From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre); Understudy Vivienne and Serena in Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre); Understudy Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde (UK Tour); Understudy Gabriella and Taylor in High School Musical 2 (UK Tour); Serena, Mabel and Miss Bell inFame (UK Tour) and Mamma Mia! (International Tour).
Twitter: @carolynmaitland
Instagram: carolynmaitland
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Maitland