Interview: Max Gill on performing in CHARLEY’S AUNT at Watermill Theatre
Schemes, dreams and classic comic confusion meet hidden identities, mistaken identities and new identities this autumn at the Watermill Theatre, in Rob Madge's brand new adaptation of Brandon Thomas’ classic Victorian farce Charley's Aunt. We spoke to Max Gill, who stars as Babbs, to find out more about this updated version.
How has your experience with Charley’s Aunt been so far?
It’s honestly been one of the most fun experiences I’ve had so far. The Watermill itself is just such a gorgeous space, there’s a real magical feeling around it, the cast are just wonderful on and off stage, and working with such incredible creatives was nothing short of a privilege. This show is just perfect, the thing that brings me the most joy in life is making people laugh, so the fact that I get to do that and get paid ? It couldn’t be any better. Also, being the first group of people to present this new queer twist on such a classic Farce is such an honour and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. So I’d say on the whole, yeah it’s been an alright experience ;)
In what ways has Rob Madge adapted the play to give it a modern perspective?
Rob has done an excellent job of making this peice perfect for the 21st century audience. The basic plot is the same, two sets of couples wanting to be engaged but needing the permission of the girl’s guardian to do so, therefore having one of their butlers (Babbs) impersonate one of the boys aunt to help win the guardian over. The original was first performed in 1892, so you can imagine the writing for the female characters is extremely undeveloped and the topic of Babbs dressing as the aunt is nothing but something to be pointed, mocked and laughed at. However, with their new adaptation, Rob has really given these female characters more substance, making them just as complex and hilarious as the boys. They have also taken the plot line of Babbs dressing up and has really given it more depth and heart. Instead of it just being something to laugh at, we really get to go on a journey with Babbs and how dressing as the aunt allows them to discover things about themself, whilst still keeping all the lightheartedness and comedy. Plus, they’ve chucked in a good bit of modern language and some modern references too which is always appreciated by the audience .
Can you tell us a little about the character of Babbs?
Babbs is a Butler for Lord Spettigue, who is the Uncle of Amy and Guardian of Kitty. They love the arts, a cheeky drink, but most importantly they love their job, despite Spettigue being a less than ideal boss. Looking after Amy and Kitty is their top priority, even if it puts them in some peculiar positions. However, any chance for Babbs to put on show, they will take it and so getting the chance to dress as ‘Donna Lucia’ is a dream. Babbs really goes on a journey of self discovery in the show, but at the heart of it, they are just a lovely, loyal and kind hearted human being.
Babbs gets to wear some impressive costumes! Do you have a favourite?
Oh my god that’s hard !! I can think of two things that are my favourites. First is the flowy, sheer blouse I wear at the end of the show (it’s something I would 100% wear myself haha) and then secondly it’s my whole ‘Donna Lucia’ get up that I wear in my first entrance as her. The giant tiered black hoop skirt, the beaded ruffled capelet and the big black bonnet covered in bows, it’s giving Lily Rose Depo in Nosferatu meets Oh Mary and I LOVE IT !!
Next year you'll be starring as Damian in the UK tour of Mean Girls. How are you feeling about taking on the role?
I’m so excited to get started ! I remember when it came out when I was 16 and in first year of college, I became obsessed. Damien is such an ICONIC character and one of my few dream roles, so being able to portray him all across the UK is such an honour. Like the fact that I’ll be saying ‘You go Glenn Coco’ and ‘She doesn’t even go here’ for a whole year ? That’s all good with me.
What do you hope audiences are talking about on the way home from Charley’s Aunt?
I hope they’re saying ‘wow did you see that Max Gill ? What a gorgeous and very talented person’ (this is a joke). What I ACTUALLY hope they’re talking about is how it’s possible too still hold onto and love these classic bits of theatre, but with just a few tweaks here and there, they can have a new life that fits the 21st century. I also hope people see how the topics discussed in our show reflect our current world, how people that are ‘othered’ are really JUST people, and how they love, hurt and laugh the same as everyone else. But most importantly, I hope they talk about how much of a good time at the theatre they had ! This show is a joy and whilst it does a great job of teaching us some lessons, at the heart, it’s a great bit of entertainment.