In Conversation with the Stars of Drowsy: Stuart and Francesca
In the first of a series of blogs GMT introduces you to the company playing the characters in our upcoming production of the The Drowsy Chaperone. Our first blog in the series focuses in on two of our newest company members Stuart McMaster and Francesca Rullo.
So you are two of the newest members to Glasgow Music Theatre?
Francesca: Yes this is my first show with GMT and I am excited to work with such a talented cast and great production team!
Stuart: This will be my second GMT show. I was drafted in as a last minute addition to GMT’s production of Sweeney Todd back in January and had an absolute blast working with the company for the first time, as much as learning Sondheim in a month was a tall order!
And what tempted you to audition for the Drowsy Chaperone?
Francesca: I love the musical and I had been wanting to get back into performing again for a while. I almost never went to my audition though because I was nervous, but I pushed myself, only wanting to do as good an audition as possible and ended up getting a part!
Stuart: I was drawn to The Drowsy Chaperone as it’s essentially a farce which is right up my street. Paired with an absolutely terrific score, it would have been sad to miss this opportunity. The 1920’s is one of my favourite eras so get involved and bring this to life is very exciting
Tell us a bit about your characters in Drowsy Chaperone?
Francesca: Kitty is a wannabe leading lady. She dreams of stardom and will do anything she can to get there. She is a typical blonde, ditzy flapper girl who maybe has more going on in her head than she lets on. She definitely has a few surprises through the show!
Stuart: I am playing Underling, the sarcastic but loyal butler of Mrs Tottendale (played by the outstanding Zoë Most). He’s constantly keeping her right and often ends up worse off for it! All I will say is to look out for the spit-take scene, it’s certainly something special……..
And what do you do when you are not performing?
Francesca: I am a Science Communicator with the Edinburgh International Science Festival, touring Primary schools around Scotland with a Planetarium Show. In my spare time I love movies, RuPaul's Drag Race, reading and cooking.
Stuart: When not performing, I work as a purchasing group leader for a ship management company. Besides acting, my interests include travelling, movies and swimming when I can. I’m also a huge animal lover and try to get back to my hometown of Aberdeen to visit my childhood cat Jack as much as possible.
As the stars of Drowsy Chaperone have you yourself met any stars?
Francesca: I once cried all the way through Bernadette Peters show, I met her after and it was magical.
Stuart: I once met Joanna Lumley and asked her to sign an old railcard for me.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to about Drowsy Chaperone Show Week?
Francesca: I always love the atmosphere in a show when it gets into production week. Everyone is filled with nervous excitement and we can finally see all our hard work pay off when we finally get to perform in front of an audience.
Stuart: I’m looking forward to the bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1920s to SYT. I think it’s going to be a fantastic show and I hope everyone enjoys as the mix-ups, the mayhem and of course the gay wedding!
The Drowsy Chaperone will be held at The Brian Cox Studio @ The Scottish Youth Theatre from 8th to 12th May with performances at 8pm (additional Saturday Matinee at 3pm). Tickets are available through the Glasgow Music Theatre Box Office.
