BWW Interviews: Jodie Jacobs About FROM PAGE TO STAGE

The Page to Stage workshop showcases are half an hour segments of three musicals in various stages of development and very different styles: everything from an old Korean fable, Dancing Shadows, a tale of loss and hope, wicked stepmothers and a kook who talks to trees set to awesome soft rock ballads, to an electro rock soundscape which uses voices as percussive instruments! This musical in particular, Beowulf in Soho, has been very difficult but really enjoyable to learn. It'll really challenges your perspective on what a 'musical' is.

My favourite song in the showcase is a beautiful, lilting folk ballad, sung by Ashleigh Gray in the workshop 'Van Winkle', a contemporary twist on the original Rip Van Winkle tale, about waiting for her wandering lover to return to her. Also I like this musical cos none of us have got over the word 'Winkle' yet. All in all, come along cos it's an hour and a half of excellent talent all round, from our bloody brilliant director Simon Greiff, the exceptional cast and the pieces themselves. There really is something for everyone and it's all unheard and new and really exciting. And we say 'Winkle' a lot.

There are 9 bajillion harmonies to learn along with the material for three concerts and another production I'm involved in simultaneously. Although I do like to be busy, I haven't sat down since finishing Rock of Ages last November! I also haven't stopped eating. Being on stage in your underwear for two and a half years puts paid to your appetite. And you don't make friends with salad...