Interview: Actor Alex Gibson-Giorgio on ZORRO THE MUSICAL

The newly re-imagined version of Zorro The Musical by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson, opens in London on 2 April, featuring music by the Gipsy Kings and John Cameron. We spoke to actor Alex Gibson-Giorgio about the show and his character, Ramon.

Tell us about Zorro the Musical and your character in the show.

We all know and love the mask-wearing, sword-wielding bandit who fights for the poor and defends injustice, breaking many a heart along the way; made eternally famous by Antonio Banderas alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins. Well, the musical has all the passion, love, and fire of the film, with a little extra heart, all set to the songs of the Gypsy Kings. What more could you ask for? I play the role of Ramon de La Vega, Diego’s (Zorro’s) older brother, the quintessential bad guy who has taken control of their town and is causing havoc … it is here where our story begins!

How excited are you to be involved in this production?

I am incredibly excited! After 2 years of waiting, this time round feels extra special. And I’m doing it with my best friend, Phoebe Panaretos who plays Inez. We went to high school together back in Oz and have been waiting for over 15 years to do a show together… now the wait is over!

This production originally opened at the Hope Mill Theatre but was sadly cut short due to the pandemic. What has it been like to be part of remounting the production to give it the life it deserves?

Yes, that’s right. We performed two previews up in Manchester before Covid closed the world but we are back! The team has put together another phenomenal group of performers, most of the original Manchester company plus six new members who have brought their own fresh and eager energies to the cast. This ensemble not only sings and acts, they also have to play multiple instruments, dance (WHILST PLAYING), shoot guns and sword fight… a truly talented bunch! It’s a real pleasure working with everyone, and I can’t wait to share it with the London audiences.

The Charing Cross Theatre is an interesting space to perform in. As a performer, what is it like to work in such a venue?

This will be my first time performing in Charing Cross so it’s all new and exciting for me! We’re playing in traverse, so the audience will be split in half sitting on either side of the stage, able to see one and other whilst watching the show take place in between them. There’s something extra special to me about asking an audience to suspend their disbelief while constantly being reminded they’re in the theatre. The space is so intimate too the entire audience become another active character in the piece.

What have you enjoyed about the rehearsal process so far and working with director Christian Durham? What have you learned since starting to work on this production?

It has been the biggest thrill getting back into the rehearsal room. It’s definitely one of my favourite parts of putting on a show. The pure magic of a group of actors in a space creating an imaginary world together with endless possibilities. It’s so exciting! Working with Christian has been wonderful … he is so open and willing for discussions about our ideas for the piece and choices for our individual characters. It always feels like a collaborative process with a shared creative vision. I’ve remembered and relearnt that the rehearsal room is a place to make bold offers and explore the full range of your character with no judgement … there are no wrong choices. As my acting teacher Margot Fenley would say: “Be bold and fail gloriously!”

You’ve worked on a range of productions in both the UK and Australia. How does the theatre scene and its audiences compare in both countries?

I’ve been lucky enough to work and create in both countries and each has their own special charm. I do think there is more demand for work over in the UK though. Language is such an important part of what it means to be British with theatre being deeply embedded in the cultural fabric. There are local theatres in most small towns and a strong tradition of regional and touring companies across the entire UK. This has created an active and engaged audience who love going to the theatre. I feel very lucky to be a part of this continually evolving art form.

What can audiences expect from Zorro and why should they come to see the show?

First and foremost, The Gypsy Kings music! It fills your soul! You’re in for a night of heartfelt story telling with passion, love, swashbuckling and sword fighting!

Zorro the Musical plays at Charing Cross Theatre until 28 May, with tickets available here.