Interview: Actor Jodie Cuaresma on ROBIN HOOD & THE CHRISTMAS HEIST at Rose Theatre Kingston
Written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Chris Bush (Standing At The Sky’s Edge) and directed by UK Theatre Award-winning director Elin Schofield, Robin Hood has been re-imagined into a wonderful festive treat for all family audiences to enjoy in Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist at the Rose Theatre Kingston. We spoke to actor Jodie Cuaresma on playing Much in the new production.
What should audiences expect from Robin Hood And The Christmas Heist? How does it differ from other festive shows?
WELCOME TO THE FOREST OF SHERWOOD! Audiences should expect a fresh re-imagination on the famous tale of Robin Hood, brought to life by an exceptional young company alongside four pro actors! Audiences should expect a spectacle of magical theatrical storytelling brought to life with an abundance of dances, original songs with live music and a joyous burst of festive moments on stage!
With this show, Chris Bush’s script differs from many other festive shows as she has whimsically threaded such a famous story amongst the setting of the bleak midwinter in the town of Nottingham, alongside many other famous Christmas characters; you’ll just have to come along to see it! It stands out from the regular festive panto so many are used to as this show is told by an incredible young company who take on pivotal moments of the story, and I have to say, they completely steal the show and the audience's hearts.
Can you tell us a little about the character of Much?
Much is a character of which I am so lucky to have explored in the show, playing guitar throughout to support the show's musical narrative, all completely cultivated by the very talented Matthew Winkworth. Much is the balladeer who rallies with the forest folk in Nottingham, alongside Marian and Robin. I remember sitting with Director’s Elin and Alex in rehearsals, diving into the story of Much and where I think they originated from. The story we came up with for them bloomed into something super feisty, protective and musical . Much, to me, is a rebellious character who believes in freedom, redemption and leads with her heart through song. Much is exactly who I strive to be in real life.
The Rose Christmas shows have a lovely tradition of featuring both professional actors and members of the Rose Youth Theatre. What are the benefits of this?
There is such a great benefit of showcasing a production that uses professional actors and Rose Youth Theatre actors. On the first day of rehearsals with the young company, we gathered in a circle to introduce ourselves and shared what we were looking forward to in the creative process. It was so heartwarming to be amongst such an inspiring cohort of young performers who all shared similar intentions as us, that they wanted to learn from the pros and to improve particular skills in acting, singing and dancing. Likewise, I wanted to learn from them and their vibrancy..
As a kid from Ipswich back in the day, I could only dream of gracing the stage alongside professional actors. I completely believe that it is so important to merge different stages of creative paths with all ages, as it bridges an educational gap that not many young performers get their hands on. The benefit of it simply brings an array of generations together on stage and in the audience.
Do you have any favourite memories of visiting the theatre when you were younger?
I grew up in Ipswich but moved to Twickenham to study Physical Theatre and Drama - when I had just graduated in 2016, I rustled up an original piece of theatre, written and directed by my friends at In The Quirks Theatre, which was so lucky to bring to The Rose in its International Youth Arts Festival. My company In The Quirks Theatre, formed with a bunch of really great friends from uni, performed The Missing Girl of Grigglewood of which totally snatched up the Volunteers Choice award at IYAF, and the reception at The Rose was incredible. That was my favourite memory of The Rose!
You're also a writer and musician; are you working on any other projects that you can share with us?
I am indeed a writer and musician! I’ve been writing songs since I was 10, self-taught and learning how to copy finger patterns on YouTube of my favourite songs by Taylor Swift and with her first hit ‘Teardrops on my Guitar’! Since then, I’ve never been able to put down the guitar and I’ve become more curious in picking up more instruments like the ukulele, harmonica and everything I can get my hands on. However it is safe to say, I am completely a musician by ear and by spirit. I’ve got way over 40 songs I’ve written over the years, all bursting to be recorded and released.
I recorded and released my very own self-produced EP titled ‘The Hell That I Know’ which can be streamed on Spotify. I’m working independently on a new single called ‘Grapefruity’ and I hope to get this out in 2025. I don’t think I will ever stop writing music!
What do you hope audiences take away from Robin Hood And The Christmas Heist?
I truly hope that audiences will take away the moral compass that things can get better in the climate that we trudge through, the past we remember, the future we idealise or worry about. Things will get better and there is hope. I want audiences to take the two hours in The Rose to let themselves feel merry, to laugh and to have a really lovely culmination of 2024. I can promise you - we all feel it on stage!