Is Pip Utton going to give his audience a self- scripted, Margaret Thatcher monologue at Ashbourne Festival? No, that would be far too boring! He is actually going to take questions from the audience and answer them as Maggie. It will be like having an exclusive meeting with the Iron Lady herself and people attending this particular performance are invited to come prepared with a question or two. Pip’s courage cannot be denied. Previous reviewers of his ‘Playing Maggie’ show have commented on how well he has absorbed Thatcher’s way of thinking and given the audience a provocative and fascinating performance.
This type of ad libbed show is unpredictable and absolutely anything could happen. Obviously Margaret Thatcher was a hugely controversial politician and people’s views of her legacy tend to be polarised. Sparks could fly and there’s one thing we can be sure of: if we get Maggie’s back up we won’t leave saying it was like being savaged by a dead sheep!
Pip Utton Playing Maggie is on at the Town Hall on Wednesday 29 June and tickets can be bought from the Festival website.
Pip was kind enough to answer some questions I put to him about his life in the theatre:
Robin: You were born and brought up in Cannock. Did you do any acting there?
Pip: I did quite a lot of amateur pantomime and drama between ages 23-27 but then stopped. I didn’t start acting professionally until I was 42.
Robin: You have appeared regularly at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for over twenty years. Why do you keep going back?
Pip: It is the most exciting festival there is, as well as the biggest. This year for example there will be over 3000 different productions and over 50,000 performances. It is an opportunity to try new work and develop it in front of a great audience who want you to do well.
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Robin: How do you help young actors at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Pip: I think that it is very important for us ‘old stagers’ like me to realise that the younger performers have been brought up in a different world to us; attitudes, expectations and technology have advanced beyond belief. The best thing we can do is remind all performers, especially younger ones, that whatever you perform you must make it the very best, the very highest standard that you can produce and then be willing to listen and consider if anyone offers ways to improve (even if you eventually discount the advice!)
Robin: In 2015 you were awarded The Stage’s Special Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. This is a prize that awards sustained excellence at the Fringe. Did they give you something to put on the mantelpiece?
Pip: Yes, I got a very special glass trophy that is heavy and props my office door open.
Robin: You are well known for your portrayals of famous men. So why Margaret Thatcher?
Pip: It is an enormous challenge. Not just playing Mrs T but being her to the extent that I take any questions from the audience and answer them as I think she would have done. It keeps me on my toes because I have little idea what I will be asked. It makes the performance quite edgy I hope.
Robin: Is it important to evoke a strong reaction from the audience?
Pip: I believe that it is important to give the audience food for thought and possibly discussion. I would hate to perform so badly that people forget the performance very soon after I finish.
Robin: Your portrayal of Adolf Hitler provoked negative reactions from some members of the audience: some walked out and others complained. Did you expect that sore of reaction and how did you respond to it?
Pip: When I first started playing Adolf Hitler I had no idea what to expect. The success it had around the world has taken me completely by surprise as has the reactions of some of the audience who get so involved with the portrayal that they forget they are watching a theatre show and believe they are being lectured (almost abused) by a rampant racist. The denouement explains it all but I am sad that some ( a very few) will have left angrily before then.
Robin: Which actor has inspired you the most?
Pip: I would like to say Peter Sellers or Derek Jacobi but I’m not sure how much of that is just admiration. I have no training or background in this world and am appallingly badly read. I think that the biggest inspiration for me has been the support of my audience for so long now, and I hope it carries on for a very long time to come please.
Robin: What is your favourite play?
Pip: Romeo and Juliet. It is the everlasting struggle of the young against those who pretend to know better.
Robin: Would you recommend a career in acting to a young person?
Pip: Yes yes yes! There’s no money to be made for most of us but it is a career filled with meeting exciting and creative people. I smile every morning knowing that I am now earning a living having such a fantastic time, and seeing the world because of it.
