Jennifer Harding talks about NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD LIVE

Name: Jennifer Harding
Name of show: Night of the Living Dead Live
Venue: Pleasance, London
Dates of run: 9 April – 19 May 2019

Can you tell me about the show?
NOTLD was the first film venture into a zombie apocalypse, and we get to tell it again; this time on stage and with a twist! Basically, strangers get trapped in a house together during the attack of the undead and we see them fight for survival by any means necessary. Itʼs this crazy thrill-ride that combines razor sharp comedy with… well, zombies. Itʼs awesome.

What part do you play in the show and where does it fit in to the story?
I play Helen, whoʼs trying to protect her young daughter. Sheʼs got a lot to say, and itʼs not always nice. I also play Judy, who is the sweet, unassuming girlfriend of Tom. The two women genuinely could not be further from each other.

What’s your favourite part of the whole show and why?
The first “attack” scares me every time! Which is very cool, but really my absolute favourite part is how clever the script is. We spend the rehearsal days screaming, and then actually laughing out loud.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?
Iʼve been incredibly lucky to have done a bunch of random things! Iʼve worked in some pretty iconic musicals (Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Funny Girl) which I am so grateful for. Last year I released my first album of original work, where I got to sing my own stuff, so thatʼs pretty much bucket list right there. And then this past year I got to be the voice of a crazy, badass bit#! In the newly released video game, Tom Clancyʼs The Division 2.

Who are your biggest inspirations inside and outside of the industry?
Iʼm pretty family-centric. Iʼm so lucky to have such incredible parents who supported my move to the UK in 2012. I try to be as much like them as I can be. Industry-wise? I feel like every new job is a total education, so inspiration is pretty much everywhere.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Iʼm always the first in the dressing room. I like taking my time getting ready. Iʼm pretty OCD. Like, once I set what I do backstage, Iʼll repeat it every night.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
Either Joni Mitchell, Both Sides Now, or Paul Simonʼs Still Crazy After All These Years. Sorry, thatʼs not one is it?

What’s so special about this production and why should audiences come to see it?
In all seriousness, Iʼve never read – or seen – anything like this! Not only is it fast-paced and clever, the design is so, so beautiful. It will surprise you at every turn. If you like a hilarious night out, and if you like being thrilled, you need to be here for this one. Iʼm so excited for it.

Thanks for having Tea With Wilma

Night of the Living Dead Live runs at Pleasance, London from 9 April to 19 May 2019 Tickets available at www.LivingDeadLondon.com

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