“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is a hilarious musical revue, which first opened Off-Broadway 19 years ago. In fact, it is the second longest running Off-Broadway Show, succeeded only by “The Fantastiks”. Via a series of non related scenes, the piece follows the arc of a modern day relationship beginning with awkward first dates then moving through the various stages of romance. This strictly limited run opens on 1st July and will be the first musical presentation for the the new studio space Above the Arts.
I sent some questions over to the cast including Gina Beck, Simon Lipkin, Julie Atherton and Samuel Holmes and they gave some very interesting insights into the show!
For those who may not be familiar with your work, can you give me a little run down of some of your career highlights so far?
Julie – I’d say for me, it has to be selling Jäger Bombs at the Isle of Wight Festival.
Sam – I had a nice time cleaning toilets at a youth hostel in Hampstead.
Simon – I was a big hit standing inside an 11 foot inflatable costume at Piccadilly Circus.
Gina – Playing Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera.
Can you tell me about the character you play in this show and what attracted you to the role?
Julie – I’ve always wanted to work with Simon Lipkin
Sam – I’ve always wanted to work with Julie Goodyear
Simon – I’ve always wanted to work with Simon Lipkin
Gina – I actually thought I was signing up for another year in Phantom.
Do you have any dream roles that you would like to have a go at playing?
Julie – Christine Daaé in Phantom
Simon – Glinda in Wicked
Sam – Cosette in Les Mis
Gina – So this definitely isn’t another year in Phantom?
If you could only ever watch one more theatre show, what would it be and who would be your dream cast?
Simon – Gina Beck in Wicked
Julie – Gina Beck in Phantom
Sam – Julie Goodyear in Les Mis
Gina – I like to watch myself on YouTube.
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?
Simon – I once went to see Wicked and Gina Beck wasn’t on.
Julie – That time they spelt “Gina” wrong on my tattoo.
Sam – Spending a weeks wages on buying every copy of “Ooh aah, just a little bit” only to realise the artiste was Gina G.
Gina – Is this seriously not Phantom?
*Calls Agent*
Why do you think people should come and see I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change?
All – Gina Beck’s in it.
*Gina takes taxi to Her Majesty’s*
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change is playing Above the Arts Theatre from 1-18 July 2015. Click here for tickets