FINALLY FRIDAY: Jazzing up a classic

Lead role: Jazz Laker in costume for Dick Whittington.

By Cherie Donnellan
BUDDING Geelong actress Jazz Laker will finish her junior theatre career on a high as the namesake lead character in English folktale Dick Whittington.
But Laker said the Geelong Society of Dramatic Arts (GSODA) production would present an “interesting juxtaposition” between the classic story and contemporary music, including the songs of Lady Gaga and One Direction.
“Dick Whittington is a guy from Gloucester who goes to London to seek out his dreams (but) the (modern) music actually adds to the story,” she explained.
“In plays there are emotions you can’t portray through words as well as you can through song. The pop numbers we added are great, particularly for audience participation.”
Set in the 14th Century, Dick Whittington features themes of love and war, with characters including an evil king and a sidekick cat.
Sixteen-year-old Laker was “ecstatic” to land her first lead role since joining GSODA Junior Players at 11.
“I’ve played a few minor leads in GSODA productions but this is my first title role.”
Laker remembered a “nerve-wracking” audition for the part:
“I had to stand in front of everybody and perform a pop song,” she said.
“Everyone had to pick their own song. I was so nervous.
“I actually thought ‘Oh no. I’m not going to get the role’. When I got it I was over the moon.”
Laker confessed she was unfamiliar with the story before auditioning.
“But when I heard we were doing it I did a lot of research.”
Laker said she worked hard to understand Dick Whittington but found playing a male part harder than she expected.
“You break into these random idiosyncrasies. I realised I was often too girly, so I had to find new ways to move my character.
“It’s been an interesting and fun challenge.”
Laker promised an “interactive” show.
“We have characters that go out into the audience and our characters talk to the audience. The audience is almost like another character in the show.”
Laker said GSODA would put on a pre-performance surprise with a “short, sharp and interesting” dance act at Market Square Shopping Centre on Saturday.
GSODA will perform Dick Wittington at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, June 23, 29 and 30.