Cassius Hackforth , you’re part of an exciting cast for the West End premiere of WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE. What made you want to be a part of this project, and what are you most looking forward to about your role?
I feel completely and utterly privileged to be a part of this project to be honest. I was a last-minute addition and I just am so chuffed to be joining this production and this truly stellar cast. And at the Savoy!! This show is like no other in terms of its structure and layout. I think what is so exciting is that more than most shows, we are bringing a specific reflection of ourselves, our own experiences and backgrounds into the characters- and I’m so excited for that.
The musical looks at the experience of growing up from five different perspectives. Are you looking forward to bringing this to stage?
I remember when I first finished reading the production notes and the script, I felt like I’d had the best therapy self-session of my life… no joke. But what is so special about these different perspectives are all so human and relatable. I’m really excited to learn and grow with this piece.
With such a talented group of people in the cast, including Nigel Harman and Melanie La Barrie, what’s it been like working with everyone?
Completely joyous and surreal, I just feel mega lucky to be honest. Can’t believe it :)
Drew Gasparini’s music blends so many different styles, from pop to rock to country. How would you describe the music in WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE? Is there a particular song that stands out to you?
The song I auditioned for the show with is called ‘There You Are’. It is beautiful and honest and giddy and gives me such a thrill when I sing it. All of the songs are so independent and yet are all tied together within a specific theme. Its awesome.
You’ve worked on various TV/Film shows, which is quite different from performing on stage. How do you find the experience of live theatre compares to your screen work?
Both are very different and yet similar in various ways. The thrill of live theatre is unbeatable, but what is so fun and explorative about screen acting is that sometimes less is more. Just ‘being’ rather than ‘performing’ or showing. The camera catches everything, it records our thoughts and so playing with honesty, truth and vulnerability is so fun. I just try and approach every character with playfulness, honesty and empathy. But I don’t think my prep changes much between stage and screen. We’re all just learning on the go, so just staying open and curious is what I want to keep on doing. :)
There’s some fresh talent in the show, with winners of a nationwide competition taking part. How does it feel to be part of a production that’s helping to bring new voices into the spotlight?
It is super super important. I grew up applying for these competitions and I think just putting yourself out there is so brave and important and exciting. Its so amazing that WAKA will be doing this and I am so excited to see the winners perform.
This musical is breaking away from the usual format of musical theatre. Is there something about the show that you think will surprise or really resonate with audiences?
It really toys with the illusion of ‘character’ and I think its going to be fascinating seeing how the show flows and how people resonate with it. Its themes are deeply relatable and all surround the fact that in life, none of us really know what we are doing, we’re just guessing and trying our best.
With your experience in both big productions and newer projects, what’s your approach to a role in a musical that’s pushing the boundaries of the genre?
Its been super interesting and new. By day 1 of rehearsals I like to have a rudimentary understanding of my character and they’re journey and their actions, but for this, all I have done is learn the lines and songs, the rehearsal is where we play and discover ourselves within each of those, and so dropping my approach and purely using instincts is going to be so fun.
The show explores themes like the dreams we chase and the challenges we face. What’s the one thing you hope the audience takes away from the performance?
That we are all just human, we all are flawed and imperfect and that is OKAY! I think accepting that is so powerful, and allows us to be present.
If WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE does really well after its premiere, where would you like to see the show go next? Do you think it might have a life beyond London?
I would so love to see a future for this work. It has so much to offer and be taken from, so I hope everyone sees that!
WE AREN'T KIDS ANYMORE premieres on Monday 28th April 2025 at the Savoy Theatre, London. Tickets are available now at www.atgtickets.com. Performances at 4pm (matinee) and 8pm (evening).