INTERVIEW - BENJAMIN DURHAM FROM WINNIE THE POOH

Amy chats to Benjamin Durham who is currently starring in the London production of Winnie the Pooh The Musical! It’s on tour and will stop at Richmond Theatre from the 7th to the 9th of July.

Hi Benjamin, how are you feeling ahead of playing Winnie the Pooh on tour?

Hello! I’m very much excited and looking forward to being part of this brilliant show and sharing our wonderful adventure, with these iconic characters, up and down the UK & Ireland.

What attracted you to this role?

I think there is something really special about the joy and wonderfully simplistic gaze that Winnie the Pooh has upon the world. The opportunity to play such a well-known and well-loved character is brilliant; and a character that’s been sharing joy with the world for almost 100 years!

Have you worked with puppetry before? What has it been like?

This is my first time professionally stepping into the world of puppeteering. Much like with Pooh himself, it’s been an adventure! There’s something really wonderful about recreating these brilliant characters through puppetry and bringing them to life for the stage. We often spoke in rehearsals about the idea that we perform in a world in which we (the actors) are almost Christopher Robin and the puppets become our toys. There’s such fun to be had with these characters and the puppets – it has been a real treat.

What do you think it is about the Winnie the Pooh stories which makes them a beloved classic?

I think there’s something really special about the group of friends that all the stories are set around. When you set off on an adventure with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Roo, and Kanga, there’s always someone to relate to and always a friend within that bunch that will make you smile! The stories are timeless within the world of the Hundred Acre Wood and offer age-old tales of friendship, kindness, and joy; these are things all people, young and old, can relate to!

If you could turn any children’s book, TV show or film into a stage musical, what would you choose?

Wow – what a question! I’d actually like to pick two. My first pick is the book The Spiderwick Chronicles. I grew up reading these books and remember being captivated and transported to another world; into their world of fantasy! I also loved the film adaptation in 2008 and can just imagine something special being created with these stories if it was adapted for the stage.

My second pick is the film Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. The magic in the film and the incredible character of Mr Magorium created by Dustin Hoffman is just a spectacle that never fails to spark the imagination of the child deep within. Everybody loves a toy shop, everybody loves a magical toy shop, surely we’d all love a magical toy shop on stage?

Do you think adults will enjoy this production, just as much as children?

I believe we all have something that we can remember or think of that reminds us of Winnie the Pooh within our lives. Whether you’re coming to see the show for the nostalgia of the classic Sherman Brothers’ music or the excitement of seeing these iconic characters on the stage, there’s joy and escape to be found for all adults as well as children. Plus, there’s no age limit on loving honey or playing Pooh sticks – it’s fun for all!

And finally, why should people book a ticket for the tour?

Whether you come to see the beautiful life size puppets brought to life; or to listen to the brilliant music of the Sherman Brothers’ and the fantastic A.A. Milne poems and hums; whether you’re journeying with us on the adventure to find Christopher Robin and some honey; or just hoping for some theatrical escapism, there is the inescapable joy and kindness that oozes from our beloved ‘bear of little brain’ that never fails to bring a smile to the face.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Winnie the Pooh the Musical is on tour, stopping off in Richmond in July! You can find more info about the tour here.

Additionally, you can read Jordan’s four star review here.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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