Q & A with Georgia Nicholson
Starring in The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary
Southwark Playhouse Borough, London
You will be starring in ‘The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary’ at Southwark Playhouse this festive season. Tell us all about the show.
‘The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary’ is in essence a comic homage to Flaubert’s tragic novel first published in 1856- which later went on to be banned for obscenity…And audiences can expect a little touch of the obscene! This rendition tips the balance of the original novel and there’s a lot more comedy than tragedy, though by the end of the play we often see audience members wiping away tears and I think that’s a testament to John Nicholson’s careful handling of the original story. It’s fast paced, chaotic and funny but still honours the heart of what Flaubert was writing about- a woman confined to what society thinks she should be, whilst she dreams of more- and acts on it. The show takes us through all the ups, downs and questionable choices in Emma’s life and has a whole host of incredible characters played by the talented men in the show. I feel really lucky to work with them every night. (They didn’t even pay me to say this.)
How would you describe Emma Bovary, the role you play in the show?
Emma is a complex puzzle and a product of the time she lives in. She wants more than the world has allotted for her and she breaks all the rules, but in some ways she’s also an anti-hero. In her own words- selfish, profligate, deceitful. I love her contradictions. She uses men, but equally, is used by them too. She’s a lot of fun to play, in all her exhausting, chaotic, playful splendour.
Emma’s passion in life are novels. What’s your passion in life?
On the surface I’d say Tudor history and spending money in Hobby Craft but the truth is, I’m a Mum to a 2 year old and it’s him! Being a mum has been the most amazing life changing experience, and unlike Emma, who it has to be said, shows very little interest in her child, I’m obsessed with mine! So I spend a lot of time playing with dinosaurs and arts and crafts.
How do you think audiences will feel about a chaotic Christmas show?
I’m a huge fan of traditional Christmas shows, I love pantomime and A Christmas Carol and I think they’re a wonderful and vital part of theatre (this time last year I was having the most fun playing a goose!) but often the festive season can feel a bit limited in terms of variety and this show is perfect for anyone who wants to see something fast paced and energised without singing a song sheet at the end. …Though they are fun, so we wouldn’t object if anyone felt the urge. Just make sure it’s in French.
As we’re on the subject of Christmas, what’s your favourite Christmas tradition?
My favourite tradition I have for myself is quite bizarre…I watch three things on Christmas Eve in a very specific order. First, The Snowman, then The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special (where she eats all the lunches) and then Midnight Mass. I’m not actually religious but I think it’s lovely to hear everyone sing.
Tell us about your journey into performing.
Like a lot of people I imagine- I started by doing impromptu shows to my parents in the living room with my siblings. My Mum is a brilliant dancer and my Dad should have been a comedian, so our house was full of laughter, and storytelling in one way or another. My interest grew through brilliant drama clubs and at school. In particular at a drama group called ‘Jemms’ led by a set of wonderful people with the most marvellous drama teacher, Jo, at the helm. That group had a huge impact on so many youngsters. Then it was drama school, an expensive and seemingly financially impossible feat, but I swallowed my pride, remembering the North East mantra of ‘shy bairns get nowt’ and asked for help. I was so grateful (and shocked) to be supported by 120 local people who, alongside my lovely family, funded my place. I’ll always be very grateful for the incredible community I grew up in.
What is your favourite aspect of being a performer?
For me performing in theatre is like one big tennis match, the show is the ball being passed back and forth between actors and audience. You’re telling the story, giving the emotion, and it either lands with the audience or it doesn’t. Sometimes you hit the ball just right and it gives the audience the perfect chance to pass it back to you. It’s the thrill of the game that I love most. That, and the team spirit amongst your cast. It’s such a special thing to go out on stage with people you trust, tell a story and just play.
What was it like performing this show at the stunning Minack Theatre in Cornwall?
The Minack Theatre has to be seen to be believed. The first time I stepped foot inside the gates and looked down to see the theatre in all its unbelievable glory I was completely awestruck. Somewhere in between the sea, the ancient rocks, and the story of how it came to be built by Rowena Cade and her gardener Billy, there’s real magic. Its other worldly and all theatre lovers should try and go, at least once, to just sit and breathe it all in.
To perform there, with the sea as the backdrop, is something I’ll never get over. I remember getting ready to go on for a scene and seeing a full moon, shining over the ocean, the waves lapping as we waited, and I thought…well, this is something!
Describe ‘The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary’ in three words.
3 words… hmmm tricky. I could go with “Emma. Stop. Now.” But then there’d be far less drama, so maybe I’ll steal our cast slogan coined by Ben- “Sexy. French. Magic!”
Interviewed by Emma Rowley
For more details on The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary which runs at the
Southwark Playhouse Borough, London from 5th December 24 - 11th January 2025 click here:
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-massive-tragedy-of-madame-bovary/
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