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ED Fringe 25' | Behind the Curtain: An Interview with Jake Thomas star of POP a New Musical
- Harry Brogan
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what POP is about?
Hi I’m Jake Thomas and I play the Songwriter in POP. This musical is about a young songwriter trying to achieve their dreams by moving to London. While the Songwriter is optimistic, they are dealt many challenges on their journey. Struggling to figure out how to incorporate their passion into their life, they need to learn to breathe so they can move forward.
You play the Songwriter, who is the lead of the show. Can you tell us more about your character and what’s the best thing about playing this role?
I find the Songwriter very relatable. As a young creative myself, I share the same values of having this need to create and entertain, while also wanting to be seen. That’s why it feels so real to me, they go on this journey, they combat the ups and downs, they struggle and it’s so validating because it’s how I’ve experienced that pathway. It’s very different from previous roles I’ve played because it’s so grounded in reality that I can’t help but feel this connection. That’s the best thing.
POP is established by students from University of Leeds and is brought to us by Chevron Theatre. How does it feel to be able to perform new works that have been written by University Students that may go on to become West-End hits?
Genuinely, it’s so cool. To be in an original cast of something is a very unique experience that I have the privilege to do. It makes me feel so incredibly proud of everyone involved. It’s made the rehearsal process feel very communicative, since nobody has ever done this show we can really put ourselves in the driver’s seat and include our little takes and character choices into George’s impressive writing. I love it so much.
What can you tell us about the music for this show? How does it tell the overall story and your characters journey?
The music for this show is so emotive, it really helps capture each facet of the Songwriter’s drive and personality. It fuels this initial optimism that further delves into the reality of living in London and how difficult that can be for young passionate creatives. The chorus not only enhance those moments but also have their own moments to shine through the music which I just love to see.
How have rehearsals been? What have you learned as a performer during the process?
Rehearsal has been really streamlined. I feel like everyone’s just been getting through everything quickly. Since the musical is mostly sung-through, and the songs are catchy, it’s just ended up being a fun, streamlined process.
For what I’ve learned about myself, I would say that I definitely need direction when it comes to any sort of dance or movement, because for some reason I can’t just be natural without feeling strange. And it’s not the fault of anyone but myself, I quite literally just stand there. With the help of George and Ash, I’ve been able to improve upon that weakness, and it’s made certain songs like “Take Me” and “Black Taxi” feel even bigger than they ever were before.
This show is performed in a gig style. How does it differ to something like your usual play or musical?
I feel like this is a hard question to answer, because POP does have its moments where it delves fully into the campy dancing and singing you see in any musical. But I think what matters is the POV of the Songwriter, they experience things simultaneously with the audience, they address the audience outright akin to Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag. It again portrays this really stark contrast between dreams and reality through the chorus and the Songwriter, which I feel is an interesting road to go down. Heightening absurdity to make the reality hit harder.
Who is POP for? And what should audiences expect?
I would say POP is for anyone; despite having a young protagonist and campy elements, it still tackles a grounded, relatable story that any person could latch onto. Also, the songs are ace, so even if you don’t relate, you’ll still be tapping along. You’ll be hearing us pop, pop, pop!
How excited are you to be performing at this year’s Fringe?
I think about this much. If you couldn’t tell I’m very excited for everyone to see how beautiful of a show this is, and everyone’s talent just shine through.
Where can people see POP at this year’s Fringe?
We’ll be performing at theSpaceTriplex (Venue 38), starting at 21:40 on the 4th till the 7th of August and 22:00 on the 8th and 9th.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words
It’s earnest, it’s campy and on top of everything it’s POP.
POP a New Musical is playing at Big @ theSpace Triplex (Venue 38) between the 4th & 9th August
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