I want to dedicate this interview to the team at RawPR, especially Emily who bent over backwards to ensure it could happen after the theatre’s rehearsal room was inaccessible for me so I couldn’t attend their “In Rehearsal” event.
Barney Wilkinson is currently raising a little hell at London’s Garrick Theatre in Bonnie and Clyde, where he plays Archie/Bud but also alternates as Clyde. I asked him about the transition of the show to the Garrick, how he interprets the role of Clyde, and why he thinks the UK audience have taken this show to their hearts…
Welcome back to the West End, Bonnie and Clyde! What’s the experience been like so far, especially transferring from a more intimate space like the Arts (where the London run started life) to a bigger house like the Garrick?
It’s been immense; it feels as if the show has been given the space to breathe properly. I loved the Arts so much because it was SO intimate but that has carried over to the Garrick no bother (and we aren’t climbing over the set in the wings!)
This new run of the show features lots of the original cast returning, but also some new faces. How does that change the energy/dynamic of the creative process, and the show as a whole more widely?
Our new cast mates are mind blowing. I mean every single cast member is at the top of their game but having fresh faces in means they bring fresh ideas with them about their characters etc which then has a knock on effect for everyone else meaning you end up with a new show – which is awesome! I love them all!
Leading on from that, has the show itself grown and developed since it ran originally in the West End?
It has definitely grown! A few kinks have been ironed out and we had time to figure out what did & didn’t work so now its smoother and better!
You play Archie and Bud, but also alternate the role of Clyde Barrow (catch Barney as Clyde on Wednesday evenings and Saturday matinees!) – tell us a little bit about how you interpret the character of Clyde and his arc through the show.
He is young and has nothing to lose, so gets wrapped up in the fast cars and the adrenaline but never intends for things to go as south as they do and it’s a runaway train that he can’t stop.
My interpretation of Clyde is that he is a smart but impulsive young man who can not get to the grips with how unfair the ‘system’ is. It blows his mind people just sit back and put up with it. There is genuinely no way out for people like him and he’s seen the people he loves the most be crushed by the people at the top so he takes things into his own hands.
Everything he does comes from a good place: to provide for his family(especially his brother) and to make a life for himself.
In his eyes the ‘laws’ started it: he doesn’t want to hurt people but don’t stand in his way.
Being an alternate as well as having your main tracks means you must have to do a heck of a lot of learning; how do you keep things fresh for yourself as a performer and also look after yourself physically and mentally; I hear Clyde in particular is a huge sing, for example!
As an Alternate I only do Clyde twice a week and when I am playing Bud/Archie I don’t do much singing so I can afford to give it welly as Clyde.
When it comes to learning stuff it can be a challenge, but once you’ve got it you’re away.
To keep things fresh I like to not over think what I’m going to do on any particular day and just see what happens. (Doesn’t always work out for the best!)
And of course, Bonnie and Clyde were real people, does that add another element of excitement or make things a little nerve wracking?
It makes it exciting because when you read up on Bonnie & Clyde to do research there’s bits you read that you can take & put into the character & that kind of directs you down a certain path (to a certain point) , and I find their story fascinating!
I’ll be seeing Bonnie and Clyde for the first time at the end of March (I know, I can hear everyone reading this gasping in shock – where have I been?) – for a newcomer like me, how would you describe the show, and what do you want your audiences to take away from the experience?
I would describe it as romantic, reckless & exciting. I think you will love it & you’ll definitely leave the theatre humming the songs. So many bangers.
As someone who hasn’t yet seen the show, what I’ve really been struck by and is lovely to see is the passion people have for it. What is it about the show that you think resonates so well with people, and more specifically the UK audience?
I think it’s a few things. The insight into the lives of two of the most famous outlaws ever known, rooting for the underdog and like I’ve said the songs are absolute bangers.
Also with our cast we have so many incredible covers & swings who each have a unique take on the characters so if someone new is performing it can change the show entirely which is so exciting for us & the audience!
Do you have a particular moment or song in the show that you really love? This can be one you’re in, or otherwise! Also, I love a funny mishap anecdote, if you want to share any of those!
My favourite song to sing when I’m on as Clyde is “When I Drive” as I can completely relate to just being absolutely stoked about nice cars & causing mayhem with your friend/brother & also if you’re feeling scared/excited or full of adrenaline you can really get that out of you during the song to then calm down for the rest of the show. I also love the song “Bonnie”.
For a funny mishap anecdote nothing has gone too badly wrong in this show, but I have a few from other shows involving a pool of water I was not supposed to be in!
What has this show taught you so far that you want to take with you through life and your career?
The importance of bringing good vibes with you into the theatre and into a job. My good pal Ross Dawes taught me that!
Wheelie Stagey 