Currently, Mary Bridget Davies is performing as Janis Joplin in the UK premiere of A Night With Janis Joplin at the Peacock Theatre, sharing the role with Sharon Sexton (who performs all matinee shows). A Night With Janis Joplin is running until 28th September, and Mary performed at this year’s West End Live with the production. In 2012, Mary took over the role of Janis Joplin for the USA Tour, and in 2014, she was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical at the Tony Awards, and previously performed in Love, Janis in 2005. Mary toured Europe with Janis Joplin’s original band Big Brother and the Holding Company, and in June this year, she released her third album Don’t Compromise Yourself – The Very Best of Mary Bridget Davies. Chatting with us, Mary told us about performing in the UK premiere of A Night With Janis Joplin, what it’s like portraying Janis and touring Europe with Janis’s original band Big Brother and the Holding Company.
How does it feel to be part of the UK premiere of A Night With Janis Joplin and what was it like preparing to open in London?
A West End run was a dream of mine since I was cast in this show so for that dream to become a reality is astounding!
How are you finding your time performing at the Peacock Theatre and how is it seeing the London audiences’ response to the production?
There were rumblings that the London audiences might be shy to the rock and roll aspect of our show. The getting out of your seats, dancing and clapping along, but from the FIRST PREVIEW London audiences have been FULLY invested, right along with us!
What is it like getting into character as Janis Joplin and what is she like to portray?
It’s honestly one of my favourite things to do. Once the crushed velvet and the bangles slide on, it’s as if I get to take a backseat to Janis for the next few hours. Truly transformative.
How did you find the experience performing at West End Live earlier this year?
I didn’t want to stop! The square was PACKED and the crowd was having such a great time. I was lucky to be staying so close to the square that I enjoyed the rest of the program from the hotel window. The talent here is next level!
You took over the role of Janis for the 2012 USA Tour, what are some of your favourite memories from working on the show over the years?
The Tony nomination, of course, but the friendships! I made some of my closest and lifelong friends along the way from different casts of this production. A blessing.
What was it like being nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical at the 2014 Tony Awards for your portrayal of Janis Joplin on Broadway?
I was a newcomer, so I made a joke to Julia Murney that I “carried a watermelon” (line from Dirty Dancing where Baby is asked how she got into the cool after-hours party and gave the nerdiest answer possible) and when I was nominated, my first congratulatory tweet was Julia saying “Put that watermelon down, star!” So incredibly sweet.
What do you enjoy most about performing Janis Joplin’s discography and do you have a favourite song on the soundtrack?
We live in such a filtered and “perfected” society now and to be able to go up on stage and stomp around, sweating, singing my heart out every night is such a special reward for me. Janis’s authenticity is one of my favourite things about her, so to be standing there, in her truth, being as over the top as possible, is a superhuman feeling. Ball and Chain is my favourite. A Big Mama Thornton blues tune that Janis, along with Big Brother and the Holding Co, arranged to border on psychedelic without abandoning the blues roots. A tune you can really sit in and get all of your emotions out.
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see A Night With Janis Joplin at the Peacock Theatre in London, which is running until 28th September?
It’s a GOOD time. If you want an ensemble of 30+ dancing in giant production numbers, this might not be for you, but if you want to forget about the world for a few hours and really feel something? To be moved by these insanely talented musicians and actors, then do NOT hesitate to buy those tickets!
Do you remember how you felt originally booking your role of Janis in the 2005 touring production of Love, Janis?
I was terrified! I thought to myself “Be careful what you wish for” because I have been a Janis fan since childhood. The responsibility to honour Janis that comes along with this role is STAGGERING!
We understand you toured Europe with Janis Joplin’s original band Big Brother and the Holding Company, how was this?
I got a first class ticket into Janis’s inner circle. They accepted me and we are still friends! I’ve heard stories only a choice few know. I was welcomed into the fold and made some incredible music with Big Brother.
What are some of your favourite highlights from your performing career so far?
Non-Janis related, I got to perform the Jimi Hendrix Forever Stamp unveiling at SXSW Festival in Austin, TX and got to perform Red House with Slash of Guns N’ Roses. He is as sweet as he is talented. All of the on and off stage fun I have had related to A Night with Janis Joplin, of course. My band winning second place in the International Blues Challenge out of over 30p bands. I did a residency with Robby Krieger, guitarist of The Doors. I’ve had so many opportunities to perform with artists who actually helped shape my sound as a musician! Insanely grateful.
You released your third album Don’t Compromise Yourself – The Very Best of Mary Bridget Davies in June, can you tell us about this?
Jerry Ragovoy was a friend of Janis’s and an award-winning songwriter. Don’t Compromise Yourself was a song Jerry penned for Janis but she sadly passed away before getting to record it. So, it was an honour to get to put my spin on it.
How did you get into acting and music, and were both something you always wanted to do professionally?
There is a video of me at three years old. A dance recital at the Town Hall basement. When the dance number was over and the people began to applaud, I just stood there as my classmates exited the stage area. I just stood there, soaking in the applause. I did that a few nights ago for opening! I think performing is what I was born to do.
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
I personally ADORE [title of show]. The music, and the message behind it. Jesus Christ Superstar was the first Broadway show I saw as a child and was HOOKED. I have a soft spot now for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat since I just played the Narrator last season. As far as a traditional Broadway musical, Anything Goes is still on my bucket list. I played Reno Sweeney once as a kid. Would love to see how that feels as an adult!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I have a six-year-old son so my time is his time. We have been having quite the adventure here and I’m so blessed to be able to work in London and bring him and enrich his life. The arts scene here is incredible. When time permits, I love cooking. Especially making soups from scratch. I love a good book and people watching. Writing songs and just appreciating beauty in the little things.
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