Currently, Maia Hawkins is making her professional stage and tour debut as Younger April in the world premiere of NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL. The Pippa Evans production is open at Cardiff New Theatre before heading to Hall For Cornwall in Truro on 5th November and will continue around the UK and Ireland into 2025, with the last date announced for London’s New Wimbledon Theatre in April. Maia’s character is the younger April to Melissa Jacques’ role, and she works with a cast including Chris Grahamson as Tim, Luke Latchman as Younger Frank, guest stars including Jay Osmond, and she was directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. For her training, Maia attended Bird College, graduating last year, and whilst in her third year, she played Cassie in A Chorus Line. We chatted to Maia about playing Younger April in NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL, making her professional and tour debut in the world premiere production and working with Melissa Jacques and Craig Revel Horwood.
For your professional debut, you are currently performing as Younger April in the world premiere tour of NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL, how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role?
I was beyond thrilled and grateful! I have always dreamed of doing musical theatre and playing a lead role, so when I got the call from my agent offering me this job, I cried very happy tears. The audition room was such a wholesome, positive and energetic environment and the storyline of the show is so adorable and relatable that there was no hesitation to accept the offer.
Can you tell us about the musical and who do you think will enjoy watching it?
The musical was written by Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by the one and only Craig Revel Horwood. It follows the story of two best friends that share a beautiful friendship but drift apart over time – until a school reunion comes along and they finally reunite! It is jam-packed with fabulous dances and unforgettable songs from the 80s.
This show is for anyone and everyone! It is a family fun show that offers something for all ages!
What is Younger April like to play, and how is it sharing the role with Melissa Jacques?
I am thoroughly enjoying playing the part of Young April. She is funny, vibrant, and sassy but also shows vulnerability at times. Not to mention her fashion and style is amazing – inspired by Madonna and 80s punk rock!
Sharing the role with Melissa is a dream! We are such similar people and have the exact same understanding of the character April. Throughout rehearsals we were so shocked to see how many mannerisms we have unintentionally mirrored throughout the show. I really look up to Melissa as a person so I am thoroughly enjoying playing her younger character.
How would you describe April and how did you prepare for taking on the character?
April is wannabe movie star with big ambitions to succeed in life. She is a very honest and loving friend who will always have Gemma’s back in any situation. However, when her LA life isn’t quite what she pictured and she hits rock bottom, she hides from Gemma causing them to drift apart. It has been amazing playing April at the start of her journey and for audiences to learn about her life and the direction it has headed.
When I landed the role, I read the script in great depth and researched heavily into the 80s. I felt it was so important for me to watch the films and research into the icons that are referenced in the show. Times have changed so I enjoyed being transported back into a time that was before my existence. How lucky am I that part of my preparation for my role was to listen to the Now That’s What I Call Music albums?
What was it like reading Pippa Evans’ script for the first time and was there anything that drew you to the musical?
I can remember turning up to the first script reading feeling like I had a great understanding of my character and her story, but reading and listening to all of the other parts took me by surprise. I was completely unaware of how brilliantly funny and uplifting the script and plot was. It was quickly revealed that each character within this show holds such a vital part in telling this wonderful story. The casting for this show is spot on and I was super excited to get the show on its feet and work amongst some incredibly talented people.
I was completely sold on this musical when I auditioned with the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Mark Crossland’s slow arrangement of Everybody Wants To Rule The World. These two songs alone scream 80s hits but singing them in a completely different way to the original was new and exciting. I have grown up listening to 80s classics being played full volume around the house, so the music really does have a special place in my heart!
How was it rehearsing for the world premiere production and being directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood?
Rehearsals for the show were fun, creative and continuously evolving. The cast are all so talented and beautiful people so I was always excited to get into the space and witness each person explore their characters and form lovely relationships with one another.
It has been a dream working with Craig Revel Horwood. I have been a Strictly fan for longer than I can remember so I was beyond excited to work with such an icon! He is such a kind human and worked ever so hard to make this show as FAB-U-LOUS as it is. He created such a comfortable environment from the get go and encouraged us to take risks and contribute our own ideas.
How are you finding the experience touring for the first time and how has the run been going so far?
As this is my first professional job, I had no idea what to expect. However, I am loving the touring life and really enjoying seeing different cities and their theatres. It is exciting to have a change of scenery each week and each venue provides something different. We also have different guest stars at different venues so it’s been lovely meeting and performing alongside them! The show has been a great success and all audiences have been amazing.
What are you looking forward to for continuing performing in NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL?
I am excited to travel and go to places that I have not been before. I am also looking forward to performing with our new guest stars Carol Decker and Toyah Willcox.
What was it like graduating from Bird College last year and how was your time as a student?
I loved my time at Bird College and feel completely blessed to have worked with some amazing creatives and tutors. Since graduating Bird College in September 2023, it has been crazy trying to balance jobs and auditions. Not to mention that rejection is a hard pill to swallow and no one ever prepares you for it. However, it makes you work harder and celebrate even the small wins in this industry.
Whilst training, you played Cassie in A Chorus Line, how was this?
I absolutely loved playing Cassie in my third year production of A Chorus Line. I was able to utilise everything that I have trained in – dance, acting and singing.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
As far back as I can remember, I have always loved singing, dancing and acting and I have always dreamed of being on the stage. Many hours were spent in singing lessons, dance classes and stage schools gaining qualifications and skills that would always help me take a step up on the ladder to achieving my dream of being a performer. Landing this role has been a dream come true for me and I am grateful beyond words.
Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?
Yes, what is meant for you will come to you and to make sure to celebrate the small wins!
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
My favourite theatre shows to watch are Wicked, MAMMA MIA!, Hairspray and Waitress and I would love to see Heathers, Les Misérables and Chicago!
How do you like to spend your time away from performing?
When I am not performing, I love to teach children performing arts where I can pass on my knowledge and watch them follow in my footsteps.
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