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  • Writer's pictureTheatre Travels

Interview: Robin Goldsworthy (The Underpants)

The Oscar-winning comic actor, Steve Martin, delivers a wild satire adapted from the classic German play about Louise and Theo Maske, a couple whose conservative existence is shattered when Louise’s bloomers fall down in public while watching the King’s parade.


Although Theo flies into a panic thinking the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk, Louise’s momentary display does not result in the feared scandal. It does, however, attract two infatuated men, each of whom wants to rent the spare room in the Maskes’s home…





The Underpants is written by comedy favourite and Oscar winning actor, Steve Martin. For fans of Martin’s impeccable comic-timing, what can we look forward to from his writing? How has it been as an actor to approach his writing and do you feel that it is has challenged you or excited you in any ways to push your comedy even further?


It’s a Swiss timepiece… It’s a meticulously crafted, incredibly sharp work of utter silliness. It’s been a true joy to dive into. In particular the physicality that goes along with Playing Cohen. I’m a pig in shit.



The story is based on a classic German play about a couple whose lives could be turned upside down when, embarrassingly, the wife’s bloomers fall down whilst in attendance at a parade for the King. What do you think 2019 audiences will find relevant about the story? Or what you think will entice them to realise that this is a show that they simply don’t want to miss?


2019 audiences? It’s simple. It’s balls to the wall funny. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and personally, I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather spend an evening watching right now.



What can you tell us about your character, Benjamin? How did you approach this character and what do you think will stick with you about Benjamin long after the run is over?


Cohen is another man caught up in the spell of seeing a stranger’s underpants fall gloriously in the street. He’s filled with lust, then jealousy, then a weird sort of overprotectiveness… All the fun things really.


The show has an amazing cast attached to it and is directed by the wonderfully talented Anthony Gooley who many of our readers will be used to seeing on stage (Calamity Jane, Assassins, A View From the Bridge, etc).  What has it been like working with this cast and what has the process been like in rehearsals thus far?


I already knew most of the cast and Gooley and I have been friends for years so this rehearsal room has been one of the best. It’s just aces going to work everyday and spending 90% of your time laughing. It’s been hard work, but so very enjoyable.​



What do you hope audiences continue talking about long after they leave the theatre?


I hope audiences leave thinking “Holy shit, that Goldsworthy is one incredible dancer!”



RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:


Favourite production you have ever seen?


Steppenwolf’s August Osage County.



You’re getting on a plane tomorrow and you can go anywhere in the world, where do you go?


The Amalfi Coast



Dream show to perform in?


West Side Story, but alas, the boy can’t sing



Plays or musicals?


Plays. Again, the singing thing.



A hobby you have beyond the theatre?


I smash the cryptic crossword everyday.



What’s next for you after this show?


After this, I’m going down to Melbourne to spend an evening with Elton John. Heaven.



The Underpants opens at the Seymour Centre on October 31st, 2019 and runs until November 23rd. You can get your tickets here.

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