INFORMAL: INTERVIEW WITH JED BERRY

INFORMAL - AN INTERVIEW SERIES

JED BERRY

Jed Berry is a musical theatre performer known for multiple roles in shows such as The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Shucked, and Kinky Boots, in London's West End and across the UK.

He trained at the Guildford School of Acting and is currently in the West End cast of Back To The Future, where he is an ensemble member, covering roles including Marty McFly.

Later this year he is set to star as Seymour in the long-awaited major UK revival of Little Shop of Horrors, which plays in Manchester and Liverpool from September.

After being treated to a sneak preview performance of "Suddenly Seymour" from the show, I recently sat down with Jed to discuss the upcoming production.

It's exciting to be finally getting a revival of this musical: "It really is. It's been a really long time since we've had a production of it and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. Audiences love this show and it's high time we got a revival!"

Little Shop of Horrors is so iconic that I think even people who say they don't like musicals enjoy this show: "Well it's such a kitschy B-movie anyway that, much in the same way as Rocky Horror, I think there's a real love for it and its quirkiness."

"What's great about this production is that it gives it a bit more heart. It's longer than the film so there's more of an opportunity for the audience to really care about the characters."

I think there's actually more depth to the characters than we first realise: "They're very archetypal in a way, but what's great about them is that they are real people with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, as well as challenges, and that's not really glazed over so you really start to root for them."

I wondered if Jed had a history with the musical: "My very first experience with Little Shop of Horrors was when I did an amateur production when I was 10 years old. I was in the ensemble. The the only musicals I knew at that age were the ones that I'd performed in, and I would obsess over them. I'm definitely a fan of the show."

And what is it about Seymour that he loves?: "He's got a huge heart. He does kind of lose his way in some unusual circumstances, but he wants to put some good out into the world, and I think he dreams of something more than what he's got. As the plot progresses he does it not only for himself, but for the woman that he loves, and I'm excited to explore that."

This production sees the role of Audrey shared by Maisie Smith (Manchester) and Jessie Elland (Liverpool). This must be an exciting prospect for Jed: "It is, not least because I'll get to experience two amazing, different portrayals... and it's going to keep me on my toes. Playing so closely against them it's going to be exciting to see how my portrayal alters from one venue to the next. I'm really looking forward to it."

I asked Jed what his favourite part of the show is: "That's a really hard question because I think it's all great. I love the song "Feed Me". I just think it's really cool that the plant suddenly awakens and starts talking. I'm looking forward to working alongside the puppet on stage because that's not something I've done before. It's just a great song that gets you grooving in your seats."

One thing that strikes me about this production is the casting. I can absolutely see everyone playing their roles. Besides Jed as Seymour, there's Benjamin Yates as the Dentist, which is just genius casting in my opinion: "It's a really strong cast. I'm excited to see how this show develops with this group of people because they're all super talented. We've got some really amazing and well-respected performers who I'm looking forward to learning from. I think it's going to be really fun, and I can't wait."

What can audiences expect from Jed's specific performance as Seymour?: "Oh goodness! Oh, I don't know! Hopefully I'll sing in tune! The thing I really leant into in the auditions was just trying to make him real. The script and the plot are hilarious and I think it's important that the audiences not only laugh, but also really care about and root for these characters. So I just want to make him likeable as much as possible."

"That's so far! I'm sure once rehearsals start there'll be loads more goals and things I'm trying to achieve."

Because Seymour is a universally loved character, I asked Jed if he felt a responsibility to him?: "Absolutely, yeah. It's a little bit daunting because he's been played by some incredible people before. There is a sense of pressure, but we're backed by an amazing creative team. I'm actually looking forward to putting my version out there and being part of a new version of the show at two really exciting venues."

How does he feel about being in Liverpool for Christmas?: "I love Liverpool. Both Liverpool and Manchester are great cities, and I've toured to both of them before and they are definitely two of my favourite cities. I'm from Leeds so I may be a bit biased, but they're the hub of the north. Especially for theatre."

Both cities have huge roots in music, and this is the sort of show that will attract non-theatre goers too because of the music: "Absolutely. My experiences of northern audiences in general is that they are such fun audiences to play for, and this is the kind of show that leans totally into that. I hope it's just going to be a huge party for everyone."

Jed has a wealth of experience in musical theatre. I asked him which of his past roles he would most like to return to: "It's a bit like Sophie's Choice, but I'd have to say Boq in Wicked. That was just a joy, and much like this show, that was a show that I just loved as a child. I'll never take for granted how lucky I am to be able to be a part of shows that I love and admire."

While talking to Jed the thing that really shines through is his passion for not only this show, but musical theatre as a genre. I cannot wait to see what he brings to this role.

You can catch Jed as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at:

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Friday 25th September - Sunday 29th November 2026

and

Liverpool Playhouse

Thursday 3rd December 2026 - Saturday 9th January 2027

Interview conducted by Neill Kovacic-Clarke for Pink Prince Theatre on 04/02/26

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