I’ve Covered Beetlejuice & Willy Wonka | Ambition, Adapting & Almost Giving Up - James Haxby
You're On TonightShow Notes
James Haxby is an understudying legend. He’s worked on some of the biggest shows in the world - from 9 to 5 to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where he covered the iconic role of Willy Wonka.
But when James understudies - he goes all in. He tells us how he covered fourteen roles in a single production, and is currently understudying Beetlejuice on its Australian and international tour, stepping into the shoes of the role’s creator, Eddie Perfect.
In this episode, James shares what it’s really like to cover such legendary parts, and how connecting with other covers across the world became a lifeline in some of the most high-pressure moments of his career. Along the way, he takes us inside his time performing with the Pop-Up Globe in Australia and New Zealand – from ‘original practice’ Shakespeare to sweating it out in full armour in 40-degree heat. He also tells the story of being pushed onstage on opening night of his first understudying job - handed a script, a shot of whiskey, and told simply to get onstage.
We also dive into the surprising differences between working in the UK and Australia - and why it’s not just about the weather.
But more than anything, this is an episode about resilience. From struggling to find work in Australia, to moving across the world to go to drama school, to nearly giving up on acting altogether - before one final audition changed everything.
James Haxby - You’re On Tonight.
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