The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible musical theatre performer Lorinda May Merrypor starring in Taylor Made: The Ultimate Swiftie Singalong by The Little Red Company at The Tivoli on 25 July.
We had the thrilling opportunity to sit down with the Australian musical theatre superstar to talk about her role in Taylor Made, her love for working with The Little Red Co, how starring in & Juliet impacted her and more.
What excites you most about bringing Taylor Made to life at The Tivoli?
This is a dream gig! Taylor has some of the biggest hits of the last over a decade that I’ve been singing in the car and the shower for years.
To get to do that on stage, with a band and with all the Swifties of Brisbane?? – that room is going to be electric!
How does it feel to perform Taylor Swift’s music through your own lens and style?
It’s a big task! Taylor is the biggest pop star in the world so stepping into those sparkly boots is not for the faint hearted – but it’s absolutely thrilling.
I almost feel like there is a pop star spirit that takes over when you sing her songs, and I love that feeling.
The Little Red Company is known for its innovative productions — what has the creative process been like with them on this show?
This creative process has been so much fun at every turn. What a genius project for starters, and then they have assembled the most incredible team. This band and all the girls I get to sing with – they are beyond incredible.
The rehearsal room already feels like I’m at a Taylor Swift concert, I can’t wait to get all the Swifties in on this as well!
Is there a particular song or moment in the show that feels especially meaningful to you?
That’s definitely our Eadie Peterson. Watching her up there, owning the stage just makes my heart burst. Such a talented performer and she is gonna blow you all away. I truly think we may have stumbled upon Australia’s Taylor Swift.
How has your experience starring in & Juliet influenced the way you approach a show like Taylor Made?
& Juliet massively influences the way I approach everything these days!
I gained so much more self-confidence through playing Juliet and to be a pop star you really need that!
You have to leave your worries behind and absolutely own the stage and I feel like Juliet really helped me to do that.
Max Martin, who I was lucky enough to meet and work with, was a co-writer and producer of Taylor for many years so I feel like there is a little connection there that I’m definitely drawing on!
How do you connect with Taylor Swift’s storytelling as an artist yourself?
Taylor is such an honest and vulnerable songwriter which I think makes her inherently relatable, it’s almost impossible to listen to her lyrics and not feel deeply connected. I also love that Taylor Swift doesn’t just write songs; she kind of creates whole worlds.
As an artist I love being able to tell stories and make people feel things when I sing and her songwriting lends itself to that perfectly.
What do you hope audiences take away from Taylor Made?
I hope audiences are ready for one of the best nights of their lives.
I know what it’s like when Swifties come together and so I think it’s going to be really really special.
I also hope everyone trades and takes away a bunch of friendship bracelets!!
The Fame Reporter Rapid Fire
Favourite Taylor Swift era?
Ahh! Reputation.
Most challenging song to perform?
Look What You Made Me Do!
Dream duet partner?
Hellooooo, Taylor Swift!
Go-to pre-show ritual?
Dressing room dance party!
TICKETS
Playing at The Tivoli 25 July
All photos – Supplied
The Fame Reporter 