The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian theatre performer originally from Cairns, Mat Verevis starring as Tina Turner’s Australian Manager, Roger Davies in the new Australian Tour of Broadway and West End Hit show, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, now playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 29 June until 23 August.
We sat down with Mat and talked about playing Roger, as a pivotal figure in Tina Turner’s career, advice for aspiring performers, his love of being a part of telling Tina’s remarkable comeback story and more.
What drew you to the performing arts initially, and how has your background influenced your career?
My dad is jazz piano player. Music has always been around the house and when my parents saw I had a gravity towards it they stuck me in lessons and I guess it snowballed from there.
Roger Davies played a pivotal role in Tina Turner’s career. How did you prepare to portray such a significant and influential figure in the music industry?
It always starts and ends with the script. You do as much as you can to absorb someone’s character from source material online but ultimately whatever you do as an actor has to work within the world of the show or project.
What aspects of Roger Davies’ personality and career do you find most challenging to capture on stage?
Well, the man is a bit of an enigma. There’s very little to almost no media of him online, so capturing any mannerisms was kind of impossible from the start.
It’s just been about leaning into his unwavering passion for music and the good guy, trailblazer reputation he has in the music industry.
Can you share any particular moments or stories about Roger Davies that inspired your portrayal of him?
Predominately just his obvious passion and belief in Tina. They operated on nothing more than a handshake and they took over the world together.
If anything, I try and bring a focus point of passion and belief to him every night as we tell Tina’s story.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical showcases a remarkable comeback story. What do you think makes this story so compelling for audiences?
Because it’s a raw, true story of someone that touched millions of lives and overcame extreme adversity.
How does the musical balance Tina Turner’s personal struggles with her professional triumphs, and how does your character contribute to this narrative?
Most of Tina’s personal struggles came before Roger so we learn a lot about her years with Ike in Act 1 and then Roger is introduced in Act 2. Roger knocked down the doors for Tina so without spoiling any surprises that’s all I’ll say.
What are some of the key messages or themes of the musical that resonate most with you?
So many, but rising above personal adversity is the biggest for me.
How has your collaboration with the cast and crew of the musical influenced your performance?
There’s some wonderful actors in our show and they really inspire me every night to be better.
Are there any standout moments or scenes in the musical that you particularly enjoy performing or that hold special significance for you?
Again, without giving away any spoilers there’s a scene in Act 2 that is set in London that I look forward to every night.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being part of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical?
Seeing how much audiences are moved by it.
Looking ahead, are there any roles or projects you are particularly excited about pursuing?
Not right now. My head is firmly in TINA land.
Hopefully I’ll be starting a new album of mine someday soon.
For young aspiring performers from places like Cairns, what advice would you give them about pursuing a career in the performing arts?
It can be a tricky career but if you can’t imagine doing anything else, it can be done, so go after it.
Finally, why should audiences coming to see Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at QPAC?
It’s the best of a play, a musical and a concert all in one.
Thank-you Mat for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for the Brisbane season.
TICKETS
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
From 29 June – 23 August 2024
Photos supplied
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