“That’s my thing apparently,” she said. “My partner only said the same thing the other day. He said ‘it seems your niche is historical, slightly comedic musicals’.”
Well the evidence is there. Jennifer starred in Six – she’s one of the few performers to have played every one of Henry VIII’s six wives in the hit show. She’s also starred in Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World and now she’s playing Bridget in the return of Lizzie the Musical to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre which explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.
Kayleigh McKnight as Lizzie
“You know what,” said Jennifer, “that’s not a bad niche is it? I just love it and I also find it really interesting.
“I do love to be able to create a character from scratch but the opportunity to research these real people and bring them to life and honor them is a real privilege.
“And when it comes to people who were around in the late 1800s there’s still a bit of artistic license.”
The case of Lizzie Borden shocked society. She was tried but found not guilty of the murder of her father Andrew and stepmother Abby. No one else was ever brought to trial for the brutal murders and for the rest of her life Lizzie was shunned by many in the small town in Massachusetts where she lived.
Researchers have discovered that although a pillar of the community – and a wealthy man – Lizzie’s father was controlling and a bully and Lizzie’s life was anything but comfortable.
“I think the topics covered in the show are possibly more important now than ever,” said Jennifer. “It’s the age-old story of women being badly treated and abused and deciding to fight back.
“Certainly taking an axe to someone is not recommended if that’s what Lizzie did but women who have fought back have allowed us to have a voice today.”
Jennifer Caldwell
Jennifer plays Lizzie’s maid Bridget who had emigrated from Ireland to take up her post and become something of a confidante.
“It’s so great that the narrative in the show is a real story,” said Jennifer. “Of course, it is the writer’s interpretation of what took place and Lizzie denied she had committed the murders until the day she died. But to have that narrative based on real people and real events is so special.
“Then we also get to have these rock star moments too – it’s the best of both worlds.”
The cast of four is joined on stage by an all-female band and the show features more than 25 numbers.
Jennifer Caldwell in rehearsals for Lizzie
“The music fits seamlessly in the show. It underscores everything,” said Jennifer.
“I can’t remember who said it but it’s so true that people sing when speaking isn’t enough. With the subject matter of this show, speaking is never really going to be enough, so the music fits in naturally. It has so much power and amplifies the emotions – everything works really well together.
“It’s also a really cool thing to do. I can’t wait for people to see Kayleigh who is playing Lizzie – it’s a monster of a part and she’s so great. She has to give it everything.”
Lizzie is returning to Mope Mill for an extended run and Jennifer feels that the setting is perfect.
“Hope Mill lends itself beautifully to the time period,” she said. “The main space has beams and transports you into Lizzie’s world. It has a special intimacy and is also a bit claustrophobic which will really get the audience into the right mindset for the show and to experience a little what it was like in Lizzie’s world. I’m just so excited to be able to do this show in this space.”
Lizzie is running until November 17, a rare opportunity to be in one place for an extended stay.
“I’m currently living near Stalybridge so I can actually commute to work and go home after a show,” said Jennifer, who recently completed a five-month run in London in Kathy and Stella Solve A Mystery.
“I just love being in the north – Jennifer grew up in Glossop – and you couldn’t get much more northern than working in an old mill could you?”
The combination of an infamous murder, dark subject matter surrounding abuse and full-blown rock musical might deter less adventurous theatergoers. But Jennifer hopes people will give it a try.
“With anything you have not seen before, it is important to come with an open mind,” she said. “From the last version of the show I didn’t meet anyone who had seen it and not enjoyed it.
“The most important thing is to come and watch it. Yes, be aware that the themes are quite heavy but also that there is so much humor and great music within the show and the show itself is so well written and the characters so well formed.
“It’s a great opportunity to support a new piece of theater and immerse yourself in it.”
Lizzie is at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester until Sunday, November 17. Details from www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk