I caught up with Jacob Fowler, who is currently playing JD in Heathers on tour after previously playing the role in the west end.
Heathers is such a fun show; however, it tackles so many themes. For someone who knows nothing about Heathers, what should they expect from the show and why should they catch it on tour?
‘Heathers’ is set in an American high school in the 1980’s. It follows the story of 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer on her journey through senior year, and her relationships with the three popular girls, all called Heather, and the new bad boy in town, JD. The show does tackle a lot of themes, including some that can be quite triggering. However, it only does so that we can see the difference between good and bad and how things manage to hopefully resolve. Heathers doesn’t necessarily have a target audience – it could be for anyone! Everyone knows that feeling of being in school and all the things that come with it and I think that, by the end of the show, you’ll leave having felt all the emotions!
Having loved your performance as Prince Topher at Hope Mill Theatre last Christmas, I really enjoyed seeing you take on JD on the Heathers tour earlier this year. They are such opposite roles to play in quick succession of each other, that must have been fun as a performer. Do you have more fun playing the goodie or the baddie?
Oh, the baddie for sure! I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever play a role with such depth and yet such an arc ever again, which is a pretty depressing thing to think in your early 20’s, haha! I did love singing the score of Cinderella, though. It was nice break from having to belt at the top of my lungs for once! You can’t beat a Rodgers and Hammerstein score!
Speaking about the Hope Mill, you have played similar intimate venues, to larger touring theatres, all the way up to the o2! What are your favourite places to perform?
I much prefer a theatre to an arena like the O2. Maybe it was the context in which I was performing but playing at the O2 almost felt like I was playing to no one because it was so big, despite there being 20,000 people there!
I would personally love to see you as Sweeney Todd. However, if there were no limitations on gender, race, or any other characteristic, what would your dream role be?
Funnily enough Sweeney is a dream role however, Phantom is the ultimate dream role. Also, a recent one that I’ve had my eye on is Willy Wonka - that would be fun!
What is your career highlight so far?
It’s hard to think of anything other than winning Little Mix: The Search. That whole experience was incredible, and I will never forget the feeling when Chris Ramsey called out our name on live television. We felt on top of the world. But similarly, I don’t think I’ll ever forget doing JD for the first time, and specifically my run at The Other Palace. Because of the nature of the circumstances there it was a whirlwind, but one I am SO happy happened to me at that point in my career.
You have achieved so much already at this stage in your career, what are your aspirations?
Haha, way to make me feel the pressure! Actually, as each day goes by, I am more and more intrigued and inspired by the idea of writing music. I don’t know what yet, and I don’t think it will ever be one thing, but I’ve always been fascinated by film scores, particularly Pixar scores. I’d love to write a musical and I’d love to start writing and performing my own music again. Acting wise, I’d love to sing a baritone score. They are few-and-far between, especially for a 23-year-old. I think Raoul in Phantom is high up on my near-future roles.
The Heathers UK tour continues well into 2023, see below link for full tour details.
You can read my review of the Heathers tour when I caught it in Stoke back in April: