How did the idea of We Aren't Kids Anymore first come about? 

I began writing this show as a way to find myself again. I was spending all of my energy writing shows for other producers, movie studios -- stories that weren't my own. I needed to get back in touch with why I began writing in the first place. I needed to get back in touch with me. I started writing and found katharsis in revealing parts of myself I hadn't been in touch with or paid attention to. From the greatest highs, to my relationships, to things as personal as my own family--to the point of using their real names in the material. Then I realized, the first time I shared any of these songs, that even though there are specifics to my life, these are songs about humanness. About the confusion we all endure while growing up. When are we fully baked? This show flowed out of my like tears and laughs and the songs continue to prove that they are indeed an adhesive that connects the human experience, no matter who you are. I'm not quite sure there's another musical that's done it the way we've managed to. Quite a journey since the show was first written in 2019.

The entire cast is incredible, how important was it to cast these specific performers in these roles?

What I love about this cast is that the five of them represent such a gamut of perspectives. We are representing five decades of different stages of life. From teens to fifties. For this April performance, I can guarantee you've never seen these five performers the way you are seeing them here. Dylan Mulvaney has been wowing me every step of the way since day one. I knew she was going to be great, but these rehearsals have proven to me just what an absolute star she is--truly. Aimie Atkinson who I could listen to all day as she sings to the rafters, has moments of complete vulnerability which is such a gorgeous dynamic on her. Melanie La Barrie cansneeze and get applause she is so damn talented, but she is doing things in this show that had me laughing and crying within the same song. Nigel Harman is known for such an extensive list of huge projects, so its a thrill to have him, but its an even bigger thrill to see him take on a show that lives in such a new contemporary world. He's beyond excellent. And Cassius Hackforth is one of the greatest discoveries, for me anyway. Mark my words, Cassius will be one of the biggest stars you've ever seen within six months. He's unbelievable. This is a dream cast for sure, but a show like this is a beautiful thing because as long as everyone is seen and represented on stage, the cast can be anyone from anywhere. It’s just about the lens we are looking through. 

What's been the biggest challenge with bringing the show to life? 

The fact that the show was based on my autobiographical experiences made it easy to write, but often makes it very challenging to listen through again and again. Particularly the songs that are about my lowest lows. I have great shame still when I talk about my issues with drug abuse, and there's a line in the song "Snow" that says This is not necessarily some fun kind of song that I want my Mum hearing about me... And its that line that hear the most literally and I have an urge to cry and leave the room. 

How does this show compare to others you have worked on?

This is easily the most unique show I've ever written. And I wrote a musical about Skittles for fuck sake! WAKA is perhaps the show I'm most proud of because the material has managed to stand on its own, and the material has been the thing to get these producers involved and get us to this point so far, and its the reason this star studded cast said yes to this project. I love my job, and I love all the projects I've written, but this one really lives on its own as something I don't think anyone has ever seen before in musical theatre. I believe what we are doing could potentially connect us during a time when we are less and less connected. I hate talking about my own work is that, but I think we are potentially changing how theatre can look and how theatre can be done with this show.

How does it feel to be premiering the show in London at the iconic Savoy Theatre?

I'm amazed it didn't happen sooner. I'm quite the icon myself, you know!  Teasing - In all honestly, this is the thrill of my career to be asked to premiere my musical on such a legendary stage. 

What can audiences expect from the show? 

Some unrelentingly great performances. A musical like you've never seen before. A concept that has never been attempted in musical theatre before. You will fall in love with this cast. And you will feel seen and less alone after seeing this show. OH! And after intermission, stick around because we have a ton of surprises up our sleeves.