In this exclusive interview, our Editor Anastasija Pavic explores Georgina’s motivations and preparations for taking on Regina George. They discuss how Georgina plans to balance the character’s authoritative persona with her underlying vulnerabilities, the approach she takes to comedic elements, and her methods for handling the physical demands of the role.
What drew you to the role of Regina George in Mean Girls, and how do you plan to make the character your own?
Well I actually fell in love with the character 20 years ago when the film first came out and I remember being bowled over by her ability to control and manipulate but always with a smile. Her charisma coupled with that vindictive spirit makes for a fascinating combination! She forces more questions than answers like ‘Why does she behave like this?’ ‘Does she get pleasure from people’s pain or is she herself just an insecure vulnerable girl desperate to not be at the bottom of the pecking order?” I think it’s all of the above which makes her endlessly interesting to play and explore. And sadly, much as I don’t like to admit it, my parents tell me that when I was in junior school (around age 7) I had a little Regina streak in me. I ran the ‘Kiss Chase Gang’ and would decide who was allowed to play, who could kiss who and generally boss everyone around. Ha! So it turns out that I will be drawing from real life experiences to make the character my own….I promise I’ve changed!
Tina Fey’s screenplay for Mean Girls has become a cultural phenomenon. What approach do you take when portraying a character that is already firmly established in the public consciousness?
It definitely adds an element of pressure that otherwise wouldn’t be there but it’s also a huge asset because the audience walk into the theatre ready to embrace the character. My plan is to respect the original (because it’s ICONIC!) but try to put as much of myself into the character as possible so I can give the audience an authentic portrayal of what this version of ‘Regina’ is. The magic of live theatre is that it’s a unique experience. Every day is different because it’s a different group of people sharing the story with us. Once the audience take their seats it’s us and them and everything they know of “Mean Girls” from before hopefully only enhances their enjoyment.
Mean Girls is known for its sharp wit and comedic timing. How do you prepare for the comedic elements of the role?
It certainly is! Tina Fey is a sensation, and she has given us an absolute corker of a script! It’s pacey, sharp and littered with hilarious punch lines but also is so full of heart. There are lots of lines we all know and love from the movie that I’m sure will get amazing reactions from the audience but most of what makes these characters hilarious is their behaviour and their absolute naivety as to what is making them funny. Comedy always needs to come from a place of truth, so I think fully investing in the honesty of each scene is going to serve Tina’s writing best. Making people laugh is my absolute favourite thing in the world so to have a Tina Fey script to play with is a total gift.
And sadly, much as I don’t like to admit it, my parents tell me that when I was in junior school (around age 7) I had a little Regina streak in me. I ran the ‘Kiss Chase Gang’ and would decide who was allowed to play, who could kiss who and generally boss everyone around. Ha! So it turns out that I will be drawing from real life experiences to make the character my own….I promise I’ve changed!
What methods do you use to prepare for the physical demands of performing in a high-energy musical, particularly in the role of Regina George?
The demands of performing any role on stage 8 times a week eventually take a toll on your body and your voice. I popped two ribs while performing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella because I was in a corset and heels 30 hours a week and eventually my body went snap. So…for Regina George I’m preparing well ahead of opening. I’ve been working with a singing coach on stamina as Regina has some fabulously big songs to sing. It’s very anti-social but to maintain vocal health I will have to avoid talking in big groups or loud restaurants, spicy food, drinking too much alcohol (shame!), over-singing and absolutely no shouting…my partner and neighbours are more enthusiastic about this than I am!
As the leader of the “Plastics” clique, Regina is both admired and feared. How do you approach balancing her authoritative persona with the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface?
What I love about Regina is exactly that contradiction. She’s a fully fleshed out, complicated person that is both authoritative and vulnerable. I remember my mum saying if ever people were nasty at school that it was probably insecurity and I couldn’t understand at the time how these girls who I thought were so put together, fashionable, beautiful, sporty, clever and so perfect with their swirly joined up writing could be insecure. What did they have to be insecure about? But everyone is fighting an internal battle we often know nothing about so I’m looking forward to exploring the softer side of Regina that she absolutely wouldn’t let anyone see.
I think everyone can resonate with people or situations where they have felt unsupported, so to see everyone come together and celebrate their difference like they do in “Mean Girls”, it leaves you feeling a lot more optimistic about the world around you.
In what ways do you plan to honor the expectations of the Mean Girls fan base while also bringing a fresh perspective to the role?
I would consider myself to be part of the “Mean Girls” fan base so I hope that they will recognise the love I have for the character through my portrayal. I’m coming to the show with not just enthusiasm but embarrassing giddiness! Rachel McAdams, Taylor Louderman and Renee Rapp have each bought something completely different to the part and I’ve adored every incarnation. Alongside making her funny, fierce and fabulous I want to hone in on her intelligence. She is a master manipulator and knows exactly how to get what she wants from people. She can turn on a dime which is so unsettling for others. Ultimately, I’m going to try and play the Regina that I would want to see if I was sitting in that audience which I absolutely would be if I wasn’t in the show.
Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Lisa Houseman in Dirty Dancing are both beloved characters. How do you approach transitioning from these roles to take on the role of Regina George, who is often seen as the antagonist?
In terms of transitioning, I approach every role without judgement. All characters, even the beloved ones, have flaws and I think that’s what makes them most accessible to us as an audience. Regina is an archetypal villain, but her toxic behaviour is encouraged by societal pressures. Sophie and Lisa were a joy to play. Both are passionate, free-spirited and dance to the beat of their own drum, but Lisa is petty and shallow while Sophie is impulsive and reckless. I think that often we, as an audience, are drawn to the antiheroes or to those with more colourful personalities. We sympathise with their more textured characters and can more readily see ourselves and our flaws in them. Regina reminds us all that we have the capacity to be mean. We must choose which road to go down. Also…who doesn’t love playing the baddie?!
Mean Girls explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and social hierarchy. Why do you think these themes continue to resonate with audiences today, nearly two decades after the film’s release?
I think everyone can resonate with people or situations where they have felt unsupported, so to see everyone come together and celebrate their difference like they do in “Mean Girls”, it leaves you feeling a lot more optimistic about the world around you.
Power struggles and cut-throat social climbing aren’t limited to high schools but watching a show like “Mean Girls” and getting to see the inner workings of our fraught teenage brains played out with comedy, sensitivity and nuance is hugely comforting. Tina’s genius is that she has made a cult film out of the unique experience of being a young woman, but it surpasses any age or gender barrier. It’s just brilliantly clever!
Don’t miss Mean Girls in London at the Savoy Theatre.
