“It’s been the most fun I’ve ever had on stage.” If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to play Regina George, that’s your answer, according to Georgina Castle — who steps into the leading role for the West End run of Mean Girls. “Regina is an absolute gift of a role. She oscillates from charismatic cool girl to unhinged psychopath in the blink of an eye, so the emotional gymnastics are super fun to play. You never know exactly where you stand with her. This unpredictability leaves so much room to play as an actor and mix things up every night. You never want anyone around you to know what Regina’s going to do next.”

This might be the most fun she’s had in a role, but Castle’s resume is extensive: training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, leading performances in Mamma Mia! and Dirty Dancing, and further credits in Elf The Musical, 9-5 The Musical, Millennials, , , and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original cast of Cinderella. Always making the stage her own, she now puts her spin on the ultimate mean girl, as the musical adaptation of the 2004 hit film makes its way to London’s Savoy Theatre.

We talked to Castle all about it.

Hi Georgina! How are you?
I am very well thank you! It’s been busy in the run up to opening the show but I’m on a bright pink cloud nine.
 
When did you start acting and what initially excited you about the stage?
My parents would tell you that it was from day one even though I did have other interests as a child. I was obsessed with space and at one point had the opportunity to pursue a career in swimming, but my heart was always in performing. I’ve always been a bit of a thrill-seeker and for me there’s no greater buzz than being on stage. That rush of adrenaline from entertaining is what makes me feel most alive. 
 
What was your first ever role?
My very first role at age four was ‘Market Trader Number 6’ in the school nativity. I wish I could say I felt great pride, but I only remember an intense visceral rage that I didn’t get the part of Mary — clearly the passion was there from a young age! I’m now much better at dealing with rejection haha! At Stagecoach I played Blousey Brown (Bugsy Malone), Nellie Forbush (South Pacific), Gabrielle (High School Musical) and Joseph in Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. There were only girls in the group, so it was essential that a different sort of loin cloth was assembled!

Congratulations on Mean Girls! What is a typical day for you like on this project?
Thank you!! It’s been very exciting and jam-packed. So much of the process has been completely surreal. The novelty of getting to work with Tina Fey won’t ever wear off. A typical day first involves getting the body moving and trying to sort out any congestion the sodding hay fever might be causing! Then it’s into wigs, costume, and show make-up for a content photoshoot or a filmed press junket. In the afternoon we work on some notes on stage or changes to the show. Jeff Richmond (composer) might want to hear a different melody or Nell Benjamin (lyricist) could have lyric changes and Tina Fey always has bigger and better punchlines on hand. We work those in and then I wolf some food down quickly before curtain up. I might treat myself to some nice crisps or a Maccies before trying to wind down, which does take a while… you tend to become a bit nocturnal.

Do you remember the first time you watched the movie?
I actually can’t remember a time when I didn’t know about Mean Girls or I wasn’t quoting it! Some of the more iconic lines have become part of our everyday vernacular. My parents however had never seen it, so when I got the role I immediately put that right! We got some drinks in and watched it together. My parents were gripped. It’s universal in its appeal which is why it’s so lasting and so brilliant! 

What was the audition process like for the West End production?
I, unusually, LOVED the audition process. The team were open to new ideas and super responsive which was lovely. I’d listen to the opening of “Meet the Plastics” to get into the zone and would sing “My name is Georgina George” instead of “Regina” to try and bring myself and the character closer together. I’m thrilled it seemed to work!! I went in four times and in the final recall I was paired with different combinations of Karens and Gretchens to test the chemistry and see how we worked together. The joy and downfall of what we do is that art is subjective. Every combination bought up something fresh and exciting, but I’m so pleased to be doing it with the amazing Grace Mouat and Eléna Gyasi!

How has it been to step into the role of Regina George? How do you get into character?
It’s been the most fun I’ve ever had on stage. Regina is an absolute gift of a role. She oscillates from charismatic cool girl to unhinged psychopath in the blink of an eye, so the emotional gymnastics are super fun to play. You never know exactly where you stand with her. This unpredictability leaves so much room to play as an actor and mix things up every night. You never want anyone around you to know what Regina’s going to do next. However, while vindictive, she is vulnerable and her killer confidence is a ruse to hide her deep insecurity which only makes her more interesting and textured. Also, who doesn’t love playing the baddie?! 
 
Initially it was the music that helped me get into the zone, but now I find that her posture really helps. She is totally aware of her body and is always ‘on.’ Every part of her is ready to be photographed at all times and that hyper alertness helps me slip into the character. Just as she is aware of how she’s coming across, she is aware of people’s responses to her and their emotions, and is very perceptive; she’s ready to pounce on any weakness she sees at the right opportunity. 

What is the balance of making the character your own while keeping it true to the Regina we know and love?
I think the balance is staying true to the essence of the character and respecting the original version, while also trying to put as much of yourself in there as possible for a truly authentic performance. What works on one actress won’t work on another — even if it’s brilliant. It has to be coming from a truthful place for the performance to be successful and that means no copying, but there are many of the much-loved original moments in the show that will please fans of the movie. I am one of those people and was belly-laughing in rehearsals. Once the audience take their seats hopefully everything they know of Mean Girls from before only enhances their enjoyment. 

Are there any other types of characters you’d like to play that you haven’t explored yet?
Yes! Hundreds! Existing ones and those yet to be dreamed up. I’m constantly open to new challenges and I am really keen to dive into whatever may come next. At the moment I’m in Regina land enjoying all the twisted, fashionable, blonde, intelligent, mean sides of her and loving every second, but I can’t wait for what’s next. 

MEAN GIRLS is at the Savoy Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.MeanGirlsMusical.com or via the Box Office: 0844 871 3000