In conversation with Jessie-Mae Thomas

In another d’Blog special feature, Jessie-Mae Thomas – the first stage Tess, and the first person to record a commercially available song from the show – talks to Tess administrator Scott Collins. 

​What attracted her to the role? Who else would she like to play?

​And is the future in her hand...?

Tell us a little about yourself  - ‘cos we’re nosey like that. 

I’ve adored musical theatre for as long as I can remember, however I started performing with amateur companies in my local area when I was 10 years old. I’ve since studied singing privately and also performing arts at Stratford-Upon-Avon College, as well as participating in a variety of other amateur performances and workshops.

What attracted you to the role of Tess?

One of the main things was how complex she is as a character and as a role. The journey Tess goes on throughout the show is huge, taking her from a naïve girl to a fully experienced, strong woman. Furthermore, I feel the vocal range and variety of acting skills required for Tess is particularly attractive as she is a huge role in terms of ability, which I felt was an exciting challenge. 

In the Night Project Theatre workshop of TESS

With Phil John as Alec d'Urberville

If you hadn’t played Tess, which character would you like to have played? 

Of all the other characters, Alec is probably my favourite as I feel he is the other character who massively develops throughout the musical – as well as having some of my favourite songs! However, realistically, and due to some obvious difficulties, I could never play Alec, so I’d 

have to say one of the dairymaids as they’re just hilarious! I have a real soft spot for Marian in particular as she’s such good fun.

What was the challenge of recording “The Wrong Side Of The Door” – now available to buy at tessthemusical.com/store (just sayin’) – compared to performing it live on stage? 

On stage it was very easy to get caught up in the acting and emotions as there was a live audience reacting to me, so once I was confident and comfortable with the vocals I could really do what I felt would work (within reason!) with the acting. Recording in the studio was a great experience as I not only got to focus on making the singing sound good, but I also got to work with the writers on how they wanted it performed, which was incredible.

What’s your favourite song in the show? 

Both to listen to and perform, it has to be Quartet. I’m absolutely obsessed with harmony and always have been, so when I first heard it I was hugely excited to get started. I’m also a major perfectionist, which made it so much more rewarding when we got the piece perfectly as it really felt we were doing justice to the gorgeous music.

What’s next for you? Is the future ‘in your hand’…? You see what I did there. 

I’m currently looking at courses to begin studying musical theatre this September in order to (hopefully) continue my career in the industry. I’m hoping to study a BA Hons degree at university and then a Masters at a drama school, but I shall have to see!

Recording 'The Wrong Side Of The Door'

As Tess is asked in the show, so I’ll ask you. Have you ever put your head against a cow’s behind? 

Unfortunately in the time since Tess has finished I haven’t had chance to get to that yet! Could be a potential fun day trip with the dairymaids though.

Jessie-Mae Thomas was in conversation with Tess administrator Scott Collins.

Thank you for reading and following the progress of TESS.
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