SHANE JACOBSON ‘THIS ISN’T MY FIRST TIME IN A DRESS...’
The comedian, 52, says he’s never been more prepared to step into the heels of Edna in the new Australian stage production of Hairspray
Did you have any hesitation about taking on the role of Edna in Hairspray?
Not for a single minute. My family and I have loved this musical for years and I have always adored the Edna character. My kids said, “Dad, you have to be in that show so we can come and watch you!” and who can say no to their kids?!
Is this your first time in drag for a role? What’s the hardest thing about the costume and makeup?
I don’t see the Edna character I’m playing as “drag”. I play the character more from the truth of a loving mother and wife. I try not to play the wig, if you will. But to answer your question, this is not my first time in a dress, I played a man in a dress in a movie called A Few Less Men. To be honest, the hardest thing is dancing in heels. I now have a lot more respect and understanding for the pain that women have endured for centuries.
Have there been any mishaps getting into the look of the character?
I’ve had to shave my beard, chest, legs and arms and I can’t say my skin loves me for it. I have a little bit of shaving rash on my chest where I never expected to experience it.
What do you love about Hairspray?
The story is about inclusion
and body image which is as important today as it ever has been. It’s great to be a part of a musical that can not only entertain people but also delivers a meaningful message.
What’s your favourite song or routine from the show?
It’s hard to beat You Can’t Stop The Beat but myself and Todd Mckenney do a number together called (You’re) Timeless To Me, which I love performing.
John Travolta is known for performing the role in the 2007 film. How have you approached the role to make it your own?
I come from the angle of a loving, caring parent while also making sure that the emotions I display match the moments in each scene. If people watching the show start to forget that it’s Shane Jacobson in a dress and start to see me as a loving mother, then I’ve done my job.
What’s it like having Todd [Mckenney] as your onstage hubby?
It’s fantastic! Todd and I are great mates. It’s like being paid to muck around at school together with your best mate. Australia’s Got Talent
is also ramping back up for another season. Are you glad to be working on that again?
I’m thrilled to be a part of Australia’s Got Talent, because Australia definitely does have talent and our show discovers them and helps launch their career. It’s a joy to be a part of.
Is it nice to be busy again after presumably some downtime during the early days of the pandemic? Or do you miss being able to bunker down at home?
A little bit of both, to be honest. I was actually still fairly busy during COVID but obviously not as busy as I was PRE-COVID. I’m flat to the boards again and I think a happy medium between a bit of time off and a bit of work would be ideal, but the world of entertainment can sometimes be untameable when it comes to schedule.
‘I’ve had to shave my beard, chest, legs and arms...’