David Wenham on Jerry Springer

So David, have you watched much of The Jerry Springer Show for research?
I've watched countless episodes now and I watched the heavier material on YouTube. I've also ordered some uncensored episodes over the net. I've seen some pretty outrageous stuff.

Such as?
In one I watched yesterday an extremely obese lady's equally obese sister had been having an affair with her husband. Both of them, I don't know why, ended up being nude and involved in a physical fight. And I've got to say that I found that uncomfortable.

Nice. What are you learning about Springer the man?
Jerry Springer: The Opera focuses solely on his television show, so that's the persona that I will be endeavouring to capture. Jerry away from the cameras though is actually a fascinating person. His journey began as a campaign aide for Robert Kennedy and then he was a mayor of Cincinnati, he became a newsreader, then he was an investigative journalist, if you can believe that. Eighteen years ago on his television show, he'd interview people like Jesse Jackson on racial issues, and those shows didn't rate terribly well. So bit by bit it evolved into a totally different show. He is very upfront about the fact that on that show, he is different - that's his public persona.

Do you have to sing in this?
It's probably the only leading character in musical history that doesn't sing. However, the role is intrinsically woven through the music, so I can't be a bit late or a bit early because I'm going to throw the whole thing out. From the outside my job is going to appear relatively easy. I'm here to tell you, it ain't!

It sounds like this show takes on the absolute worst aspects of American society.
Well as Jerry would say himself, it's like holding up a mirror to society. The Jerry Springer Show is one of the most widely syndicated and watched daytime television shows on earth, so it actually has a huge influence. If anything the creators are commenting on the confessional talk show phenomenon.

Has it been a while since you've trodden the boards?
The last thing I did was about three years ago; I played Cyrano de Bergerac in Melbourne. So I'm really looking forward to doing this show with amazing performers. One of them is coming from New York - David Bedalla, who plays Satan. Alison Jiear, who was in the original production, is also coming out. She's become a bit of dance club icon around the world due to a song in the show called 'I Just Wanna Fuckin' Dance' and she is amazing. A few of those performers are in danger of lifting the roof off the Opera House with their pipes. It's such a surprising show because the music is exceptional, the score is so sophisticated and strong, but also at times really, really moving. It's an amazing piece.

Jerry Springer: The Operais at the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, 21-23 & 25 Apr.

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