Hot Shoe Shuffle’s Tap Brothers – Max Patterson

Each week until early April, AussieTheatre will be featuring interviews with the recently announced Tap Brothers, soon to star in the upcoming 21st Anniversary Production of Hot Shoe Shuffle.

Hot Shoe Shuffle is the tale of Spring, Slap, Buck, Wing, Tip, Tap and Slide and their long lost sister April in a 1940s inspired musical theatre setting with choreography by Dein Perry and David Atkins.

Our fourth feature is with Max Patterson – who will be making his musical theatre debut as Tap in the 21st Anniversary production of Hot Shoe Shuffle.

What is it that excites you most about joining the cast of Hot Shoe Shuffle?

The show itself is such an important show, and that is exciting

When did you discover your love of tap?

I have been dancing since I was 2. I think my mum just threw me in as babysitting but I fell in love with it.

You have trained in dance and performing arts for many years and this is your musical theatre debut – what do you think are the similarities and differences between your previous professional work and musical theatre?

The amount of shows we will have to perform in is a large difference. 8 shows a week is very different to just one week of shows

Describe your character – Tap

Tap is one of the twins in the show, and he is the stylish one of the pair.

Do you have any pre-show or post-show rituals or superstitions?

Not yet! Maybe after this show

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Sell it!

Dancing is a very physically exerting exercise – how do you maintain your health and stamina to make sure you are always at your peak?

Not too much beer

What is the best thing about the performing arts community in Australia?

I love the fact that it is such a tight knit community and everyone is like family.

Have you ever worked with David Atkins prior to landing this role? What does working with such a legend of the performing arts industry mean to you?

It is super exciting to make my musical theatre debut with David Atkins and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

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Max started dancing at the age of 3 under the direction in QLD before moving to NSW to complete his Diploma in Performing Arts at ED5 International.

Max has appeared in The Helpmann Awards, Big Brother TVC, The Dally M Awards and numerous corporate performances and international live stage shows throughout Asia & the Middle East.