INTERVIEW: Devon-Elise Johnson, currently starring as Ann Pornick in HALF A SIXPENCE at the Noël Coward Theatre

How do you feel your training at LSMT aided your ascension to a leading lady of the West End?

The training is impeccable! They really hone in on the individuality of each student. Best year of my life without a doubt.

If you had “money to burn”, what’s the first thing you’d do?

Enable my mum and dad to retire. They’re incredibly supportive – if I could give back and thanks, it would be that!

Which member of the cast and/or crew makes you laugh the most and why? 

Bethany Huckle (Flo) – she makes me howl with laughter. On two show days, her interpretive dances have us in stiches!

INTERVIEW: Lucy O'Byrne, currently starring as Fantine in Les Miserables

What have you learnt from being a contestant on The Voice that has helped you in the world of musical theatre?

The most practical thing I learned was coping with crazy long hours! I learned to be centred, to worry less about competition and bring my focus inward so that I would do the best job possible. Finally, and most importantly; be nice. It didn't matter what time of the day or night it was, how long we'd been waiting to shoot, how long it'd been since the last tea break, the team always had a smile and something positive to say to everyone. This made it one of the happiest experiences of my life and I try, daily, to emanate this in the theatre too... especially double show days!

Going from working with Will.I.Am to starring as Maria in the Sound of Music must have been a slight contrast, how on earth did you keep grounded throughout that?

To be honest, touring keeps you pretty grounded. The Sound of Music was a dream come true but it was hard work and travelling around the country as well as doing that 8 times a week. You've got to have your head together for that.

INTERVIEW: Hollie O’Donoghue, currently starring as Eponine in Les Miserables

I must start by saying that the stage show of Les Mis has now been seen by over 70 million people around the world. That’s more than the populations of Canada, Australia and Portugal added together! For anyone who hasn’t seen the show, can you try and summarise it in no more than three sentences?

 Les Miserables tells the story of an ex-convict hero Jean Valjean who serves 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. His whole life is a quest for redemption while trying to escape from the the police inspector Javert who relentlessly pursues him. Throughout the story we meet characters such as Fantine, we see the love triangle between Marius, Cosette and Eponine, daughter of the cruel Thernadiers. We see poverty, social injustice, endurance, hope over struggle, revolution, moral lessons, love and compassion. The show is sung throughout and is arguably the best score of all time. It’s a timeless piece that touches modern day audiences even after 31 years running.

We saw you a while ago when you were covering the role of Eponine and thought you were magnificent. How has your interpretation of the role changed since taking it on full time?

My interpretation of her has stayed somewhat the same but it has developed a lot more. Because I’m playing her every night, I have been able to discover more in depth to her as a character, and put my own mark on her as an actor.

INTERVIEW: Arun Blair Mangat, currently playing Benny in IN THE HEIGHTS at the Kings Cross Theatre

You had a fairly quick turn around from being in Kinky Boots to moving over to In The Heights, what were the challenges when making the switch over?

Yes, I was really lucky to start In The Heights whilst still at Kinky Boots. My last week at the Adelphi Theatre was a bit crazy because during the days I was in rehearsals for Heights trying to learn the lyrics and lines. I was keen to find my interpretation of Benny's character as quickly as possible because we had quite a short rehearsal period. Then at night I would go to the Adelphi, put on a pair of heels and become Lola. The two roles could not be more different, but it was such an awesome experience. I think the most challenging aspect of the quick turn around was making sure I was off book and had created a fully realised person in Benny because everyone in ‘el barrio’ is integral to the community and I knew that I was stepping into a show that had already been running for the best part of a year. I wanted to make sure that I could bring a fresh energy whilst also being on par with everyone who was staying on for the last leg of the run.

In Kinky Boots you understudied the lead and now you’re playing a lead! How was it making that progression?

The progression was actually relatively seamless because I was lucky enough to become Standby Lola for my last few weeks at Kinky Boots, so that helped ease the transition for me. It’s been a few years since I’ve played a lead in a show so it’s great to be able to sing solos and hear how my voice has developed since I was 18/19. On Kinky Boots it was great to understudy Matt Henry. He’s a good friend and such a talented actor, so being able to learn from him about how to take care of yourself on and off stage was really beneficial too.

INTERVIEW: Lucie Jones, currently playing Maureen in the 20th Anniversary Production of RENT

What a year! From Legally Blonde to RENT, nothing like variety? 

Variety is the spice of life! My whole career has been varied to the max so this year has been no different. I really loved Legally Blonde!

Tell us a little bit about your character in RENT...

Maureen. She’s a tricky one to put into words but she’s definitely feisty for sure. She’s an activist – constantly trying to change things for the better, whilst unashamedly self-promoting!

Is RENT a show that you'd seen or heard before? 

I’d heard some of the tunes and loved them but didn’t know it very well. I’m well and truly a Renthead now!

INTERVIEW: Gabriela Garcia, currently playing Nina in IN THE HEIGHTS at the Kings Cross Theatre

 

Lin-Manuel Miranda came to see the show, how was it knowing you were performing to him?

It was both unbelievably nerve racking and exciting in equal measure! However, the fact that I was able to manage my nerves and was still able to do the show, proved to me how far I have come since I was a student at ArtsEd. Having Lin in the audience was something I never thought would happen to me- I admire him so much- it was literally a dream come true. 

When the show opened you started in a much smaller track, and now have moved on to performing the role full time. How was it watching the show progress and also your part?

Amazing! I would not have had it any other way- the fact that I was able to play both Yolanda and Nina meant I got to see the piece from 2 different viewpoints. It also gave me the opportunity to perform some of Yolanda's brilliant dance tracks but still sing and act in Nina's iconic scenes. Also I learnt so much from being an understudy and had the privilege of learning a lot from the actresses that played Nina before me. 

INTERVIEW: Lee Proud, Choreographer of the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Lee Proud choreographed the new 20th Anniversary production of RENT which is currently touring the UK, making a stop at the St. James Theatre in London over December. His other credits include The Producers (UK tour), The Smallest Show on Earth (UK tour), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), Allegro (Southwark Playhouse) and Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse). 

You’ve choreographed for many different types of spaces, which ones have been the most challenging?

I think most spaces offer some challenges, but there was one show I did two years ago Off- Broadway and there was only one entrance/exit on stage right as stage left was just a brick wall! It was hideous!!! I had to attempt to create patterns and illusions with the choreography which didn't look like everyone constantly marching off to one side after every number. It was awful!! People also often say to me that it must be hard choreographing in small spaces but I love the challenges and problem solving this involves. I also love the idea of the audience literally feeling the breeze on their face as a performer dances past. Traverse I like as it always offers an interesting perspective which you can keep moving and changing so no one misses out on the story telling. 

 

Do you prefer anyone of those?

I don't have a particular preference, I always try to play to the strengths of the space and rehearse things well so the actors feel comfortable.

 

INTERVIEW: Layton Williams, currently playing Angel in the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Layton Williams is currently starring in the 20th Anniversary production of the cult classic RENT which tours the UK with a stop in London's St James Theatre from 8th December - 28th January. His other credits include Hairspray (UK tour), Thriller! Live (Lyric Theatre) Billy in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), The Car Man (UK tour) and on television Bad Education and Beautiful People. 

You came into the professional theatre business rather early, as one of the original Billy Elliots in the West End. How was that whole process?

It was pretty special. My story is very much the Billy Elliot story - I auditioned with very little experience when I was 11. I hadn't done a ballet class or had any professional training but they must've seen potential I guess.

What is it like to have such pressure at such an early age? Did you realise at the time what big a deal it was?

I absolutely had no clue. When I speak with people now about it they say they remember all the talk and controversy about this new "Black Billy"! I was just enjoying the ride as a child and luckily it never really stopped.

INTERVIEW: Ross Hunter, currently playing Roger in the 20th Anniversary production of RENT

Ross Hunter is currently starring in the 20th Anniversary production of the cult classic RENT which tours the UK with a stop in London's St James Theatre from 8th December - 28th January. Ross has previously been in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales) played Drew in Rock of Ages (Garrick & Shaftesbury Theatre) and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre). 

Let's start with We Will Rock You, pretty early on in your career you understudied Galileo for a while, and must have rocked out with Queen's Brian May a fair few times... how was that?

It was my first job out of drama school and to play the role at just 21 years old was incredible. The show itself means a lot to me, and the anniversary shows with Brian May and Roger Taylor were fantastic.

Then you jumped ship to the "other" rock musical, Rock Of Ages... what was your time like with that show? 

Physically demanding, vocally demanding but the most fun I have ever had on a job. The audiences were always brilliant and it’s a show that I think the West End misses. Not just a great show but a top night out!

INTERVIEW: Nadim Naaman, currently starring as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera

Nadim Naaman is currently playing Raoul in the London production of Phantom of the Opera, just after celebrating the shows 30th Anniversary we talk to Nadim about his experiences as an actor, his future and his two albums he has released. His other credits include Charles Clarke in Titanic (Princess of Wales, Toronto), Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd (Harrington’s Pie & Mash Shop), One Man, Two Guvnors (NT at The Theatre Royal, Haymarket), The Phantom of The Opera (Her Majesty’s), The Sound of Music (The Palladium), Cinderella (The Harlington), Titanic (Southwark Playhouse), Chess (Union), Marguerite (Tabard), Thirteen Days (Arcola), Knight Crew (Glyndebourne), James and The Giant Peach (Watermill) and The Last Five Years (Pleasance).

Being in a long running show and performing 8 times a week is obviously one of the challenges to being an actor, how do you keep it fresh every show?

For me, this is all down to approach. Being in a long runner is very different to the jobs that last six, eight or ten weeks, for example.  The first thing is to accept that doing a role eight times a week for a long run is difficult, and that you have you find a way to divide a week’s worth of energy evenly between the eight shows so that you don’t come unstuck by Friday or Saturday. Being physically fit and looking after yourself in terms of what you eat and drink during the week makes a big difference too. But the mental side is more important to me. 

I do my very best to enjoy every moment, and give all my energy, whilst I’m on stage; then, backstage, try to keep calm and relaxed whilst being focused. When I go home every night, I try and leave work at the Stage Door, and forget about it until I arrive for the following performance. It is your job, after all, and no job is healthy if it is all-consuming. No matter how big your role, if you add up the minutes any character is actually on stage, it’s manageable if you have the right attitude. If you get it right, it is the time spent backstage, and the routine of prep, make-up, warm-up etc that might feel more tiring and repetitive, whilst your performance can remain alive and fresh. 

INTERVIEW: Lorna Want, Olivier Award winning Actress currently in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Lorna is currently playing Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, a role she won the 2015 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. She made her West End debut at the age of 15 in Romeo & Juliet the Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre and her other credits include Footloose (Novello/UK Tour), Evita (Adelphi), Parade (Donmar), The Fantasticks (Duchess), Dreamboats and Petticoats (Playhouse), Annie Get Your Gun (UK Tour), Robin Hood (Cambridge Arts), Anything Goes (Kilworth House), Peter Pan (Manchester Opera House & New Victoria Woking), High School Musical (UK Tour), Sleeping Beauty (Bromley Churchill), Les Miserables (Birmingham Hippodrome). Television credits include: Casualty, Holby City, Doctors and I Dream (all for the BBC), Arcadia (ITV). Workshops include: The Little Prince (Savoy Theatre), Defect (Finborough Theatre), The Piper (Savoy Theatre), Bauhinia (National Theatre Studio).

The show has been running for a while now, what changes have you noticed to your performance from the beginning of the run?

That's an interesting question! A huge part of my job is to keep things fresh every night, as though I'm saying the words for the first time, and to tell the story in the correct way, so I've definitely found new things along the way & I'd like to think I've got better, but equally I hope that the performance has the same energy it had on opening night.

If we think back to the beginning of the process, were you aware of the show before you auditioned?

Once I got the call from my agent about auditioning, I did some research on the show and saw how successful it was on Broadway. I was obsessed with the soundtrack for the following weeks, & knew instantly that I wanted to be in it! 

INTERVIEW: Ben Richards, currently starring in THE BODYGUARD at the Dominion Theatre

Ben Richards is currently playing Frank in The Bodyguard at the Dominion Theatre opposite soul Queen, Beverley Knight. His other credits include laddin (Shaw Theatre); Rock of Ages (UK tour); Oliver!(Sheffield Crucible); 9 to 5 (UK tour); Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Palace Theatre), Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre); Grease (Victoria Palace Theatre and UK tour); The Full Monty (Prince of Wales Theatre); Saturday Night Fever (London Palladium); Smokey Joes Café(Prince of Wales Theatre) and Grease (Dominion Theatre). On TV he has played Ben Bradley in Hollyoaks; Mr Kit in Doctors; PC Nate Roberts in The Bill; Justin in Holby City; Gayle Tuesday; Bruno Milligan in Footballers Wives, Footballers Wives Extra Time; and Dad.

First of all, how is it being back at the Dominion Theatre? It's been a little while since Grease...

It's great being back at the Dominion Theatre, this place holds a lot of great memories and where I got my break into playing roles when I took over the role of Kenickie in Grease

You're no stranger to a jukebox musical, or those based on movies, how do you prepare for a show like this? Do you watch the movie or keep well away and create your own character?

I did watch the movie just to remind myself of it and to get a feel of it, but as with all projects be it film, tv, or theatre, I will go through a process during rehearsals or in my own time to make the character and get my performance up to speed.

WICKED 10: Gregor Stewart

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I was in the 2009/10 cast when Alexia Khadime was Elphaba, I was Ensemble and understudy Fiyero.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I do, I saw it in Previews when Idina Menzil was playing Elphaba, that night one of the big Flat heads (think that's what they are called... Big costume with clown feet) fell over and just lay there for one of the stage management to come out and drag them off stage it was hilarious. Also the Oz Head didn't work and Idina performed a time step and said that's live theatre before walking off for a show stop, it was brilliant.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I remember watching Wicked with my Parents and saying to my mum "I'll play that part one day" and a year later I got the chance, I was so proud that night.

WICKED 10: Gary Wood

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company!

I joined the second cast in 2007 as a member of the ensemble and stayed a further two years until 2010 as a crossover swing. That meant I covered all 9 of the male ensemble.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I first saw the show in London not long after it opened. It was a Wednesday matinee and the entire principle cast were on including Idina Menzel. I hadn't listened to the soundtrack before going so I really knew nothing about the show. I just remember sitting, absolutely transfixed by the whole thing. I will never forget the thrill of seeing Elphaba fly for the first time!

WICKED 10: Stevie Tate-Bauer

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 
I was in the ensemble in 2010/2011. I was also 1st cover Elphaba and 1st cover Nessarose and during my time at Wicked, I was lucky enough to go on as Elphaba twice and I lost count of how many Nessarose shows I did! Lots!

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I saw the Original London Cast 10 years ago at the Apollo Victoria and I was absolutely spellbound. From that day onwards, it was my aim to be in the show!

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?
Although I had a burning passion to be in Wicked and also get to play Elphaba, it still came as quite a shock when I received the phonecall from my Agent  saying the job was mine!

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
My first show as Elphaba. I had it in my contract that I would go on and so the audience was filled with so many of my family and friends supporting me. I was overwhelmed by the whole experience and felt after that night, I really had lived my dream and felt fulfilled as an actress.

WICKED 10: Gareth Chart

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I played Frex, Elhpaba's father and I understudied and played Doctor Dillamond and the Wizard in 2010 and 2011.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I remember seeing Wicked for the first time in its first year, I had some friends in the show and I got to see Kerry Ellis and Olly together which was awesome. And the brilliant Martin Ball as Doctor Dillamond.

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I didn't really imagine being in the show when I saw it because I didn't know what I could really do in it! I danced a bit but nowhere near the level of the choreography of Wicked, i'm not short enough to play Boq I'm not handsome enough to play Fiyero! Of course as it turned out all it took was a shaving of the head and some make up and I just about got away with being in it!

WICKED 10: Lauren James Ray

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I first joined WICKED in 2009 as ensemble (fainting girl some people call it) and 2nd cover Nessarose and left in 2011. I rejoined WICKED originally for 5 months during 2014 as ensemble (fainting girl), shared 1st Glinda, 2nd Nessarose. I then continued my contract until 2016 as first cover Nessarose, 2nd cover Glinda. All in all I’ve been a part of the show for 4.5 years!

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I do! It was in London 2006 and it was my birthday treat. 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

From seeing the show, I knew I wanted to do it and I always hoped I’d be in it. I was thrilled when I finally got to be a part of it in 2009 and even more so when I went back in to it in 2014 with a Glinda cover.

WICKED 10: Christopher Howell

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

 I played Doctor Dillamond from 2011 to 2013 (22 months) and I had the best time.

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?
I first saw Wicked when it opened in London. I remember the huge buzz about the show and it certainly delivered. I also remember thinking that I would never be in the show as I could not place myself in it. 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?
My best memories of my time there would be to do with the fantastic cast and audiences' there. I think Rachel Tucker's last night was absolutely incredible as she sung as if her life depended on it and the audience ate it up! I made many good friends there so there are many memories. Also, getting to work with Louise Plowright again was a joy - I miss her.

WICKED 10: Lillie Flynn

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I played Nessarose in 2012. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

The first time I saw Wicked was way back in 2008 in London and I loved every second of it!

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

I had no idea that I would but I sure as hell wanted to be! There are very few shows that have had that impression on me.

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?

The amazing cast I had the pleasure of working with at the time. They were all so brilliant and we made a good team! It was also my very first principle role so that first night was a pretty special one.

WICKED 10: Alex Louize Bird

Firstly, tell us what part you played and what year(s) you were in the company! 

I was in the ensemble (pineapple hair track!) and I stayed for 3 contracts! So about 2 and a half years. 

Do you remember seeing WICKED for the first time? When and where was it?

I remember everyone at college being so obsessed with Wicked that I didn't want to see it! But as third years our head of company was the resident director (Petra Siniawski) so we went to see it and my jaw was on the floor for the whole show! 

Did you ever think you’d be in the show one day?

Wicked was the one show I wanted to make it into. And I was so overwhelmed that it was my first west end show as an adult at 21 years old! 

What is your best memory from your time at WICKED?

My best memory is the fact I got to learn the choreography from the original choreographer Wayne Cliento. It was such an incredible experience and one I will never forget.