Coffee & Chat with Stage Masters
EP 09: Dave Hearn
EP 08: Charlie Russell
EP 07: Henry Shields
EP 06: Denholm Spurr
EP 05: Joshua Malina & Simon Yadoo
EP 04: David Hunter
EP 03: Kerry Ellis
EP 02: Tom Fletcher
EP 01: Kait Kerrigan
An Interview With…
How does it feel to be helping bring Shakespeare back to Drury Lane?
It’s incredible to be doing Shakespeare at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a place that’s steeped in so much history and getting to be part of the cast bringing Shakespeare back is a great honour.
What excites you the most about working with Jamie Lloyd?
Working with Jamie is a revelation, he’s a director that puts the story at the forefront and gives you the room to explore, fail and try again. I would trust him to lead me through a storm!
What is most challenging about being in one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies?
I think it’s the same as with any piece of work that’s been done before and that’s upholding the text and hopefully showing a different view of the story that’s not been seen before.
How is to work with Tom and Hayley?
It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch them both work and share the rehearsal space with them, I’ve learnt a lot and laughed a lot.
What do fans have to look forward to about the show?
Lots of laughter and many a catchy tune.
Can you give any sneak peeks at what people can expect from Much Ado?
Expect the unexpected and be ready to fall in love with the colour pink!
An Interview With…
Can you briefly explain what The Women of Llanrumney is all about?
The play is set on a sugar plantation in the mid-1700s and is about the relationship between a house slave, a newly introduced field slave and the plantation owner, as the owner discovers that she’s lost a grip on the estate’s finances.
How does it feel to be bringing the show to Stratford East after a sell-out run at Sherman Theatre?
It’s an absolute joy to bring the show to Stratford East. It’s a brilliant play that deserves to be seen by far more people than could be fitted into the hundred seat studio space in Cardiff. Stratford East is a beautiful theatre, and the audiences have been terrific so far so hopefully we can continue to get brilliant audiences for the rest of the run.
Why do you think this story is so important to be staged today?
We all know about the terrible dark history that is tied to the march of imperialism across the world, we know a lot about the broad history of slavery but there is so much about it that so many people don’t know, and the way that this is spoken about and portrayed in the play is brilliant, accessible and powerful.
How does it feel to be playing a variety of roles/characters in this production?
I am loving getting the opportunity to play three totally different characters. You literally almost never get a chance to play anybody other than what you look like as an actor, the only opportunity really is radio. So to get this opportunity is a total gift for me. A tiring gift, but a gift.
What's been the biggest challenge with undertaking this show?
The biggest challenge I think has been addressing some of the more difficult verbally and physically violent racist elements in the play. There is language that is uncomfortable to use and to hear and there is one point in the play, which people will see if they can watch, that it took a while for us to be okay with doing as it is a particularly harsh and violating act.
What can audiences expect from the show?
A brilliant, informative, sometimes funny, arresting, shaming, inspiring piece of memorable theatre.
An Interview With…
How does it feel to be playing the iconic London Palladium for what is set to be a really special night?
It genuinely is such an honour to be singing these iconic songs in such a prestigious venue alongside a crazy talented cast and band.
How does performing the songs of Queen compare to singing SIX or Heathers?
Of course, nothing will ever come close to singing the songs of Queen. But with a show like heathers it’s such a strong pop/rock sound that I really lent into when I played Veronica. I guess I used the same sound for that as I do for the Queen show! The energy that is required for all these shows in huge!!
What's your favourite Queen song to perform live?
One of my favourite songs ever and favourite song to perform live is ‘The Show Must Go On’. It just feels so powerful to sing!
What's the one song that audiences always seem to go crazy for?
Honestly, the atmosphere is always electric from the start of the show! As soon as they hear the intro for We Will Rock You, it’s nonstop energy until the very end!
A highlight of the show will always be bohemian rhapsody. You can feel that the audience are waiting for that moment and they go crazy when it happens!
How's it been to tour Australia and New Zealand with the concerts by candlelight team?
Touring Australia and New Zealand was the time of my life! I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to perform in such incredible venues, singing my dream songs. It was an opportunity of a lifetime!
What can Queen fan's expect from this one off spectacular performance?
If you are coming to watch this one off spectacular, you need to expect nothing but world class performances. We have the most elite vocalists and musicians who celebrate the music of Queen in the most beautiful way. Be prepared for electricity, outstanding vocals and astounding musicians!
The Play That Goes Wrong - 10th Anniversary
Henry Lewis - Interview
Henry Lewis & Jonathan Sayer - Interview
Instagram Takeovers
Mischief Movie Night (In) - Charlie Russell