Showing posts sorted by relevance for query interview. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query interview. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday 24 May 2018
In Conversation With... Freya Parks | Teddy | Interview
Teddy runs at the Vaults until June 3rd, it is an innovative show which not only showcases the actors on stage, but also the musicians. One of whom is Freya Parks who talked to us all about her experience with the show...
Teddy is such a fun show, it must be amazing to be a part of! Have you had a favourite moment so far?
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
Looking back I think my favourite moment was probably when everything came together the first time we performed to an audience. That was when we all realised how wild and intricate and special what we'd created really was. That's always a good feeling.
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
It's about a Teddy boy and Teddy girl (Teddy and Josie) and the adventures they have during a rainy Saturday night in Elephant and Castle in 1956. After their paths cross, they discover they're both massive fans of an American band called Johnny Valentine & the Broken Hearts and so do anything they can however risky to get into their gig. Then everything kicks off...
I play Jenny O'Malley, the bassist, a lady with sass who keeps her boys (fellow band mates) in line!
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
I could quite easily spend every night at a Weimar Cabaret in the 20s. Thinking about it, the 20s and 50s were both quite wild times as there was a similar post-war attitude of making the best from nothing, living in the moment and partying amongst the rubble. They must've been exhilarating times to live in.
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
The audiences always impress us with their dancing but there was one particular Friday night during our cover of Johnny B. Goode when a guy - who was joyously reliving his youth - jumped up onto Johnny Valentine's platform, grabbed the microphone and sang the rest of the song to perfection! I'm really glad there's video footage...
In 5 words, can you tell us why people should come and see Teddy?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
I recently read Teeth 'n' Smiles by David Hare. It's a bit like Teddy but a decade later! I'd love to have a bash at that.
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
If it's really what you want to do, keep going no matter what and whenever you hit a lull, surround yourself with other creative things - just keep your mind active! You never know what's round the corner.
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.
Saturday 31 March 2018
In Conversation With... Carrie Hope Fletcher | When The Curtain Falls (Album) | Interview
Carrie Hope Fletcher must be one of the busiest people in the West End. During the last few years she's managed to write 4 books (and a novella), perform in various shows and concerts, continually upload YouTube videos and blog posts AND record and release an album. Her work ethic, bubbly personality and sincerity makes her a role model for many people and her debut album When The Curtain Falls is just another branch of motivational vibes for people to cling on to. I sat down with Carrie at her album launch to ask her a few questions about it...
What do you think will surprise people most about this album?
Well my dad's playing on it for a start, bless him. There's a song on the album, Summertime, which was the first song I ever learnt, my dad taught it to me so it only felt right to put my dad in the album. We've sort of rearranged some of the songs from how you'd usually hear them. Tom Barnes is the orchestrator on the album and he's done an incredible job of making the songs still sound like the songs we all know and love but just given them a sort of musical makeover.
What was the hardest thing about narrowing it down to just 12 songs?
Oh it was so hard to pick 12 tracks cause, how in the history of musical theatre do you pick 12 songs to fill 12 slots on an album? It was near impossible but every song has got a sentimental reason behind it for me personally and some of them remind me of pivotal moments in my life. It might have been a soundtrack that I was listening to at the time of something big going on in my life. So I feel like when you listen to the album from start to finish, for me especially, it feels like a good representation of my musical theatre soul.
If you could pick anyone, dead or alive to be on your next album, who would you choose?
I would pick the Sherman Brothers- I knew both of them. Bob Sherman who passed away a few years ago was a really dear friend of mine because he wrote the music to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins, both of which I was in as a child, so our families sort of became friends and he moved to London and stayed in London for about 10 years. He sort of became my adopted grandfather; we used to go over and visit him and make him earl grey tea and it'd be lovely to sing with him again.
How would you sum up the album in five words?
Oh 5 words! Normally I get 3, this is nice! Splashing out... maybe that's too many! Okay: magical, warm I'd say cause every song has got such warmth and love and passion behind it. Empowering, I hope! There's lots of songs on there that have been sung by amazing women and have been written by powerful women so I've sort of given my best shot at those. Childlike, I feel like there's an element of childlike wonder cause I remember how I felt as a kid, watching musical theatre and how it made me feel and that's kind of like why I do it now and I hope that when young kids come to the theatre and watch me on stage I can kind of in-still that in them as well. And enchanting is my final word. Only because when people ask how you'd like to be described as they walk away (not necessarily how they will describe me as they walk away!) But what I'd like them to, is enchanting.
Thank you so much to Carrie for having me at her press launch and taking the time on the night to answer some questions. Carrie's beautiful album, When The Curtain Falls is out now so go buy it! Enter my giveaway to win a signed copy of the album here.
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
Watch my vlog of the launch and interview with Carrie here
photo credit: Darren Bell
Thursday 14 December 2017
In Conversation with Jonathan Andrew Hume | Alice in Winterland | Interview
Jonathan Andrew Hume played the lead role of Simba in The Lion King and is set to star in the Rose Theatre's production of Alice in Hinterland, alongside the Rose Youth Company. Jonathan spoke to Rewrite This Story about the show and all things Christmas...
What have some of your career highlights been?
I have been blessed with some great career opportunities. Two of my career highlights have been playing the lead role of Simba in Disney’s The Lion King in the West End, and also working with Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Rob Marshall in the upcoming movie Mary Poppins Returns.
What attracted you to this production of Alice in Winterland?
Our director Ciaran McConville has written a great take on Alice’s adventure. After reading excerpts of Ciaran’s script adaptation for my audition, and hearing Eamonn O’Dwyer’s great song the Blue Caterpillar sings, I knew this was going to be a fun project to work on, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.
What can we expect from the show?
You can expect a brand new and exciting adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s iconic story. A thrilling and sometimes mad adventure into Wonderland, taking you on a journey of Alice’s self-discovery and with the help of her new-found friends, realisation of what strength and power lies inside her.
You play the Caterpillar/Knave, what’s the funnest part about playing these roles?
Playing the extravagance and edgy lethargies of the Blue Caterpillar are the most fun. He’s such a great character to play. However, quite frankly, playing the Knave is also fun because I play a villain! I’ve always wanted to play one of the bad guys, and there is a certain satisfaction in getting “booed” by the audience at the end. You definitely know you’ve done your job properly... or at least I hope that’s what they’re “booing” for!!!
Who in the show do you think is most like their character?
I think our four talented young actresses sharing the role of Alice (Ellie Clark, Madeline Lynes, Gaia Mondadori and Hannah Wilkinson) have become most like their characters. All four of them are living the role each night they go on, and they do it with ease. Seeing them grow as actresses through this rehearsal process has been a privilege to watch. Their acting choices are natural and personal, and they make Alice so relatable that you cannot help but feel with her, the love, anguish, pain and joy she goes through before your eyes.
When it’s 'Time for Tea', what’s your biscuit of choice?
Oooh, that’s a hard one! I’d probably have to say it’s a tie between an Oatmeal and Raisin Cookie and an Oreo.
On a scale of 1-10 how much of a Christmas lover are you?
Probably a '9’. I love spending time with family, gift giving, singing carols and getting into the spirit of Christmas. I take away one point because as beautiful as winter can be, especially when snowing, I’m not the biggest fan of the cold!
If you could spend Christmas with anyone dead or alive (other than your family), who would you choose?
Wow! Another hard question. I think I would actually like to spend Christmas with the Hatter from the show, because it would definitely be the craziest, funniest (and messiest) Christmas dinners ever!
Give us your best sales pitch as to why people should come and see Alice in Winterland!
Alice in Winterland is an extraordinary Christmas show which people both young and old will enjoy. Be ready to be taken on an adventure into Wonderland that is like no other. With enchanting scenery and costumes, extraordinary puppetry and memorable songs, all put together by an amazingly talented creative team and performed by a brilliant cast!
A huge thank you to Jonathan for taking the time to do this interview. Alice in Winterland runs at the Rose Theatre until January 7th.
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
photo credit: Mark Douet
Tuesday 29 August 2017
In Conversation With... Louis Dempsey | The Weir | Interview
Louis Dempsey has an extensive list of credits to his name including film, television and theatre. He will soon be starring in the English Touring Theatre's production of Conor McPherson's, The Weir which opens on September 8th at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester.
For anyone that doesn’t know, can you explain a little about your career and highlights so far?
I trained with Cygnet Training Theatre in Exeter. I've appeared in numerous stage productions including the original West End production of Stones in his Pockets, Romans in Britain at The Crucible, Sheffield, Taming of the Shrew at The Globe, Juno and the Paycock at Bristol Old Vic, Some Voices at The Young Vic, Brothers of the Brush at Liverpool Everyman. I've also appeared in another Conor McPherson play, The Seafarer, at The Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
On screen I've appeared in films such as Troy, Cloud Atlas, Shooters, Revolver, Grabbers, Six Bullets, Omagh, The Last Drop. I've also popped up on tv screens in Holby City, Waterloo Road, Sea of Souls and, of course, The Bill.
Highlight of my career so far? Hmm. Probably Troy because it was an amazing experience to be part of a huge Hollywood blockbuster movie with all that entails.
Have you always aspired to be a performer or did you have a different career path in mind when you were younger?
I never had any ambitions to become an actor. Where I grew up in Dublin your ambitions rarely went further than getting a job and a drink! I loved films as a child but I always assumed that actors came from Planet Actor. The idea that I might one day be up there on screen myself seemed utterly ridiculous.
What drew you to the role of Finbar in The Weir?
I don't know if one could say I was drawn to the role. My agent called, asked if I was interested in taking a meeting for a touring production of The Weir. I knew something of the play and having done The Seafarer (also by Conor McPherson) I was curious. When I read Finbar I kind of got where he was coming from but only in a very rough way.
When people come to see this production of The Weir they can expect to hear the best story they will hear all year! No doubt at all.
Can you sum up the show in five words?
Hmm. Funny. Poignant. Scary. Moving. Uplifting.
How is the 20th anniversary production of The Weir bringing something new to the modern classic?
Well I have never seen a production of The Weir so I cannot compare but I will say that The Weir is such a complete story, with so many layers and revelations about life, love, sadness, joy, heartbreak and happiness that I don't think it is even accurate to describe it as a modern classic. The Weir is simply a classic, regardless of when it was written or set.
What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?
Prince Charles once asked me to have a drink with him. I did. It was fun.
If you could go back to any era, when would you go to and why?
Well, I'm not a big fan of the past. I suspect that if I did travel back in time to a bygone era, people there would say "What the hell are you doing here??!! There's no email and toilets haven't been invented. Are you crazy???”
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
You have two eyes, two ears and a mouth. Use them in that order.
Thank you so much Louis for taking the time to do this interview. The Weir starts touring on September 8th and continues through to November 25th
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
Friday 23 September 2016
In Conversation with... Victoria Hamilton-Barritt | Murder Ballad | Interview
Rewrite This Story recently caught up with the wonderfully talented Victoria Hamilton-Barritt whos had a fabulous career from Gypsy and Saturday Night Fever to In The Heights most recently. Victoria told us all about her upcoming musical Murder Ballad, her career so far and her advice for aspiring performers...
You've had a fantastic career that many performers would dream of. What have your highlights been?
Paul Kerryson cast me in Gypsy at Curve Theatre playing Louise/Gypsy and I had an absolute ball in that role. Finally I was playing a role that had so many layers with an epic journey. Paul gave me the greatest opportunity with that show and I absorbed every drop of that incredible production. Another highlight close to my heart is creating the role of Daniela for the London run of In The Heights, Southwark Playhouse and Kings Cross Theatre. I had the best time in that role and changing it up a for a London audience.
Was being a performer what you always dreamt of or did you have a different career path in mind when you were younger?
I worked in London Zoo when I was younger and was told if I stayed on I would one day be made a zoo keeper. I absolutely love wildlife so I know that's where I would have ended up otherwise.
You went from A Chorus Line to In The Heights, both of which received amazing audience reactions. How was it to be a part of that? Both shows must have felt like a true family!
I've never felt family in a show to the degree of what In The Heights delivered. What a special place. We all shared an obsession for the show which was heartbreaking when I left.
A Chorus Line was tricky because there were no interval and we were on stage for a solid 3 hours. The cast were so lovely but because of this obstacle we never fully got to know each other in that 8 month period. Talented writing in the sense where it's an audition and keeping distance. Clever.
Both Diana and Daniela are kickass characters; how do you bring so much sass on stage? Do you have any diva inspirations?
I was always Inspired by Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French. Ruby Wax and all women who make you laugh whether it be with an aggressive undertone or just damn right silly.
So last time you were performing you were heavily pregnant (how did you manage to still dance in heels!?) Since then you’ve had a beautiful baby (congratulations!) Has this changed the way you approach material?
Thank you! She is gorgeous and has made my life. I would have had a harder pregnancy had I not been in a show. It's better to just get on with things and do what makes you happy. Pregnancy was tough for me as I got so big where I looked full term at 4 months so come 8 months I looked like I was going to pop which caused discomfort for audience members who new I was pregnant for real. People really didn't believe I was pregnant though, where there were a lot of gasping at stage door. Some critics thought it a character choice... honestly.
You’ve gone from the Palladium to the Southwark Playhouse to the Kings Cross Theatre and now you’re going to perform at the Arts Theatre. These venues couldn’t be more different. Do you prefer the bigger theatres or the more intimate settings?
I love intimate spaces where you can see every expression and subtle choice. Small venues grant that, which always makes the connection with the audience more connected.
Can you explain a little about Murder Ballad and how your character fits into it?
I'm the narrator of the show which shares a story of a love triangle which gets complicated and things go wrong. Very wrong. That's all I will say for now. 😉
Can you describe it in 5 words?
love, lust, betrayal, sexy, oops.
Your talent and career make you an inspiration for many people hoping to get into musical theatre, whats your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
Work hard but don't take yourself too seriously. If it doesn't make you happy find the right time to stop. If you'd like to pick it up again do so when it feels right for you. You're enough and they're lucky to have you in their room.
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
Read an interview with Victoria's Murder Ballad co-star Kerry Ellis
Saturday 2 July 2016
In Conversation with... Gabriela Garcia | In The Heights | Interview
Gabriela Garcia is an incredible performer who recently took over the role of Nina Rosario in In The Heights at the Kings Cross theatre. Since training at Arts Ed, Gaby has starred in some brilliant shows and she is sure one to watch. From her fantastic vocals to stunning acting and amazing dancing Gaby overflows with star power! I was lucky enough to interview Gabriela about her career, goals and all things In The Heights...
Was being a performer something you always yearned for or did you have a different career path in mind when you were younger?
When I was younger I wanted to be writer and archaeologist and I aspired to be the first woman Mexican President. I started dancing at 13 and then said maybe I would want to be a dancer and by 16 I said...actually maybe an actress- hopefully as an actress I could play a writer, an archaeologist and a president at some point ha!
So you recently saw Hamilton which must have been amazing. How does it feel being in one of Lin's shows, do you feel extra pressure now Hamilton has had such success?
No, I wouldn't say I feel pressure. I feel lucky and privileged to be able to perform Lin's material every night.
Your drive, talent and passion have led you to some wonderful shows but you've said Nina was one of your dream roles. What are some of the others?
Anita in WSS...is that too cliche? Fosca in Passion, Molly in Ghost, Evita, Eliza in Hamilton, Jenny in Love Story...gosh so many...I would love to create a new piece where I get to create a new character, maybe a musical based on Frida Kahlo's life!
You studied at Arts Ed which is known for producing West End stars, what was the best piece of advice you were told during your time there?
'Your training never stops' - always keep learning.
Lets talk about In The Heights, you've been in the show since the run at the Southwark, did you know them that you were part of something special? How has the show changed since it moved to Kings Cross?
Yes! we all knew it was something really special as we all gave up our time and money for it. The staging has changed slightly, there's more people in the cast and the band are in a different place but the heart and sentiment of the piece is still the same.
Taking over the role of Nina must have been somewhat daunting. What are the biggest challenges of the show and what are your favourite parts?
I am the luckiest girl in the world! It was really daunting but the support from my cast mates and company made it all much easier. I feel like I got the best of both worlds. I got to know the show from Yolanda's perspective and from Nina's! There are so many favourite parts of mine...if I had to pick one: When you're home when I sing 'my people, my people...' I always think of Mexico then even though I should be thinking of Puerto Rico as Nina...There are so many challenges and every day they change - I guess the biggest one is to be able to tell the story for the first time every day and to not take it for granted.
It must be exciting as a Latina to play a role so focussed around the Latina heritage. Were you always proud of your heritage or did you face some of the same struggles as Usnavi and Nina when you moved to England?
Omg yes as a foreigner you always feel like you don't belong and then you go back home and everything has changed and you feel like you don't belong there either! I have always been very proud of being Mexican and always will although now I say I'm British too as I consider London my home too!
The idea of home and family is very important in the show. What things remind you of home?
My grandma and my whole family, good Mexican food, sunny weather, Mexican music and vibrant colours.
If you had to sum up the show in 5 words, what would they be?
Family, dreams, faith, support, hot.
Finally, do you have any advice for people hoping to get into the performing arts industry?
Be kind and never give up.
Thank you so much Gaby for taking the time to answer these questions. Be sure to catch In The Heights which is currently booking until October!
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
Sunday 3 September 2017
In Conversation With... Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie | Sword and the Dope | Interview
Sword and the Dope is a musical retelling of the story of King Arthur, written by a dyslexic who can not read or write music but wrote the show as a bet/joke with a friend. It has now gone out for over 150 shows at three different venues prior to this run. Sword and the Dope stars Stacey McClean and Stevi Ritchie who sat down with Rewrite This Story to talk all about the show.
Can you both give a brief overview of your career and what your highlights have been?
Stacey: I was once a member of pop band S Club Juniors. Highlights from my time in the band were probably performing a Wembley and for the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Also getting down to the final 24 and performing for Kylie in Dubai when I went to the judges houses for X Factor.
Stevi: I started performing at the age of 15 at my high school in Grease the musical and played Kenickie. I've always loved performing but got many knock backs. But 2014 I entered the X Factor and since then life has changed.
You’re both musicians, how has the transition to concert performances to musical theatre been?
Stacey: In ways it is very different. Put me on stage with a mic and a band and I can do it with my eyes closed, but theatre is a little more challenging for me. It's a lot more intense, there is a lot of preparation involved and a lot more a stake.
Stevi: For me it's been amazing and I've always loved musical theatre I trained at LSMT. Playing a prince in this show is great and taking me out of my comfort zone but I love it.
Can you explain what The Sword and the Dope is about?
Stacey: Sword and the Dope is a comedy musical with a politics edge. Think Monty Python, Black Adder and politics in a way you have never seen!
Stevi: A sideways telling of King Arthur with a modern day political twist. One review said British humour at it's best with great musical numbers, for me that sums it up well.
What drew you to the production? Are your characters anything like you?
Stacey: I play Sir Lancelot, a Knight who is a huge fan of the Green Party, so nothing like me really as I'm not into politics in the slightest. My character reminds me of Hermione from Harry Potter, slightly irritating, bit of a know it all who no one wants to listen to. The script was what sold it for me initially, I laughed my head off when I first read it.
Stevi: I loved the script and especially the songs they are amazing. The character is similar to me it's cheesy and he loves singing.
The Sword and the Dope is a retelling of the story of King Arthur, if you could retell any story which would you choose?
Stacey: Amy Winehouse, now that would be a fantastic role!
Stevi: I would retell the story of maybe Bruce Lee or Elvis Presley or Freddy Mercury.
Can you sum up the show in five words?
Stacey: Funny, ridiculous, offensive, rude and camp!
Stevi: Witty, camp,cheesy,Funny,eccentric.
Is there a play or musical you’ve seen recently that you loved?
Stacey: I have been to see Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour at the Duke twice now I loved it so much.
Do you have any dream roles?
Stacey: Dream role would probably be Sophie in Mamma Mia, the lead vocal in Thriller and anything Disney!
Stevi: Yes, Thenadier in Les Mis or Kenickie in Grease.
Whats a fun fact people might not know about you?
Stacey: I was one belt away from a Black Belt in Taekwondo when I was 7 but I gave it up because I wanted to sing!
Stevi: Think everyone knows everything about me due to the press and being in the public eye.
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
Stacey: You have to have a thick skin in the industry otherwise you won't survive. The amount of times you get knocked back is not necessarily a reflection of how good you are, and that's something you have to be prepared for. I'm a firm believer that you get out what you put in.
Stevi: Just keep going and be you.
Thank you Stacey and Stevi for this interview. The Sword and The Dope is on at Waterloo East Theatre from Tuesday 5th September until Sunday 1st October.
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor
*this is a sponsored post*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Welcome to the BLOG
Into The Spotlight
