New project to Inspire Wales' authors and composers

Authors and composers will come together next week to plot the next stages of musical theatre in Wales through an innovative new project entitled 10 Minute Musicals / Open Space, run by director Angharad Lee’s new company Leeway Productions.

Five authors and five composers will combine talents for peer to peer learning, creating, collaborating and co-authoring work and discussions about the musical theatre genre in various locations around Cardiff and the Valleys from July 4-8. The week will culminate with the sharing of work and discussions about the art form at The Other Room, Cardiff on July 8 providing a supportive “safe space” for artists to explore and develop their own practice.

“We have seen a positive shift in our attitudes towards musical theatre in Wales recently.” says Angharad Lee, “But I still feel that we shy away from a genuine grassroots investigation of the genre. The question I will be asking the artists is: ‘How do you make a story sing, and not just the artists?’ The approach to the week will be very task driven, much in the same vain as I would work with actors. Roles may be switched and specific tasks will be set by a group of year 5 students I am working with at the moment who are also developing their lyric writing skills. This will hopefully open up a discussion about who exactly are we writing for and why.”

Lee, whose most recent work includes the successful To Kill a Machine added, “I am keen to open out the discussions to artists who wouldn’t necessarily find themselves writing musicals. I want to challenge form and our approach when it comes to assembling such productions. It is an age old problem that sometimes artists can feel hugely disempowered when it comes to how work is commissioned in theatre in general. Everyone wants to be commissioned but it is vital that there is playtime and safe spaces to explore one’s own practice as part of an artists continued development. It can sometimes seem like moments of dreams rather than reality. To be able to pay artists to learn from each other and to be inspired by each other is an absolute joy.”

Key organisations throughout Wales have also been keen to lend support while numerous programmers and venues have confirmed the clear need for this kind of work. Among those confirmed to be in partnership with 10 Minute Musicals / Open Space are Wales Millennium Centre and Blackwood Miners Institute.

Writer Lee Hall Discusses Bringing Billy Elliot To The Stage

Billy Elliot the Musical made its Wales' debut at  Wales Millennium Centre last week as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour. Based on the highly successful film, the show is set in a mining town in the North of England against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from boxing to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry and choreographer, Peter Darling, joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design is by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.
Andy Howells recently chatted to writer Lee Hall about how Billy’s journey  has developed  from a film screenplay to a stage musical.

Stephen Daldry, Elton John and Lee Hall
Photo: Craig Sugden

Billy Elliot has been a part of your life for a long time now?
I first came up with the story almost 20 years ago, I then wrote the screenplay and the film came out in 2000 and we started work on the musical pretty soon after that, so its been part of my life for a long time.

Has Billy Elliot’s success surprised you at all?
Completely! I really thought it was going to be a small British film that would come and go like films do. I was quite surprised by the affect of the film and then we did the show and that went on for so long, it was pretty amazing to me.

Where did you get the inspiration?
It was one of those weird acts of imagination. I had grown up in the North East of England in that time, I knew all about the mining communities because of the miners strike. I think I was quite different from the others because I liked poetry and drama and that kind of thing and I was thinking of a way to tell the story about my journey but in cinematic terms. I thought writing was a boring subject to write about and I thought what if a little kid wanted to become a ballet dancer? I think at the time and possibly still so been a ballet dancer is something that a young lad would never think of doing because they’d get picked on in school, so I was quite interested in the story and I just made it up.

Haydn May as Billy Elliot
Photograph: Alistair Muir

Years later, I found out there were a few dancers at the Royal Ballet who had come from mining backgrounds. One of the mainstays Philip Mosley, came from Yorkshire and had a very similar journey to Billy Elliot, so fact has followed fiction.

It’s also an iconic tale about anyone who has a dream to do something different to the circumstances they were brought up in, everybody’s got something that is unique about themselves or in something that they want to do. It’s a story for everybody.

How did the musical come about?
It came from Elton John, he saw the very first public showing of the film which was in Cannes and he really identified with it. He could see a lot of his own journey in Billy Elliot.

I just got a phone call from Elton’s people asking “Would you like to meet, because he’s really interested in doing it as a musical.” To be honest, when I first heard that, I thought it was a terrible idea. I went to see him and he explained how we should do it and his total passion for the project. I thought “well you can’t not do it,” of course, we gave it a go and the rest is history.

You hadn’t set out to write Billy Elliot as a musical, so how was the experience writing with Elton John?
The thought of writing songs with Elton was beyond ones wildest dreams. I assumed he’d want Bernie Taupin to write the lyrics. He wanted me to do it rather than a lyricist because he knew it needed to be in the language of the characters. He was very determined on that and very experienced having worked on musicals like The Lion King and Aida. He said to me “Listen, We’ll just start at the beginning and work our way through it” and it was great advice not to take too much off, but just to take little bits and  build it up gradually. I was in very safe hands with Elton - he looked after me!”

Lewis Smallman with ensemble cast in Billy Elliot
Photograph: Alistair Muir

So now the Billy Elliot musical is touring the UK, how important was a tour to you?
Coming from the North East, I was dying for the last ten years or so that people from home could see it. Eventually, it went to Sunderland on the tour and it means a lot to me that we can take it to regional theatre to let people see it who couldn’t make the trip to London. It’s been a long time coming so I’m really excited about it.

For those who are planning to see Billy Elliot, how would you describe it?
Quite genuinely, there’s something in it for everybody. I think we all set out to make something you could laugh and cry at.

There are also the amazing kids who play Billy Elliot. I’ve been watching it for over 11 years and I’m always astonished at how brilliant they are. They can act, dance and sing and I don’t think there’s another show you’ll see where the kids are so brilliant. I really wanted to make something that my Mam and Dad could go and see as they never went to the theatre. I wanted to make something for everybody. It was really important to me that I made a show that everyone could go and see.

• Billy Elliot the Musical continues at Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday July 16. To book tickets or for more information visit www.wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464. 
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus on June 17, 2016

On Stage: Only The Brave, Wales Millennium Centre

Based on the real lives of men and women caught up in the D-Day landings, Wales Millennium Centre’s first full scale musical, Only The Brave certainly packs a punch with presentation.

Both heart-breaking and inspirational, the musical recounts the true story of two couples brought together by events in World War II, Captain John and Joy Howard and Lieutenant Denham and Maggie Brotheridge.

Only The Brave commences with a senior version of John Howard (played by Second World War veteran Peter Davies) looking back at the events from a hospital bed. The passion, camaraderie and courage that men and women displayed leading up to the D Day landings weaves in and out of events in England and occupied France, accompanied by an original musical score from Matthew Brind and Steve Marmion.

David Thaxton and Neil McDermott are at the forefront of the action as Captain John Howard and Lieutenant Denham Brotheridge respectively. Not only do they deliver believable characterisations but also lead their platoon with vocal strength on songs Only The Brave and Band of Brothers.

The musical's strengths lie in its more humane moments , from the companies’ rendition of Cuppa Tea (a tribute to the essential front-line beverage) to Wally Parr’s questioning of events in What The Hell Am I Doing? sung with conviction by Thomas Aldridge.

Other moving moments are the ladies of the company performing Regret and Sympathy, while French resistance captives Isabelle (Nikki Mae) and Madame Vian (Helen Hobson) face the prospect of an uncertain future as they duet on Can It Be True?

Hitting the right notes both cast and musicians had a deserved standing ovation at the climax of the Thursday evening performance, a strong indication that this could be the first of many successful presentations of Only The Brave.

• Only The Brave continues at  Wales Millennium Centre until April 2. Visit Wales Millennium Centre's website for booking details.

On Stage: Barnum, Wales Millennium Centre

The UK Tour of  Cameron Macintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre's Barnum may be drawing to a close after a year but with less than a handful of performances to go at Wales Millennium Centre, the show is still bristling with energy, enthusiasm and magic.

Set in the mid 1800's, the musical follows the colourful career of America's first show business entrepreneur, Phineas T Barnum and his relationship with his wife Chairy.

From the offset, there are many colourful characters which pull the audience into the show, the ensemble cast are pivotal in setting up the musical's circus setting by interacting with the audience via a host of tricks and stunts ultimately setting the tone for things to come.

As the show gets underway, Brian Conley steps onto the stage, announcing with his trademark broad smile that he is PT Barnum. It might be what Barnum himself would term as "a humbug", but within seconds Conley fits into the role of the legendary showman like a glove. Barnum's a role Conley was born to play and he gives the role more than a 100% from start to finish, mixing comical improvisation with a dazzling array of song and dance routines topped off with a tight-rope walk and a fire eating stunt.

Linzi Hateley gives an equally strong portrayal as Barnum's hard headed, tough talking wife Chairy who frequently has to reign her  husband in from making wrong decisions but equally provides strong support for good ideas. Indeed as colourful a show as Barnum is, the chemistry between Conley and Hateley is essential to telling Mr and Mrs Barnum's love story. One does believe that they have a strong relationship, even if Barnum himself suffers a minor indiscretion partway through the plot.

The musical successfully recreates the feel and colour of traditional variety through the medium of choreography, a dazzling set and a strong soundtrack by Cy Coleman including Come Follow The Band, There's A Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute and The Colours Of My Life and is enthralling family entertainment throughout.

Fun for all the family, Barnum undoubtedly is a hot contender for The Greatest Show On Earth, don't miss it!

• Visit Wales Millennium Centre's Website
• Brian Conley discusses his role in Barnum with Andy Howells

Brian Conley Discusses His Dream Role In Barnum

Entertainer Brian Conley was thrilled two years ago when he got the call from Sir Cameron Macintosh to take on the role of a lifetime, that of show business entrepreneur and circus showman PT Barnum.

“Famously Barnum has to walk on a tightrope so learning to do that was a big moment in my life,” Brian tells Andy Howells, “ as was going to circus school, learning to walk on stilts, juggle, eat fire and do magic. There’s quite a lot of things you have to learn before playing him, He is without doubt one of the biggest roles in musical theatre anyone could take on.”

Following the imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman, the musical was a smash-hit when it opened on Broadway in 1980. Then starring Glenn Close and Jim Dale, it went on to win three Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award.

When Barnum later opened at the London Palladium in 1981, Michael Crawford took the lead, winning an Olivier Award for his performance. “Barnum was the very first production I ever saw in the West End at the Victoria Palace with Michael Crawford,” recalls Brian, “never in my widest dreams did I ever think I’d be playing it.”

The show which ends its current UK tour at Wales Millennium Centre next week has been updated by Cameron Macintosh and Mark Bramble. “It’s a lot more technical and far more of a spectacular these days,” says Brian, “its a big show, it has a lot more colour. What we’ve done is make the comedy work because it was very much stuck in the 70s.”

 “The circus is the glue that holds it together,” Brian continues, “When he died he was the richest man in America. It’s very much about this entrepreneur, his amazing dreams and his wife, Cherie (played by Linzi Hateley), who guides him, so it’s a love story as much as anything else.”

Brian who is now back on television screens with his new TV series The TV That Made Me will be sorry to part ways with his dream role of which he has played since last September when he plays Wales Millennium Centre next week.  “It’s been a wonderful journey, but I’m really looking forward to Cardiff as it’s a nice place to go out,” he says.

• The national tour of Barnum ends its UK tour run at Wales Millennium Centre from August 11-15. Visit www.wmc.org.uk for ticket details.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on August 7, 2015

Join Dame Kiri Te Kanawa And Kate Adie In Unique Show

Kate Adie (left) and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

One of the world’s best-loved opera stars, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will discuss her life and work with BBC news correspondent Kate Adie in a special event at Wales Millennium Centre on Cardiff Bay this Saturday.

Through a mixture of frank conversation, personal anecdotes and archive clips of Dame Kiri’s past performances, the event will offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of both women who have reached the top of their respective professions.

Dame Kiri’s career has spanned more than 45 years to become one of the most famous sopranos in the world. As well as her acclaimed performances at some of the leading international opera houses, she performed at the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and more recently starred in Downton Abbey as Dame Nellie Melba.

Journalist, broadcaster and best-selling author Kate Adie was the BBC’s chief news correspondent for more than a decade, frequently reporting from the front-line of conflict zones around the world. She has since written about women and war, the history of foundling children and people who risk their lives for work. She is also a public speaker and currently presents From Our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio 4.

• ‘Kiri and Kate – In Confidence’ takes place on Saturday 13 June at 7.30pm in the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre and is a fringe event for this year’s BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition of which Dame Kiri is the patron. Tickets cost £20 and can be booked online at wmc.org.uk or by calling the box office on 029 2063 6464.

On Stage: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, Wales Millennium Centre

I wanted to see the Olivier Award winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time following a strong recommendation from my 12-year-old daughter who recently saw the London West End presentation.

The story follows fifteen year old Christopher Boone who although has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life and from time to time is subject to behavioral problems. When his neighbours dog is killed, Christopher falls under suspicion but when he decides to make his own inquiries he begins a personal journey which will not only turn his world upside down but unravel even more mysteries.

Presented in a giant cube shaped stage which projects lights, video projections and a variety of hidden doors and cupboards for cast and props to enter and leave as the drama unfolds. The set also reflects Christopher’s reactions generated by Asperger Syndrome through a series of lightning flashes and occasional confused numbers and letters

The performances are flawless, each cast move choreographed to perfection from Christopher looking for a missing book under his fathers bed to travelling through the busy London Underground.

Wales own Joshua Jenkins gives a breathtaking performance as Christopher, sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always smart; this is a role which is handled with precision and clarity. There is strong support from the ensemble cast who provide a variety of different roles including as Geraldine Alexander, Stuart Ling and Gina Isaac who portray Christopher’s teacher and parents.

Suitable for ages 11 plus, there is something that will appeal to everyone on many levels in this production. It runs until April 18, visit wmc.org.uk for booking details.

• A version of this review by Andy Howells appears on The South Wales Argus website on April 15, 2015
• Read Andy Howells' interview with actress Jessica Williams about Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Curious Incident Presents Dual Role For Jessica Williams

The Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly acclaimed National Theatre production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time arrives at Wales Millennium Centre this week as part of its first ever UK tour.

Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, the story follows Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

The story features two cast members that hail from Wales. Swansea’s Joshua Jenkins will play the role of Christopher while Bargoed’s Jessica Williams gets to work on both sides of the stage as Movement Captain, understudy and an ensemble cast member taking on the roles of Punk Girl and Mrs Shears.

In 2012 Jessica began working for Frantic Assembly as a practitioner. She works for them nationally and internationally, most recently co-directing the National Youth Theatre of Wales’ show Dead, Born, Grow and working with Newcastle-based company Open Clasp. Andy Howells recently chatted to Jessica about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

How did you find yourself becoming a Movement Captain?
I started in dance as a teenager and went to Ebbw Vale school to do A level dance there, then I trained in London as a dancer at the London contemporary dance school then the last couple of years I’ve been working for a dance company called Frantic Assembly a musical theatre company who make the movement for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Did you always have an interest in dance and performance?
I was in the Blaenau Gwent Youth Dance Company The Move and I used to go to Rubicon in Cardiff and Diversions now known as the National Dance Company of Wales. I've not done any acting until this job, so it’s a bit of a shift in direction for me.

Can you tell us about your role in The Curious Incident?
My role in the show is that I look after the movement. It’s not a musical, it’s a play. There’s a lot of music and a lot of movement and I keep an eye on all of it and keep them all on their toes, make sure they are doing everything properly look after their fitness all the warm ups and things  and I’m in the ensemble of the show and say a couple of lines as well.

Did you devise the movements?
Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett who are the directors of Frantic Assembly made the movement and my job is to make everything stay just as it should so that it doesn’t change. It’s a really big opportunity for me actually its nice to be on two sides of it with the cast and working on the other side making sure things are going well.

The show is rated 11 plus and there is some swearing, is it suitable for families?
Its really at the parents discretion. There is swearing and it’s used in adult scenes but there’s younger members of the audience who still enjoy the production. It’s a really great story and you see the journey of a young person. It hits a lot of marks with different people its kind of a family show in that you could take the whole family and everyone would get something different from all of it.

Do you get home to Wales very often?
It’s been more difficult since I started this tour as we started rehearsing in November but I’ll be staying with my parents while we’re in Cardiff.

How long are you continuing with the show?
Till November, a year long contract is a great opportunity for an actor.  I’ll definitely be going back to work with Frantic Assembly after I've finished this. It’s not certain what I’ll be doing.  I could be teaching, performing or doing something creative for them.

What are you most looking forward to about your return to Cardiff?
The theatre community of Cardiff is a great bunch of people so I’m looking forward to catching up with people and seeing what’s going on.  I’m also looking forward to the audiences I think they’ll love it (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.)  It will be warmly received. The Millennium Centre is such an amazing venue; I remember standing on the main stage as part of a workshop performance and thinking “Wow! I’ll never get to stand here again, this is amazing!”

How would you sum up The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?
I think a beautiful story. It’s really well told in so many different ways to tell the story with the set, movement, text and actors. Josh who is playing the lead is from Swansea, so it will be his home venue as well.

• The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night Time runs at Wales Millennium Centre from April 14 – 18. Check wmc.org.uk for ticket details.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on April 10, 2015

In Concert: Wales At No.1, Wales Millennium Centre

What better way to celebrate St David’s Day than bringing one of Wales' most universal popular culture contributions to the forefront – the number one record.

As Wales at No.1 hosted by The One Show’s Alex Jones proved on Sunday evening, this has been a medium Wales has been excelling in since 1959 when Shirley Bassey topped the UK charts with As I Love You.

As the evening commenced with The Welsh Pops Orchestra’s rendition of At The Sound Of The Swinging Cymbal (composed by former Shirley Bassey musical director Brian Fahey, and the theme to radio's Pick of The Pops) it became apparent no other tune would be more appropriate to introduce the best in Wales music talent.

Swansea’s Shaheen Jafargholi brought new life to Spencer Davis Group’s Keep on Running while John Owen Jones revived Tom Jones' hit Green Green Grass of Home. Sophie Evans brought a new twist to Amen Corner’s smash (If Paradise Is) Half as Nice and Jessica Lee Morgan gave a welcome rendition of her mother Mary Hopkin’s hit Those Were The Days which the audience clapped along with from the offset. Lucie Jones also wowed the audience with her stunning performances of Dave Edmunds I Hear You Knocking and Stereophonics Dakota.

There were some genuine Welsh Number one stars to hand as well. Shakin Stevens opened the second half of the show with two of his four chart-toppers Green Door and This Ole House while the first Welshman ever to reach the UK Number one slot Ricky Valance gave a perfect rendition of his 1960 chart-topper Tell Laura I Love Her, despite suffering a severe heart attack early last week.

Amy Wadge’s rendition of her co-composition with Ed Sheeran Thinking Out Loud and Manic Street Preacher James Dean Bradfield’s rendition of If You Tolerate This, You’re Children Will Be Next also proved to be real musical highlights.

As key performers of the evening reunited on stage to sing Tom Jones It’s Not Unusual, (celebrating its 50th anniversary as a 60s chart topper this week) Wales At No.1 proved to be the ultimate Pick of Wales Pops. Diolch!

• A review by Andy Howells of this concert was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on March 6, 2015.

Wales At Number One, A Unique St David's Day Celebration - Sophie Evans Interview

"Its going to be really nice celebrating being Welsh, the music and the success of Welsh artists" Sophie Evans tells Andy Howells of Wales at Number One, which takes place at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on St David’s Day.

Sophie, who captivated theatre audiences in the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz after becoming runner up in the TV series Over The Rainbow has gone from strength to strength since taking on the iconic role including presenting The Really Welsh Christmas Show on the BBC to having a starring role in the film success Pride.

Sophie will be joining stars such as Shakin' Stevens, Ricky Valance, Amy Wadge and Manic Street Preacher James Dean Bradfield to recall Wales' greatest hits this Sunday.

"I'm singing number one songs that were originally done by Welsh artists," explains Sophie who will be performing the Amen Corner 1969 number one If Paradise is Half As Nice as well as the first ever UK number one from a Welsh artist, Shirley Bassey's As I Love You. "I'll sing it in my own style while keeping the essence of Shirley Bassey," says Sophie while saying of the Amen Corner smash, “I’ll be singing that very differently."

Sophie who is currently touring with Britain's Got Talent stars Richard and Adam will be making a one-stop performance at The St David's Day event before rejoining the duo on their 19 date tour.

Sophie's love of classic pop goes back to childhood. "Since I was about four I've always loved music, I've listened to Barbara Streisand and Elaine Paige probably when I should have been listening to S Club 7. I was always interested in the more mature sounds probably more with the influence from my Mother, but that was the music I loved."

Rubbing shoulders with Welsh greats such as Shakin’ Stevens and James Dean Bradfield is something Sophie is quickly becoming accustomed to as she will be working alongside further musical heavyweights from the world of pop later this year. "I'm also doing the Eisteddfod this year in Llangollen which has an absolutely unbelievable line up including Burt Bacharach, UB40 and Gareth Malone. That’s going to be amazing."

Wales at Number One will be hosted by the One Show’s Alex Jones. Other stars participating in this unique music event will be Steve Balsamo, Jessica Lee Morgan (daughter of Mary Hopkin) Lucie Jones, Alys Williams and Shaheen Jafargoli.

The night will include tracks made famous by Dame Shirley Bassey, Ricky Valance, Spencer Davis Group, Mary Hopkin, Dave Edmunds, Shakin' Stevens, Bonnie Tyler, The Flying Pickets, Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Duffy, and of course Sir Tom Jones, whose huge hit “It’s Not Unusual” got to No 1 50 years ago, in 1965.

The stars will be accompanied by the Welsh Pops Orchestra featuring pianist Gwilym Simcock and conducted by Matthew Brind.

The Centre will celebrate St. David’s Day throughout the weekend with free performances from Welsh artists on the Glanfa stage plus a chance to experience the taste of Wales in the Centre’s ffresh Restaurant. On the menu will be an array of traditional Welsh dishes including Cawl, Roast leg of Welsh Lamb and Slow Cooked Welsh beef.

• Wales at No.1 is at Wales Millennium Centre on St David’s Day, 1 March 2015. Tickets range from £17.50 - £35. For more information and tickets visit Wales Millennium Centre's website.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on February 27, 2015.

Faye Tozer Steps Into Lina Lamont's Shoes For Singing In The Rain Musical

The critically acclaimed award-winning Chichester Festival Theatre production Singing in the Rain which stars Maxwell Caulfield as RF Simpson and Faye Tozer as Lina Lamont, comes to Wales Millennium Centre from 3 December 2013 to 5 January 2014, as part of a nationwide tour.

“I've been blown away by the audience reaction, while the audience have been blown away by the quality of the show.” Actress and Steps star Faye Tozer recently told Andy Howells , “They've really gone all out to make it a visual spectacular and I’m just very proud to be part of it “

A show that all the family can enjoy, Singing in the Rain tells the story of Don Lockwood, a silent movies star with everything he could want - fame, adulation and a well-publicised ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk…and sing...and dance.

“That period the costumes are just a dream the fashion at the time,” says Faye, “the colours, the romance, the whole thing. Its a real delicious luxurious era when Hollywood had so much money and an exciting time for film as well.”

The show features songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, including Make ‘em Laugh, Good Morning, Moses Supposes and Singing in the Rain.

• A version of this Interview by Andy Howells ran in The South Wales Argus Entertainment Supplement The Guide during November 2013.