Photos - Arcadia

I was given the fantastic opportunity to perform in Birmingham School of Acting's third year production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia in October 2012 at the Blue Orange Theatre. Set in the fictional Derbyshire country house Sidley Park in both the early nineteenth century and 1993 it is a story that considers the pursuit and certainty of knowledge, order and disorder and Romanticism versus Classicism.

I played the roles of the obnoxious and boisterous son of the Coverlys in 1812, Augustus and the timid and mute youngest child of their descendants in 1993, Gus. It was a brilliant experience to participate in a third year production with a great cast and crew and whet my appetite for the productions I will be part of in my third year. Thanks to Birmingham School of Acting for the photos! (Click each to see a a larger version).

The events of  1812 and 1993 play out simultaneously in Sidley Park with (l-r) Shannon Anthony as Thomasina, myself as Augustus, Joshua Edwards as Valentine, Pip Barclay as Septimus and Katie Burchett as Hannah.

Thomasina (Shannon Anthony) and Septimus (Pip Barclay) dance a romantic waltz in 1812 (back) while Hannah (Katie Burchett) and Gus (myself) engage in a shy but tender version in 1993.

Who Am I? - Music recording

In light of the upcoming film version of the hugely successful stage musical, 'Les Misérables', I thought I'd repost my recording of the song 'Who Am I?'
'Les Misérables' is the world's longest running musical and has been seen by an estimated 55 million people worldwide. Adapted from Victor Hugo's timeless, classic novel by French composers Boublil and Schönberg, with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, 'Les Mis' follows the story of Jean Valjean, imprisoned for nineteen years after stealing a loaf of bread. Realising he has been given the opportunity to begin his life anew, the former prisoner 24601 assumes a new identity as Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. But he discovers he will never be rid of the shadows of the past when he is purused to the streets of rebellion-torn Paris by the ruthless Inspector Javert and discovers the virtues of compassion, redemption and love through his care of the orphaned child Cosette.

'Who Am I?' sees the tempest within Valjean's skull as he wrestles with his conscience, can he condemn an innocent man mistaken for himself, or must he face his past and return to the galleys with a number and no name?

'Les Mis' remains my favourite musical of all time and Jean Valjean the most emotional and rewarding character I have played.

Many thanks to Joe Lammond who helped me record the song. To hear more from this very talented musician, please visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond.

Music Recording: 'Til I Hear You Sing' from 'Love Never Dies'

'Love Never Dies' is the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit musical 'The Phantom of the Opera'. Ten years after the events of the original, the Phantom can think of nothing but his beloved Christine and how he will have peace until he hears her sing again. He hatches a plan to lure her to Coney Island and hear her voice once more.

Thanks again to Joe Lammond for helping me record the song. Visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond to find out more about Joe.

Thanks for listening!

Music Recording: 'A Bit of Earth' from 'The Secret Garden'

Based on the popular novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 'The Secret Garden' tells the story of the orphaned 11-year-old girl Mary Lennox who moves to the Yorkshire home of the widow of her aunt, Archibald Craven, her only surviving relative. Archibald has never recovered from his wife's death and keeps the garden where she spent most of her time locked because of the painful memories it stirs within him. It is Mary's wish to have a garden of her own and she asks her uncle to provide her with 'a bit of earth'. Archibald considers her likeness to his wife and attempts to invent excuses for himself not to reopen the garden, wishing that Mary would be content with toys and lamenting his inability to provide her with what she needs.

Thank you again to Joe Lammond who helped me to record the songs. Please visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond to find out more about Joe.

Thank you for listening!

Music Recording: 'Anthem' from Chess (higher end version)

Set against the background of the Cold War, Chess is a story of allegiance, politics and love as two of the world's top Chess players, Freddie Trumper from the USA and the Russian Anatoly Sergievsky go head to head in the World Chess Championship. After Anatoly becomes the new World champion and seeks asylum in the west he is cornered by reporters and paparazzi demanding his explanation for deserting his country. Anatoly responds that though he is away from home, his heart will always be in his homeland.

This is one of two recordings of the song, the main difference being that the end of this version is higher (the lower end can be heard on the post below). Please listen to both and comment!

Thanks to Joe Lammond who helped me record both versions. To hear more from Joe please visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond

Please check back soon for more song recordings: 'Til I Hear You Sing' from 'Love Never Dies' and 'A Bit of Earth' from 'The Secret Garden'!

Music Recording: 'Anthem' from Chess (lower end version)

Set against the background of the Cold War, Chess is a story of allegiance, politics and love as two of the world's top Chess players, Freddie Trumper from the USA and the Russian Anatoly Sergievsky go head to head in the World Chess Championship. After Anatoly becomes the new World champion and seeks asylum in the west he is cornered by reporters and paparazzi demanding his explanation for deserting his country. Anatoly responds that though he is away from home, his heart will always be in his homeland.

This is one of two recordings of the song, the main difference being that the end of this version is lower (the higher end can be heard on the post above). Please listen to both and comment!

Thanks to Joe Lammond who helped me record both versions. To hear more from Joe please visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond

Music Recording: 'Being Alive' from 'Company'

'Company' is a musical about love, relationships and the pleasures and pitfalls of having company. 35 year old Robert has no ability or desire to commit to a steady relationship; perfectly content being single...with his three girlfriends. A series of experiences with his friends (all of whom are married or in relationships) changes his views and he decides that what he needs is someone to keep him company and feel 'alive' with.

Thanks again to Joe Lammond who helped me record the song. Visit http://soundcloud.com/joe-lammond to hear more from Joe.