From Ensemble to Principal Cast

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patc
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From Ensemble to Principal Cast

Post by patc »

I have not yet seen Matthew Seadon-Young as Tony, but I have seen Robbie Durham perform the role a few times, and I must say....... I can't understand why he was not given the role full time!
This is an interesting point and you could also mention Ruri James whom I've seen do really well and very convincingly as Tony.

Down through the years at BETM there have been quite strong Ensemble members/Alternates/Understudies who were never promoted to Principal Cast. I'm not sure but I suspect this may be the norm in theatre but would be interested to hear the views of people who are more au fait with the subject.

There have been some who made it. Those who spring to mind are Kate Graham who took over the fulltime role of Mrs. W for quite some time when Joanna Riding went on maternity leave almost before she started. Kate was quite magnificent in the role possessing probably the best singing voice of all the Mrs. W's I have seen. She is Mezzo Soprano (described as Eb below middle C to super D). When she was in the Ensemble her vocal accompaniment with the Miner's in Once We Were Kings was stunning. She was from Easington so the Geordie accent was natural and an Irish accent was in her portfolio as well :D . She went on to be in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Phil Snowden who, in his first stint in BETM covered just about every male character including Dad, Mr. B and George is, of course, now Principal Mr. B.

David Muscat was in the Ensemble in the Australian show and also covered Mr. B and George. When he came to London he was again in the Ensemble and alternate Mr. B, the Principal role of which he subsequently took over.

Off the top of my head some who didn't make it all the way despite delivering super performances as alternates were Mrs. W's, Caroline Deverill and Gillian Kirkpatrick, Tim Funnell and Stevie Hutchinson(Tony's). I'm sure there are more that others may recall.

There must be a fine line drawn when choices are made but I'd also believe that, like all other professions, "who you know" comes into it.

Pat
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kport
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Re: From Ensemble to Principal Cast

Post by kport »

Off the top of my head some who didn't make it all the way despite delivering super performances as alternates were Mrs. W's, Caroline Deverill and Gillian Kirkpatrick, Tim Funnell and Stevie Hutchinson(Tony's). I'm sure there are more that others may recall.
Of course, Tim Funnell went on to a long career in BETM across the pond, particularly with the US/CA tours.
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Re: From Ensemble to Principal Cast

Post by patc »

kport wrote:Of course, Tim Funnell went on to a long career in BETM across the pond, particularly with the US/CA tours.
Nice guy was Tim. After his last night at the VPT he came out and spent some time chatting with the fans.

Did he play Tony over there or was it Scab/Posh Dad?

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Re: From Ensemble to Principal Cast

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He played Scab/Posh Dad.
Ellen



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Re: From Ensemble to Principal Cast

Post by ERinVA »

David Muscat has a new chat show. Here's a link to the first episode of Stagey Live:

https://www.essex-tv.co.uk/stagey-live-episode-1/
Ellen



"I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.”
-George Balanchine 1904 -1983


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