Are you looking forward to presenting the second series of ‘The Curtain Up Show’ on Resonance 104.4fm?
Hugely, I originally came up for the format of The Curtain Up Show when I was co presenting on BBC London four years ago, and then my career took a different direction. It was enormously exciting to come back to this idea four years later. There is nothing like live radio, it’s such a buzz and also especially on a subject that I adore - theatre. London Theatre is such an important part of our great city, there is so much going on all the time from fringe theatre to the West End. It is also important to support smaller venues both new and old as well as the main West End Theatres.
What can people expect from the new series?
The new series will feature a plethora of fabulous guests from all sides of the industry, as with the last series I believe it’s a great balance to have directors, producers, agents, and performers on the show so the listeners have an insight to how all levels of the entertainment business work. I try and imagine that whilst I am presenting the show I am at home on me settee having a cuppa and all my guests have popped round for a gossip and a hobnob.
On the first series your guests included the likes of Louise Dearman, Mark Evans, Stephen Ashfield and Cassandra Compton. Who have you got lined up for the new series?
Exciting guests on the first show are Katie Kerr and Sam Butterfield from the cast of Taboo and Josh Miles who is currently appearing in Bully Boy at St James Theatre. Then later weeks, cast members from The Last Session, Our Boyes, Loserville and some gems which we are just waiting for confirmation. I am particularly looking forward to talking to Annie Rowe casting director about exactly what a casting director does?
You are also directing ‘She Loves Me’ at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre which opens on the 10th October. Are you excited about the show?
I love She Loves Me, I saw the show at the Savoy Theatre in 1994 with Ruthie Henshall, it’s such a classy little show full of great songs, great lyrics, a traditional strong piece of Musical Theatre with a lovely simple story. This is my second project for All Star Productions and my third time working with Aaron Clingham who is one of the most talented musicians I know. It’s such a joy to see Andy and Aaron who run Ye Olde Rose and Crown, be so passionate about their theatre and all the work and improvements they have done to their theatre since I last directed Follies there in 2010. From a room above a pub to a proper black boxed theatre. It’s also so wonderful to be working with my creative team who also did Sunny Side of the Street at Jermyn Street earlier this summer. Phil Aiden, (Choreography), David Shields (designer) and Phil Hunter (lighting Designer).
Why should people go and see ‘She Loves Me’?
She Loves Me is a charming musical full of warmth, great melodies, witty lyrics and a feel good show. Great tunes such as “Ice Cream, Tonight at 8 and She Loves Me”. It’s all original music and a traditional musical which sadly they rarely write them like this anymore. The story is loosely based on the recent modern version of You’ve got mail – boy, girl working in the same shop day to day hate each other but secretly they are romantic pen friends and neither of them know they are writing to each other. My cast are amazing and all equally strong, I feel so very lucky to have such a talented bunch including Carrie Sutton who has appeared in so many West End Shows including Sister Act, Chitty, Cabaret and recently Wizard of Oz. I think my cast are one of the strongest company’s I have worked with including new comers James Hume and Howard Jenkins recently graduated from the Royal Accamedy.
How did the move from acting to directing come about? Is it something you always wanted to do?
That’s an interesting question, I was asked by the Actors Centre to lead a couple of Master classes in the art of Cabaret after having reasonable success in the industry as a solo performer appearing at The Purcell Room, Pizza on the Park and Don’t Tell Mama – New York. These classes at the Actors Centre led to some musical Theatre Showcase and then that led to me directing musicals, then plays, comedy’s etc. So in a way I fell into it by accident, but I absolutely love the challenges and creativity that being a director brings. You have to have a clear vision, support your actors/actresses and make them feel safe, the more safe they feel the more they can relax and be more creative. Up until the age of 12 I wanted to be a bus driver so you can see I have ended up doing a very different career.
You will be playing the dame in Panto this year for the third year in a row. Are you looking forward to being back on stage?
I love playing the Dame in Pantomime, it’s a hoot! The Courtyard Theatre in Hereford is a hidden gem- it’s a great theatre to work at! The creative team and all staff at the theatre really care about the pantomime. There are no celebrities, all the cast are professional jobbing actors it is a traditional feel good family show, it’s all about the story. Written by Lyndsey Marples, she has a golden knack of making the dialogue interesting for children but also engages a witty script for adults. As an actor it’s a great experience to have the freedom to play and have fun. I always think if I am having fun after show number 45 then hopefully that comes across to the audience and they will have fun watching.
What keeps drawing you back to panto?
I wish I could say the frocks, but it isn’t! This is my third time at Hereford and I am totally grateful to Estelle (Director) and Martyn (Chief Executive) for giving me the chance to really learn my craft and to build up my experience as a Pantomime Dame. The first year was Aladdin and they cast me as Twankey which is probably one of the more infamous Dame roles. To be honest I was terrified it probably took me about three weeks of the run to really get into it and relax and of course to have fun. Rab the musical director said to me last year from day 1 “The Dame has arrived” which was lovely and very encouraging, can’t wait to get me fake boobs, bum, lashes on and flirt with all the dads in the audience. Watch out Hereford she’s coming back!!
What is your favourite show right now in the West End?
Oh gosh well my favourite show up until a few weeks ago was Sweeney Todd as I am a huge Sondheim fan! I have seen various productions of Sweeney over the years but I thought that Imelda Staunton was fabulous, she created new ways of delivering her lines and played Mrs Lovett with flair, panache and huge pathos. Other than that I am looking forward to seeing my mate Dame Sheridan Smith in Hedda Gabbler she was incredibly moving in Flare Path last year and is just a subtle, divine stunning actress who is a star of her generation and that is only going to grow brighter and stronger. Yes you’ve guessed my guilty secret I am a huge Wicked fan and can’t wait to see Louise Dearman be green!! Go girl!
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors and directors?
I think the main thing I have learnt is, just be true to who you are and what you believe. Never take anything for granted and deal with the good and the bad. Yes I have stood there with 68p in my hand working out what food to buy! Work hard do your best, smile when you don’t necessary want to but get on with it. My dear friend Brett Kahr many years ago said to me “Enjoy the process/journey.” I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do, to be able to be paid to do what I love doing, very lucky bunny. Most importantly don’t give up or doubt yourself as plenty of other people will.
Finally, what would you like to say everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Oh my goodness- they are so many people, on so many levels who have helped me over the years in so many ways, both professionally and personally. I think my biggest thanks would be to my mum and step father who have stood by me over the years and helped so much more than words could explain. But not forgetting my friends, agent, and manager.
You can follow Tim on Twitter: @tim_mcarthur
Visit Tim's website: www.timmcarthur.com
The Curtain Up Show
You can listen to The Curtain Up Show on Resonance 104.4fm on Fridays 12pm - 1pm. The show is repeated on Saturdays 10am - 11am.You can listen online at http://www.resonancefm.com. Alternatively, you can tune into The Curtain Up Show on Resonance 104.4fm on your smartphone or tablet device by installing the free TuneIn Radio app: http://www.tunein.com.
Website: www.thecurtainupshow.com, www.resonancefm.com
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/curtainupshow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/curtainupshow
Twitter: www.twitter.com/curtainupshow
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