Ross William Wild is currently playing Jason in Bare at the Greenwich Theatre. He originated the role in the musical's UK premiere at the Union Theatre.
Most recently Ross played Michael in The Witches of Eastwick at the Watermill Theatre directed by Craig Revel Horwood. After Bare he is heading to New York to star in an off-Broadway show before travelling back to Scotland to appear in pantomime over Christmas.
Ross’s theatre credits include starring as Kenickie in the recent UK Tour of Grease and understudying Galileo and Brit on the UK Tour of We Will Rock You. You may remember Ross from his appearance on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar programme last year. He is also an avid singer songwriter.
Following my interview with Ross earlier this year, I recently caught up with him to discuss what it's like performing Bare in a larger theatre, why he thinks certain people find the show so powerful and what it is like receiving gifts from fans...
What has it been like revisiting Bare?
It’s been great, the energy had been good with the cast and everyone is working really hard. We’ve sold loads of tickets and I’ve had a fun time!
Do you notice many differences performing the show in a much larger theatre?
It was always going to be a challenge to keep the intimacy of the Union production when we transferred to the Greenwich Theatre but we managed to do that. I think creating a bigger vibe on stage works well for the piece. The transition has been sweet; people still seem to be happy with it.
How did you find having a break between the two runs, has your portrayal of Jason changed or grown in any way?
No, I still play Jason the same as before. In-between I did a completely different show and played a completely different character but it didn’t feel strange returning to play Jason. The most important thing is the relationship between Jason and Peter and it’s still Michael and I playing the roles so the chemistry was still there.
Certain people really connect with Bare. Why do you thing the piece moves people in such a strong way?
It resonates with anyone whether they are gay, straight, male or female. Everyone struggles with something in the show at a point in their life. It’s not a gay story, it’s a love story. It breaks down the segregation that the straight and gay communities have created and if you can forget about the fact that they are gay it is a pure love story. That’s what makes Bare so powerful.
If anybody hasn’t yet seen the show they’ve only got a couple more chances to see it... what can they expect?
It’s a rock opera and mostly sung through, the music is awesome and really catchy and full of storytelling and real human emotion. The choreography is also awesome and the dancers are top notch.
You’re leaving Bare early to fly off to New York. What are you doing over there?
I’m doing an off-Broadway show called Ireland which I’m co-producing. It’s selling really well, at the moment we’re sitting second to the Fifty Shades Of Grey musical – we are literally one of the top shows in New York at the moment which is crazy. We didn’t even expect to get a mention, let alone to be sold out! Straight after that I’m back to my hometown of Aberdeen to do panto over Christmas! I’ll get to be with my family over Christmas and get my own stocking which will be great [laughs].
Finally, I saw on Twitter that fans of the show have been very supportive and buying you presents. What’s it like having that kind of support?
It’s lovely – it’s really great. I’ve been spoilt, people get me lots of cool stuff which is very kind of them but I don’t want them spending too much cash! It’s the thought that counts! We do it for the fans so their support is incredible. We’ve had people come and see the show four times, people have flown over from Norway, Holland and Italy – it’s mental.
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Please visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk for further information and tickets.
Click here to read West End Frame's review of Bare.
Read our interview with Ross from April here.
No comments:
Post a Comment