Dick & Pez are a unique double act using their training in musical theatre to entertain others with their witty comments and comical chemistry - whether it be hosting an event or performing on stage as a duo. Dick & Pez chat to West End Frame about training at Arts Ed, their dream West End roles and what it was like performing at the Olivier Awards...
How did you meet?
PEZ: We first met five years ago at an audition and were both successful in getting into Arts Ed at 16. We hit it off straight away in college and soon became best mates, always having a laugh with each other.
DICK: It was by default we became mates though, as we were 2 of only 5 boys in our class so we had no choice but to get on (HAHA). But as Pez said, we are best mates and are rarely seen apart wherever we go.
When did the idea of becoming a double act first come about?
DICK: We never really had an idea about having a double act. It sort of just happened. Due to us always being together, people naturally called us 'Dick and Pez' whenever we walked past them in the corridor.
PEZ: It's only been recently that we thought why not try and make this a real thing as we both love performing and entertaining.
DICK: We kind of had a discussion about trying out a few things together and managed to get a couple of gigs. We had such a laugh doing them!
You are both currently in your final year of training at Arts Ed, how have you found your training so far?
BOTH: TOUGH!!!!
DICK: Well after 5 years of being told to point your feet…no it’s been amazing, the staff here are incredible and know exactly what there talking about
PEZ: The same as Dickie. It’s been phenomenal training and couldn’t have had better facilities. The knowledge handed to us by the tutors has been amazing and its definitely helped us become better in our trade.
DICK: It’s been tough, Second year on the BA was the hardest as there was literally no time to breathe as the timetable was so full on, but that’s what were here for. Having said that, it definitely pays off in the 3rd year. Although they are still finding bits to work on all the time.
Are you looking forward to being let out into ‘the big wide world’ next year?
PEZ: Its weird in a way because we’ve been at this college for five years so it’s a huge part of my life which I’ll always keep close to me. But also I can’t wait to actually be out in the real world competing for a job and hopefully getting where I have worked so hard to be.
DICK: I think Pez is right, it will be weird leaving and will probably emotional as well, but that aside I’m really excited to start the next chapter which is going to be difficult but a total different experience as we literally will be fending for ourselves.
PEZ: But we’ve got each others shoulders to cry on?
DICK: True
You both recently performed at the Olivier Awards, what was that experience like?
DICK: Well, we’ll talk about the first time we performed there as we did it in 2011 as well, which we’ve got a confession to make…
PEZ: The whole experience was incredible; performing on a West End Stage was a dream come true (cheesy as it sounds) and it was inspiring to see how true professionals work in the industry. However it was after the performance which we remember the most…
DICK: HAHA! We don’t know how we came about the idea, but I really wanted to go the official after party to try and mingle with the guests, so I pulled Pez aside and told him that I’d over heard a conversation of where it was being held. So we got another 2 of our friends to come with us.
PEZ: But when we got to the ‘secret location’ the door was full of bouncers, but somehow we managed to cheekily chat our way into the party and got given these gold bands.
DICK: It was really surreal as we weren’t expecting to get past them and they willingly agreed that we were on the ‘guest list’ so we just walked straight in and started to mingle with guests like Rachel Tucker, Sheridan Smith and Hannah Waddingham.
PEZ: It was crazy as we held Sheridan’s Olivier Award
DICK: Probably the last time you’ll hold one as well…
PEZ: Stop interrupting!!
DICK: But it was a great day and night!! One for the memory bank
What have you got coming up?
DICK: Well at the moment we are both rehearsing for our first 3rd Year production ‘Betty Blue Eyes’ at Arts Ed which is on from 1st November – 6th November.
PEZ: I’m playing ‘Henry Allardyce’
DICK: And I’m playing the chiropodist ‘Gilbert Chilvers’
PEZ: It’s funny because as we mentioned before about our final year in 6th form performing ‘Me and My Shadow’. We are again performing opposite each other, which is great for us as its easy to work off each other
DICK: Well…you’d think that wouldn’t you!!
PEZ: Shut up. Carry on with the interview
DICK: Joking aside were having fun and we’d love people to come and see it if they’ve got the time!
What would be your dream West End roles?
DICK: It sounds really silly but I've always dreamed of being one of the 'Monkeys' in Wicked!! I'm 5'6 and whenever I go to watch Wicked I always have a big adrenaline rush when I see the monkeys. I think it would be amazing to fly! I would also like to be 'Galileo' in 'We Will Rock You' as its such a great sing and I am a massive fan of Queen and Rock music!
PEZ: Right my guilty pleasure is to be 'Lonnie' In 'Rock of Ages', I saw Simon Lipkin play the part twice and thought he was incredible. It looked like two hours of pure fun for him and their the kind of roles I'd love to play in the future. Fiyero in Wicked is a given aswell.
What are your favourite shows right now in the West End?
DICK: There are so many good west end shows on at the moment. But my favourite has to be Matilda! It was really inspiring to see kids of such a young age performing on a west end stage and giving 100% commitment. It just shows that the people working in this business have a great passion for what they do!
PEZ: Yeah Matilda is unreal. Them kids inspired me so much and I'm double their age! Jersey Boys is another favourite. The singing is phenomenal and the story of them guys is brilliant.
What advice would you give to anyone applying to Drama school?
PEZ: MY first bit of advice is preparation! If you know your stuff inside out then you can fully commit to your song or monologue and show the panel what you personally can give to the college. Also the best bit of advice I have been told is don't ever look back on a part of your life and say 'I wish I tried harder or gave more time into that bit of work' because you'll regret all your life.
DICK: Similar to Pez really. Throughout my training I have always been told to prepare, its so vital. Especially in this business, as their will always be one person who is more prepared than the other. Finally I say this all the time to people who ask me for advice 'Don't come out of that audition room, knowing you could have done better'.
Finally, what would you like to say everyone who has supported you over the last few years? DICK: I would just like to say Thank you to everyone who has been their throughout my training, even prior to Arts Ed. Its so over whelming when you go back home and the support from your family and friends is so strong. Especially my family as 5 years funding me to go to drama school hasn't been easy for them but they've been their 100% for me and i'll never forget that.
PEZ: There's no doubt I have to thank my mum 'Mary' without her I wouldn't be at Arts Ed and my Dad as well 'Paul'. Love them both to pieces. Then the teachers at Arts who have given me my training without them I know I wouldn't have a chance in this industry, Love each and every one of them.
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