Robbie Durham is currently playing Jeremy in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Later this month Robbie will perform alongside other West End Stars including Katie Paine and Jennifer Tierney in a charity gala at the Good Ship pub in Kilburn. He trained at Arts Ed and was previously in the touring cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats. Robbie talks to West End Frame about Dreamboats and Petticoats, his favourite West End shows and his dream roles...
Are you looking forward to performing at 'Sunday In The Ship With...' later this month?
Very much so! I have worked with this company before and it’s always a pleasure. As well as being a great night of entertainment and great company its always for a great cause with no difference in with this event. Also it helps that one of the organisers is a good friend of mine.
Do you enjoy performing as yourself at these kinds of events or do you prefer performing as a character on stage?
Do you enjoy performing as yourself at these kinds of events or do you prefer performing as a character on stage?
They are very different. Evenings like this are so personal and intimate compared to playing to a sea of anonymous faces, so they can be far more nerve racking. However, they also mean you can sing songs you love to sing or perform and that is always such a great pleasure. Singing the same songs and harmonies 8 shows a week can take it out of you so I love the break from that. However there is no feeling that compares to an appreciative horizon of smiles in the auditorium. I would have to say at this point I love how these smaller events feel and can be very humbling.
You are currently playing Jeremy in Dreamboats and Petticoats, is it a fun show to be part of?
Dreamboats and Petticoats is entirely about fun… and of course nostalgia. Jeremy is a lovely part to play; he is the joker of the company and busybody around the stage and has a lot of freedom to interact with other characters on stage, which can be very fun. Also I am lucky enough to be covering almost all male characters in the show, including all the on-stage band characters and the two male leads ‘Bobby’ and ‘Ray’ which keeps me very busy outside my own track.
What is the atmosphere like backstage at the Wyndham’s Theatre?
The Wyndham’s Theatre is such a joy to play. It’s bright, comfy and very cosy meaning the company and crew are all getting on very well. Compared to the Playhouse theatre which is underground and can tend to be rather stifling Wyndham’s, also being in the literal heart of the West End and Theatre-land is a breath of fresh air. We even eat together in the green room like a big old family and talk about each others days haha!
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
I blooming love my cast. Most are now great friends, including people whom I sadly had to leave on tour. Although some later joining me again now in the West End. It is such a varied mix of talents that everyone influences everyone. I have learned so much musically from my band and working with them to cover their roles that I can now put 3 new instruments on my CV. It's very relaxed and everyone wants to get on so we mix very well. Especially with our new company manager who is very efficient at organising nights out for us all.
What is it like understudying seven different roles?!
It is a challenge. But goodness knows I like a challenge. The best thing is some are musical roles and some are lead roles so I get a flavour for the whole show. As I mentioned I have learned so much musically and then get to play a lead role and sing some fantastic songs in front of a great band. It did take a toll in terms of stress levels, especially on tour, when I started to get ill, however being in the show now for over a year the parts are all becoming fairly engrained, and despite having 7 different characters to play I feel I have a different clear persona for them all. If other people believe that is another story.
When did you first decide that you wanted to be an actor?
I always was a show off. I had no idea I was but looking back now I loved attention haha. I was always fairly creative musically and loved to play sports and dipped my foot into Scottish Dance for a while. I was also intrigued by theatre and shows, and luckily my High School prided itself on the shows it would put on. So I would go and watch these shows and be captivated. It wasn't until I, almost literally, fell into my school production of ‘South Pacific’ that I realised I loved performing, and acting. It was a legitimate release of my perpetual need to constantly show off. So after being told I could hold and tune and ‘move very well’, comparatively of course, for a rugby player, I decided to do it every year and gradually I started getting better parts, “Courfeyrac’ in Les Mis and ‘Nicely Nicely’ in Guys and Dolls. This then lead naturally to Amateur dramatics and theatre Summer Schools and then 2 different theatre schools culminating with Arts Educational. So it was essentially a gradual step-by-step evolution from a basic need of attention.
What are you favourite shows in the West End at the moment?
At this point I would have to say, amongst the shows I have seen… Jersey Boys. Not just because we wear similar jackets but the music is just faultless. I love the way its directed and that the songs inter-cut constantly throughout the show. Similar to Dreamboats but The Four Seasons are just masters of their craft. It's so slick and gives me plenty of goosebumps. I'm still yet to see Matilda which I think I will love but also, despite having just finished ‘Posh’ was one of my favourite shows I have ever seen. So well directed by Royal Court and kept me laughing start to finish. And without a doubt Lion King always gets me. I'd love to be a Hyena one day, I have the laugh!!!!
Are there any roles you would like to play or shows you would like to be part of in the future?
Parade, I’d just love to play Leo, the music and the story of that show is just so beautifully written and told, I could never get bored of it. Also Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, naturally as I’d feel so cool singing those songs and performing that choreography. After performing in a Jukebox musical for over a year and a half I’d be delighted to do something a little more hard hitting. Not taking anything away from Dreamboats as it will always have a place in my being now and is one of the best of its genre. I’d very much appreciate a Sondheim haha.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
I can’t thank them enough. My mum in particular who essentially paid for me to live through Drama School which is never easy, especially as I was following a career path she knew little to nothing about it was a big risk for her to. She very much enjoys it now and is coming round to the lifestyle and politics.
My friends and girlfriend who have given me confidence to actually pursue this and believe that maybe I have a chance at it are just priceless and gave those vital boosts everyone needs. They are also great for taking your mind out of the industry, which is also vital, as it can be damaging if you let it take over your life.
This career is never easy however with the right people and encouragement it is manageable and can be incredibly rewarding. I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate their support!
_ _ _
You can follow Robbie on Twitter (@RobbieDurham) for (in his own words) "a variety of ramblings that can range from Theatre, to politics, to religion and most importantly to Family Guy haha!"
On Sunday 18th November 2012 at 7:30pm, West End Stars will perform in a charity gala at the Good Ship pub in Kilburn. The event is called 'Sunday In The Ship With...' and is raising money for the charity 'Love 146'. Click here to find out more.
Please visit www.dreamboatsandpetticoats.com to find out more about the show and to book tickets.
You are currently playing Jeremy in Dreamboats and Petticoats, is it a fun show to be part of?
Dreamboats and Petticoats is entirely about fun… and of course nostalgia. Jeremy is a lovely part to play; he is the joker of the company and busybody around the stage and has a lot of freedom to interact with other characters on stage, which can be very fun. Also I am lucky enough to be covering almost all male characters in the show, including all the on-stage band characters and the two male leads ‘Bobby’ and ‘Ray’ which keeps me very busy outside my own track.
What is the atmosphere like backstage at the Wyndham’s Theatre?
The Wyndham’s Theatre is such a joy to play. It’s bright, comfy and very cosy meaning the company and crew are all getting on very well. Compared to the Playhouse theatre which is underground and can tend to be rather stifling Wyndham’s, also being in the literal heart of the West End and Theatre-land is a breath of fresh air. We even eat together in the green room like a big old family and talk about each others days haha!
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
I blooming love my cast. Most are now great friends, including people whom I sadly had to leave on tour. Although some later joining me again now in the West End. It is such a varied mix of talents that everyone influences everyone. I have learned so much musically from my band and working with them to cover their roles that I can now put 3 new instruments on my CV. It's very relaxed and everyone wants to get on so we mix very well. Especially with our new company manager who is very efficient at organising nights out for us all.
What is it like understudying seven different roles?!
It is a challenge. But goodness knows I like a challenge. The best thing is some are musical roles and some are lead roles so I get a flavour for the whole show. As I mentioned I have learned so much musically and then get to play a lead role and sing some fantastic songs in front of a great band. It did take a toll in terms of stress levels, especially on tour, when I started to get ill, however being in the show now for over a year the parts are all becoming fairly engrained, and despite having 7 different characters to play I feel I have a different clear persona for them all. If other people believe that is another story.
When did you first decide that you wanted to be an actor?
I always was a show off. I had no idea I was but looking back now I loved attention haha. I was always fairly creative musically and loved to play sports and dipped my foot into Scottish Dance for a while. I was also intrigued by theatre and shows, and luckily my High School prided itself on the shows it would put on. So I would go and watch these shows and be captivated. It wasn't until I, almost literally, fell into my school production of ‘South Pacific’ that I realised I loved performing, and acting. It was a legitimate release of my perpetual need to constantly show off. So after being told I could hold and tune and ‘move very well’, comparatively of course, for a rugby player, I decided to do it every year and gradually I started getting better parts, “Courfeyrac’ in Les Mis and ‘Nicely Nicely’ in Guys and Dolls. This then lead naturally to Amateur dramatics and theatre Summer Schools and then 2 different theatre schools culminating with Arts Educational. So it was essentially a gradual step-by-step evolution from a basic need of attention.
What are you favourite shows in the West End at the moment?
At this point I would have to say, amongst the shows I have seen… Jersey Boys. Not just because we wear similar jackets but the music is just faultless. I love the way its directed and that the songs inter-cut constantly throughout the show. Similar to Dreamboats but The Four Seasons are just masters of their craft. It's so slick and gives me plenty of goosebumps. I'm still yet to see Matilda which I think I will love but also, despite having just finished ‘Posh’ was one of my favourite shows I have ever seen. So well directed by Royal Court and kept me laughing start to finish. And without a doubt Lion King always gets me. I'd love to be a Hyena one day, I have the laugh!!!!
Are there any roles you would like to play or shows you would like to be part of in the future?
Parade, I’d just love to play Leo, the music and the story of that show is just so beautifully written and told, I could never get bored of it. Also Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, naturally as I’d feel so cool singing those songs and performing that choreography. After performing in a Jukebox musical for over a year and a half I’d be delighted to do something a little more hard hitting. Not taking anything away from Dreamboats as it will always have a place in my being now and is one of the best of its genre. I’d very much appreciate a Sondheim haha.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
I can’t thank them enough. My mum in particular who essentially paid for me to live through Drama School which is never easy, especially as I was following a career path she knew little to nothing about it was a big risk for her to. She very much enjoys it now and is coming round to the lifestyle and politics.
My friends and girlfriend who have given me confidence to actually pursue this and believe that maybe I have a chance at it are just priceless and gave those vital boosts everyone needs. They are also great for taking your mind out of the industry, which is also vital, as it can be damaging if you let it take over your life.
This career is never easy however with the right people and encouragement it is manageable and can be incredibly rewarding. I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate their support!
_ _ _
You can follow Robbie on Twitter (@RobbieDurham) for (in his own words) "a variety of ramblings that can range from Theatre, to politics, to religion and most importantly to Family Guy haha!"
On Sunday 18th November 2012 at 7:30pm, West End Stars will perform in a charity gala at the Good Ship pub in Kilburn. The event is called 'Sunday In The Ship With...' and is raising money for the charity 'Love 146'. Click here to find out more.
Please visit www.dreamboatsandpetticoats.com to find out more about the show and to book tickets.
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