Interview: Stephen Ashfield, starring as Casey O'Brien in Boy Meets Boy

Stephen Ashfield will star as Casey O'Brien in Boy Meets Boy at the Jermyn Street Theatre from 21st November. He is best known for appearing as Bob Gaudio in the original London cast of Jersey Boys and most recently playing Emmett Forrest in the West End production of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre. Stephen made his West End debut as Boy George in Taboo, a role he reprised for the UK tour. His other theatre credits include Adam in Imagine This (Theatre Royal Plymouth); John in Tomorrow Morning (New End Theatre, London) and Nick Piazza in Fame (West End). Stephen chats to West End Frame about starring in Boy Meets Boy, his favourite West End Shows and what roles he would like to play in the future...

Later this month you will be starring in ‘Boy Meets Boy’ at the Jermyn Street Theatre, are you looking forward to working on the show? 

Yes, I am really looking forward to getting the show on stage in the magical space at Jermyn Street Theatre. Rehearsals have been particularly good fun. Incredibly hard work, but that always makes the payoff much more rewarding!

For those who don’t know much about ‘Boy Meets Boy’, what is it all about? 

'Boy Meets Boy' takes place in 1936 and brings to life the essence of those classic black and white movie musicals…but with a twist! It is frivolous and farcical in all the best ways, but with real heart. I play Casey O'Brien, a big-time American reporter sent to London to cover the dramatic Royal events. Needless to say, not much goes to plan and Casey soon starts on a journey that will catapult him to the headlines via the highs and lows of a special romance. 

What makes Boy Meets Boy stand out from other shows? 

I'M IN IT! Haha! A truly magnificent team has been assembled to stage the UK premiere of this little known gem. With memorable melodies, witty lyrics and soaring Hollywood harmonies, rarely do you get the chance to experience the glitz and glamour of that era in such an intimate space. You'll practically be in it! 

How different is ‘Boy Meets Boy’ from the previous shows you have worked on, do you find variety important when accepting roles? 

I try as much as possible to shake up what I do from year to year. I haven't been involved in a show like 'Boy Meets Boy' before. It has its roots in the classic Hollywood movie musicals and all that entails. For me that means new skills and new challenges. For example, I've loved learning to tap. I can't remember the last show I did that had a full-on dance break in the middle of my number. I'm pretty sure I went very pale when I looked at the script but the challenge soon took over and I haven't looked back. So, yes. It's very important for me to be pushing boundaries for myself and staying creative. Constantly playing the same kind of role would be boring. 

When performing 8 shows a week, how do you keep your performance fresh each night? 

No performance is ever the same. That's the beauty of working alongside other actors. If I tried to be the same, no matter how hard I tried, I'm pretty sure I would fail. On a long run of a show you have to be careful not to fall into a set routine. The most important thing for me is to listen to my fellow actors and respond to what is happening on stage in any particular moment. 

When did you decide that you wanted to become an actor? 

I caught the bug when I was at school. Christmas and summer shows were my favourite things. I can still remember the atmosphere, smells and panic around showtime. Amazing. My music teacher submitted me for the children's chorus of Scottish Opera and I was accepted. My first professional productions were La Boheme and Tosca. Hearing the sound of the orchestra from the stage and finally the applause… I knew then I had to be a performer. 

What advice would you give to aspiring actors? 

It's a very difficult business. You have to be incredibly committed and ultimately sure that it's what you want to do. If you're sure… then be creative. Don't necessarily wait for work to come to you. Make your own opportunities. The contacts you make from putting on a cabaret or doing a rehearsed reading may just prove to be invaluable. 

What are your favourite shows in the West End right now? 

Jersey Boys is hard to beat. Even after appearing in it for three years, I am still amazed at how slick, energetic and well crafted it is. It is just a bloody brilliant show! 

What other roles would you like to play in the future? 

I would love to play the Phantom one day… 

Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career? 

I'm SO grateful for all the support I've received over the last 10 years. Whether that be in person at the stage door (you know who you are!), emails and letters, or just a quick hello on Twitter. Huge thanks!

Visit Stephen's Website: www.stephenashfield.co.uk
Follow Stephen on Twitter: @StephenAshfield 

Please click here to find out more about Boy Meets Boy and to book tickets.

Jermyn Street Theatre's website: www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk

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