As well as playing Doctor Dillamond in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Christopher Howell is currently directing a production of Chess which opens on 13th February at the Union Theatre. Christopher's many West End theatre credits include Betty Blue Eyes, The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Celebration, Hairspray, Too Close to the Sun, Anything Goes, My Fair Lady, The Witches of Eastwick and Fame.
How are rehearsals for Chess going?
Rehearsals are going really well – we are just about to start on our third week and are aiming to have our first complete run through this Friday. The cast are fantastic – they have incredible memories and have learnt so much already. Chess is 95% sung through and has a very operatic feel to it. Our cast have really embraced this and are singing up a storm. Simon Lambert, our MD, has worked really hard on getting the right vocal quality to each moment. Steven Harris (Co-Director/Choreographer) is treating the piece as a play – before we stage a scene we talk it through in its entirety (when you do a play this is normally the beginning of a rehearsal process) and we discuss it from each of the characters’ points of view. This method seems to be working and I feel that is really benefiting our company.
What can people expect from the show?
We are hoping to present a new and very original production. We have really striven to tell the story (which is often described as confusing but I prefer Tim Rice’s answer to this: not confusing but “sophisticated”) as clearly as possible. Very often Chess is presented as a very high tech show with multimedia, light up chequered floor etc, which is a road we could have gone down but rejected. The Union is a studio space and we decided to use this, therefore our set is minimal but functional and focuses the eye to where the story is. We are really focusing on the human element of the show – 5 of the principals go on huge emotional journeys – we hope that these will be more resonant in an intimate venue. We also have new orchestrations and some of the best singing in London – it is all very exciting!
Chess has already sold out! What do you think makes the show so popular?
The response at the box office has absolutely amazed us! To be virtually sold out during rehearsals is an anomaly on the fringe and makes us even more determined to present the best production we can to justify the incredible interest in the show.
I think the reason we have sold so well is that the show, barring the Royal Albert Hall concert, has never been staged in London since it’s debut in 1986. I also believe that the show is a fantastic piece of writing – the tunes are brilliant and it contains some of Tim’s best lyrics. Also it is an epic saga – romance and betrayal against the backdrop of the Cold War – it really is gripping stuff. Audiences love a good story and Chess gives them exactly that.
What are the cast like to work with?
The cast are great – very responsive to ideas and always bringing their own ideas into the room as well. Every single cast member has made a valuable contribution to the process so far and it makes going to rehearsal a joy each day. We also have a cast with a huge range of experience and this is also really good. Watching Gillian Kirkpatrick (Molokova) and Neil Stewart (Walter) work is an education to us all as they have a huge wealth of credits behind them. It is also interesting observing Sarah Gailbraith (Florence) work as her last jobs were on Broadway and Las Vegas, so we all have the benefit of watching her method of working. I could keep talking about our cast but time and space will not allow. Suffice to say we had 1100 applicants for 16 jobs – we got all of our first choices and are honoured to be working with them.
You are currently playing Doctor Dillamond in Wicked, are you enjoying your time in the show?
I love my life in Oz. Doctor Dillamond is a great role to play and Wicked is a truly magical musical.
What’s life like backstage at the Apollo Victoria Theatre?
I am now working with my second cast in Wicked and I can honestly say that our creative team has yet again assembled a fantastic cast of talented and wonderful performers. The whole of the company is brilliant and it is a pleasure to go to work each day.
Performing 8 shows a week plus directing a show must be exhausting – how do you do it?!
I thought that I would find doubling up tough but thus far it has been ok. Steven Harris and I had a very clear storyboard for Chess before we started and have tailored our production to our cast. Therefore we are simply relating our vision of the story to the actors and letting them take it and bring it to life. I think that this advanced pre-production work has enabled me to be able to do two jobs at once and not be on my knees! I do miss running however which is something I do most days before the show, but I can hit the pavements again in February when the show is open and hopefully it is warmer outside.
How does directing compare do acting? Which do you prefer?
Acting and directing are very different but I enjoy both roles. I love the opportunity you have as a director to understand an entire production, from set design, the colour of a costume, to why a character sits a certain way. This is what appeals to me in directing. I have also been able to draw from my acting experience too as I know how I respond to direction, how I like to be treated by a director and am able to recall my favourite rehearsal experiences. I hope that all the good stuff has been applied to this process. I love being an actor because I relish being able to become different people (and animals!) and play situations different to that of my life. Also there is nothing like the thrill of performing and I think if I began to lose that feeling I would stop performing. If I had to choose between the roles I would choose acting with directing as a sideline.
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors?
My favourite piece of advice (and this is camp!) comes from Liza Minnelli – she was asked what the best way to get to Broadway is and her reply was simple: “practice”. I think that those aspiring to a career in our overcrowded and competitive industry have to be dedicated, resilient, capable, diligent and receptive. I do not think that you ever stop learning so it is vital that anyone who wishes to become a performer must be prepared to listen and respond. That is what acting is about and what an actor must be able to do.
What roles have you got your eye on and would like to play in the future?
There are so many – some of them not written yet! I do want to be in Les Miserables, I did a few days on the film and realised I had forgotten just how incredible the show is. Other roles I would like to play (and I will be a little cryptic now) are a pig, a manager, a headmistress, a father, a missionary, a judge and an inspector.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
I have lots of people to thank – I have to give the biggest thanks to my partner for enduring life with me and I would also like to thank everybody who believed in me, coached me, listened to me and supports me. I am eternally in your debt.
Chess runs at the Union Theatre from 13th February - 16th March 2013. The majority of the run is sold out but you can call the Box Office on 020 7261 9876 for tickets.
You can follow Christopher on Twitter: @Howellytweets
Untion Theatre Website: www.uniontheatre.biz
Wicked's Website: www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
Keep up to date with the latest theatre news, reviews & interviews on Twitter: @West_End_Frame
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