Spamalot Week: My West End Debut... (Part 1)

Since launching West End Frame nearly a year ago I have had the opportunity to do some amazing things but back in November, when I received an email inviting me to play a walk on part in the West End production of Spamalot, I really did have to read the email a few times for it to sink in.

Time flew by and before I knew it I was arriving at the stage door of the glorious Playhouse Theatre feeling slightly terrified. As I was taken backstage I was greeted by Stephen Tompkinson, who plays King Arthur in the show. He reassured me that I had nothing to worry about. I nipped into costume for a quick fitting before being whisked onto the stage a few minutes before the cast arrived for their warm up. 

It was so strange looking out into the empty theatre which suddenly seemed huge. Last time I was there it was for Spamalot's glamorous press night and I suddenly realised how easy my job is. The cast gradually arrived for their physical and vocal warm up, I felt exhausted just watching. Everyone was so welcoming which really helped to calm my nerves.

Then I was greeted by Musical Director Gareth Weedon. Although he was busy giving the cast notes ahead of the performance he found time for a quick photoshoot in the wings (you can see all the behind the scenes photos on Friday).

Once the warm up was over it was time for my rehearsal - no more hiding in the wings! The cameo role is called Sir Not Appearing. All Sir Not Appearing has to do is walk on stage, do a couple of head turns, the cast say "You're in the wrong play", Sir Not Appearing replies "sorry" and runs off - it's as simple as that. The rehearsal went surprisingly well. Dance Captain Hannah Malekzad could not have been nicer and let me run through the scene a couple of extra times... and that was it! As Daisy, my photographer, took some behind the scenes snaps once again I looked out into the empty theatre... and gulped.

Anna-Jane Casey &
Stephen Tompkinson

Next I was taken to Stephen Tompkinson's dressing room where we were joined by Anna-Jane Casey who plays The Lady Of The Lake. After interviewing them both there was just enough time for me to ask for some last minute advice. Stephen told me to enjoy it while Anna-Jane told me to look up, around the second level, so everyone could see my face. Now I had even more to think about!

Then it was time for me to get into costume! The costume department were lovely - it seems being part of such an uplifting show rubs off on everyone involved! I got changed and then sat down in the make-up chair. As my moustache and beard were being glued on I started to wonder what my life had come to. Everything was so surreal!

Finally I was ready. I tried to sit down but it's impossible when dressed in armour so I stood in the corridor and repeated my line (well word) over and over again. "Sorry, sorry, sorry sorry sorry". I said the word so many times that it started to sound weird and slurred. After a fun gossip with some of the cast and crew and some last minute words of wisdom from Gareth the Musical Director I heard the beginner's call and was led upstairs to the wings...

Would I let my nerves get the better of me? Would I remember Anna-Jane's advice and get the scene right? You'll have to wait for part two to be published on Wednesday!!!!

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read part two.

Photography: Daisy Kearns-Jones

Click here to go to our Spamalot Week homepage!

Check out West End Frame's amazing Spamalot ticket offer - top price seats reduced to only £39.50! (Offer valid Monday to Friday (add £2.00 on Saturday performances) and discount excludes 16th February to 23th February 2013. Valid until 13th April 2013).