Ross William Wild is currently starring as Jason in the European premiere of Bare at the Union Theatre. A contemporary rock musical, Bare follows a group of teens wrestling with issues of identity, sexuality, and religion at a co-ed Catholic boarding school. Provocative, raw and unyielding in its exploration of how today's generation navigates the tightrope between adolescence and adulthood, Bare examines the consequences of baring a soul, or hiding it from those who matter most.
As well as having an exciting film career, Ross’s theatre credits include starring as Kenickie in the recent UK Tour of Grease and understudying Galileo and Brit on the UK Tour of We Will Rock You.
You may remember Ross from his appearance on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar programme last year. He is also an avid singer songwriter.
Recently I spoke to Ross about starring in the European premiere of Bare, taking part in Superstar and his dream roles...
What was the rehearsal process like for Bare?
It was great. Everyone has invested so much because we all love the music and the story. I don’t think I have ever been involved with such an enthusiastic rehearsal period.
Definitely, I am chuffed to bits. It is great that the premiere is at the Union Theatre, it is such an intimate venue and it is the kind of story where you want to be right up close to the action. It is less of a big spectacle and more of a human endeavour.
What can people expect from Bare?
People can expect to have their perceptions of teenage life completely changed. People should be prepared to be shocked. The music is very rock/pop – I absolutely love it, the score is phenomenal. It is still musical theatre in terms of its structure but melodically and rhythmically it is very rock and pop. Sometimes pop/rock musicals can be guilty of just chucking a load of catchy songs around a wishy-washy storyline, but Bare is not like that at all. Every single chord works well with each word to ensure it has maximum impact. As the show progresses there are some more harrowing scenes and when the ensemble sings together as a unit it is very powerful. It's crazy!
What are the cast like to work with?
We are pretty much all in the same boat. Our director (Paul Taylor-Mills) has been so open about everyone having creative input to the show which is such a breath of fresh air! Everyone gives honest performances because it is so relatable.
Do you enjoy working in such an intimate theatre such as the Union?
It gives us a chance to really focus on telling the story through the tiny little details in our acting. The audience are literally inches away from us so we have no time to start thinking what to have for dinner after the show, you’ve got to give the audience what they are after. It is a challenge but I love it.
A lot of people will remember you for taking part in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar programme, are you still pleased you did it?
Yes, it was a good experience. You enter these things to get something so you have to put yourself on the line. There are always pitfalls on these reality programmes and I suffered one or two but nothing life changing or detrimental. The main thing was that I met some awesome guys. It was great because it brought a lot of the West End guys together... we got to meet our competitors and we all realised we are quite similar people! During the programme I lived with Oliver Tompsett and Alex Gaumond who are both top dogs so the kind of stuff I learned from them was really great.
What’s next for you after Bare?
I’m playing Michael in The Witches of Eastwick at The Watermill Theatre, directed by Craig Revel Horwood.
Have you got any dream roles?
I have always wanted to play Fiyero in Wicked and would love to be in one of the big shows in town. I’ve just bought a house in London so I don’t really want to go back on tour!
Have you had the chance to see any other shows recently?
Yes, loads! The most recent thing I’ve seen is The Bodyguard which I thought was fantastic! The production of the show is just super.
What would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Thank you for putting up with me! Thanks to my parents for believing in me and sticking with me in a profession which can be insecure. I've worked with some incredible people in the industry. So... thank you!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Bare runs at the Union Theatre until 25th May 2013. Visit www.uniontheatre.biz for further information and tickets.
Follow Bare on Twitter: @bare_Union
Follow Ross on Twitter: @RossWilliamWild
Visit Ross’s website: www.rosswilliamwild.com
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