Alexis Gerred recently starred as Bobby in the West End and Touring productions of Dreamboats and Petticoats. He has also won acclaim for his performance in the title role of Dirty White Boy: Tales of Soho at Trafalgar Studios. Alexis was a runner-up in Eurovision: Your Country Needs You for the BBC in 2010.
Alexis chats to West End Frame about starring as Ian Wallace in the European premiere of Rooms at the Finborough Theatre.
You are now in your final week of Rooms, have you enjoyed the run?
Oh yes! A lot of performances have been completely sold out and we had a few standing ovations as well as some really lovely reviews. It’s a two hander so I’m starting to feel tired but I’m still loving every second. As well as being exhausting it is also a really fun show to do and it’s right up my alley being a rock musical!
So is that what attracted you to the role?
Yes, as soon as I saw the word rock in the title I knew I was interested. I went to the first audition and the rest is history!
An eighty minute show filled with a whirlwind of emotions and music from all different genres including rock, punk, pop and musical theatre. It is a very unique piece of theatre which has the power to tap into your emotions. There are quite a few rock and pop shows around at the moment but you won’t see anything else like this for a long time.
(laughs) It is! That wasn’t so appealing at first! But we worked with some incredible dialect coaches who really looked after us. We had a four week rehearsal process which allowed us to iron out any creases with the accent.
Are you enjoying working so closely with Cassidy Janson?
She’s a nightmare! No, she’s lovely and really amazing to work with. When I got the part I knew she was in line to be cast but she was just checking to see if she was available. I was so nervous because she is so experienced and is known as one hell of a leading lady! I have learnt so much from her and we shall be very close friends for a long time after this job! She keeps the show fresh and always has a twinkle in her eye.
You starred in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats for a few years. How does that compare to performing in a small, intimate theatre like the Finborough?
It’s brilliant! I have performed in smaller theatres before and loved it, I find the experience so much more rewarding. Sometimes in larger shows you can get away with things because there are lots of bright lights and dazzling costumes but when you are performing in an intimate space the audience are at arm’s length and there is nowhere to hide. You can see each audience members’ expression, I hate it when my friends and family sit on the front row!
I know, during the punk number I have been told I can do whatever I want to do so I go wild! It’s great! I kissed someone’s forehead the other day and laid across the people in the front row – I have a good time!
Loads! I love singing rock music and musical theatre is the best way these days to have the opportunity to sing it! I was first introduced to theatre when I went with my family to see We Will Rock You and I came away knowing that was what I wanted to do. I would love to play Galileo in We Will Rock You or Drew in Rock of Ages – those roles would be amazing! Although I have to admit working on Rooms has been incredible, the team are just a dream to work with. I think it has been the best job I have done to date. The fringe scene at the moment is very exciting, there are so many amazing productions around at the moment.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have had such an incredible journey since being on Your Country Needs You! It has been a blast and I hope people continue to support me. I am delighted that people enjoy watching what I do, especially because I love doing it! They’re all legends!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Rooms runs at the Finborough Theatre until Saturday 18th May 2013.
Please visit www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk for further information and to book tickets.
Follow Alexis on Twitter: @Alexisgerred
Visit his website: www.alexisgerred.co.uk
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