Alan Burkitt is currently in the West End production of Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre. As well as being part of the musical’s ensemble, Alan also understudies Jerry Travers and was recently voted second place in West End Frame’s Understudy of the Year Award.
Alan’s other theatre credits include: Singin’ in the Rain (Chichester Festival Theatre), Ol’ Blue Eyes (Alhambra, Dunfermline), Andy Lee in 42nd Street (Chichester Festival Theatre/Curve, Leicester), the Prince in Adam Cooper’s Shall We Dance (Sadler’s Wells), understudy Rum Tum Tugger and Munkustrap in Cats (German tour), We Will Rock You (Dominion), understudy Tony in Movin’ Out (Apollo Victoria), understudy Bobby Child in Crazy for You (UK tour) and Children Will Listen (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane).
Top Hat received it’s London Premiere in May 2012 and recently won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The show tells the story of famous tap dancer Jerry Travers and his attempt to woo the irresistible Dale Tremont. It was recently announced that Top Hat will close on 26th October 2013 to make way for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical, Stephen Ward.
I recently met Alan to discuss Top Hat’s success, what it’s like understudying Jerry Travers and how it felt to receive so much overwhelming support during the Understudy of the Year voting period...
Are you enjoying your time in Top Hat?
I am loving it! I can honestly say that it’s probably one of my favourite musicals that I’ve ever done. When I was in Chichester doing Singin’ in the Rain, Top Hat had just begun. Myself and some of the other cast knew people in Top Hat so when we had a day off we decided to go to Milton Keynes and see the show. I just remember sitting right at the top of the theatre and thinking that it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I love the time period, the costumes and the music, I hold that style dear to my heart. Afterwards I really wanted to do the show and then found out that the Jerry (Travers) cover was up for grabs. After I auditioned I really had my heart set on getting the job so eventually when I got it I was made up!
Everyone gets on so well and there are never any issues. We just have such a laugh and going to workevery day is such a joy. It is just good fun!
Why should people come and see Top Hat before it closes in October?
One of the quotes from a review describes the show as “pure escapism” which sums it up nicely. Top Hat is not rocket science, but it is beautiful, funny and the dancing is incredible. You will have two and half hours of pure escapism and of course will come out singing all the songs. People presume that Top Hat only appeals to older people but so many younger people come and see it and fall in love with the show.
Top Hat always appears to be a very slick show, do things ever go wrong?
All the time! When I’m on as Jerry there are often issues with my microphones because I have to have an extra mic down my leg to pick up the sound from my tap shoes. There’s one very quick change where I run off stage and stand on a chair while one person changes my shirt, another changes my trousers and someone else takes my mic off one pair of tap shoes and attaches it to another pair - the shoes are obviously colour coordinated with my costumes. A few times I’ve gone back onstage and while dancing my mic has become caught in my leg, which makes moving, let alone dancing quite a challenge! It's fine though, I always find it very amusing! However, overall it’s a very smooth show.
Jerry must be the most amazing part to play?
He is a dream part to play! I love the character because at first you just think that he has this massive ego, but I like adding another little layer when he realises that he can’t win Dale over with his charm and wit. It exposes another side of him.
What’s it like being an understudy in the West End?
At first it was a little bit scary, especially when you’re chucked on at the very last minute! But now I’m used to it and love every second, it adds to the excitement of your day! Although, when Gavin Lee took over from Tom Chambers quite a few changes were made and one day I got a call at 4pm to say I was on for Jerry that evening - I hadn’t yet rehearsed any of the new changes. I had to learn the new dialogue and everything in a couple of hours so obviously that show was very nerve wracking! But I do love going on at the last minute, it makes it that extra bit more exciting.
And you also played Jerry at (what should have been) Gavin's
Press Night!
Press night was brilliant! By then I had done a few shows, with the changes, opposite Kristen (Beth Williams). She plays Dale very differently to Summer (Strallen) and Charlotte (Gooch). The atmosphere in the theatre that evening was amazing and it went very quickly.
Of course getting good reviews must have been nice too?
It’s always nice to get good reviews and, like with Understudy of the Year, it’s lovely when people get behind you. I was very flattered to be nominated for Understudy of the Year because I think that sort of recognition is so valuable for understudies who are often just expected to be there and do a good job. To get good feedback after Press Night and to be nominated for an award has been lovely!
It makes a nice change to see everyone supporting and campaigning for understudies to win awards, when usually awards are dominated by leading ladies and men…
Definitely, it’s also nice because it means people get to know the various understudies in the different shows and keep up to date with who’s doing what. Then of course it’s interesting to see what people go on to do next!
What are some of your favourite shows in the West End at the moment?
I haven’t been to see The Book of Mormon yet, but I am dying to see it! I like Jersey Boys. I appreciate the show because it’s very slick and the way it has been put together is very clever.
Looking ahead, have you got any dream roles or shows you would love to do?
I would love Hot Shoe Shuffle to be brought back! I saw the show when I was 14 when it was on tour and it is still my dream show! I would love to do something completely different to Top Hat, something more modern and perhaps a bit darker. I love what I’m doing now but always like to try new things!
As you mentioned, you had so much support throughout the Understudy of the Year voting period. What is it like having so much support behind you?
It was lovely! I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, the way people got behind me was just amazing. It was so funny, everyday at work everyone would ask me what the latest percentage of votes was and it was just great that so many people got behind me, I was very flattered!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Follow Alan on Twitter: @Alan_Burkitt
Click here to book tickets to see Top Hat
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