On Sunday (6th July), Ian Stroughair and Genevieve Nicole will star in Avatars, Belting at Humans at the Hippodrome.
As well as creating cabaret sensation Velma Celli, Ian’s West End credits include What A Feeling, Cats, Fame and Chicago. He recently played Angel in the UK Concert Tour of RENT.
Genevieve is currently appearing in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre. Her credits include: Doris in Miracle on 34th Street (UK Tour), understudy Sheila, Cassie, Judy and Val in A Chorus Line (London Palladium), Velma in Chicago (UK Tour/original cast of the Broadway production on the Allure of the Seas), White Christmas (UK Tour) and Spamalot (Palace Theatre).
Ian and Genevieve chat to West End Frame about the idea behind Avatars, Belting at Humans, what people can expect and which three songs they would take with them to a desert island…
How did the idea for Avatars, Belting at Humans come about?
Genevieve Nicole: Being tall I have come up with a few names for myself over the years. It originated as Man-beast, then a friend of mine - if you can believe it, who is taller than me - abbreviated it to ‘Meast’. Then a wonderful film came out called Avatar and I just couldn’t help myself, they are huge and so am I.
Ian Stroughair: I originated Belting at Humans and when Genevieve and I decided to join forces it was pretty obvious what the title was going to be…
GN: Now that I am in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels I am called a “Glamourzone” so it is always developing and changing [Ian laughs].
What can people expect from the show? How will people come away feeling?
GN: People can expect fun, belting, laughter and silliness from this show. I hope people will have had a lovely evening and come away smiling.
IS: The show is going to be hilarious and we want the audience to have a night away from reality, it’s not all for laughs so expect some lovely tender moments too...
Can you give away any hints as to what you could be singing?
GN: Absolutely not... come and see!
IS: I concur.... however, it will be a mix of all types of music that we love and enjoy singing.
Do you two enjoy working together?
GN: Personally it is an honour to be performing with Ian. I love this boy to pieces and I am so proud of him. Working is awesome, he is a treat and I can’t wait.
IS: Gen is a phenomenal talent, a true triple threat and a great friend, so obviously it is a pleasure to have this time to be creative. Also it is a treat just to be able to spend more time together because we are always so busy!
Ian, you have performed alongside some incredible people in your cabarets, but who would be your dream guest?
IS: You are right, it has been incredible and I have loved each and every guest for all types of reasons. There are so many people on my list that it is near impossible to choose just one but I think I would have to go with Liza Minnelli. On face value it may seem a bit of a cliché for me to choose her; however, with the new addition to my show of interviewing the guest stars I know she would be awesome to interview as she has had such an amazing life... it would be incredible... watch this space!
Genevieve, how’s life in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels?
GN: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is awesome. I'm living the dream and can absolutely, truthfully say I will come out of this show with lifelong friends! Working alongside Jerry Mitchell, David Yazbek and Matthew Brind throughout the rehearsal period was a dream come true. They are truly inspiring and three people I look up to and would like to work with again. I'd also like to mention Dominic Shaw, Richard John and Darren Carnall. To be working with these guys is a true honour. As you can see I'm loving being a Scoundrel and would like to thank everyone for coming to support our show. Come and see us at The Savoy and join in the fun.
Imagine you had to go to a desert island… which three musical theatre songs would you take with you and why?
GN: ‘In The Heights’ so I can Salsa, ‘Thriller’ - I mean who doesn’t like MJ – and ‘I Can’t Do It Alone’ so I can perform to Wilson from the film Castaway.
IS: ‘On My Own’ from Les Miserables because that made me laugh! ‘Seasons Of Love’ from RENT because it brings back awesome memories and ‘The Jellicle Ball’ from Cats – just so I can run the number to keep fit!
Interview by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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