Dave Willetts is playingFather God in the new musical LOVE BEYOND, which plays at SSE Wembley Arena on 1 and 2 October. Click here for tickets
For over 25 years Dave Willetts has been one of this country’s leading musical theatre stars. He has been critically acclaimed for numerous leading roles in some of the most renowned musicals of our time.
He was the first person in the world to have played the leading roles in the two most successful shows of recent times; LES MISERABLES (London and Australia) and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (London and Manchester) for which he won the Evening News award for best performance.
I sat down with Dave for a cup of tea and a chat about the new musical!
Tell me about yourself and some of your career highlights so far.
Where shall I begin? Here’s a potted history. I have been married for 42 years to Lyn, have two daughters – Leanne and Kerry and two grandsons – Rafferty (4) and Kit (2) with another one on the way in November. I have been in the entertainment business for nearly 30 years in which time I have played everything from 80,000 seat stadiums to 50 seat pub theatres and have gotten the same thrill from both. Unless I give you the next bit of information we could be drinking tea all day – read all about it on my website www.davewilletts.com.
Tell me about the show you are doing and what attracted you to the role.
The show is called LOVE BEYOND, the complete story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I was attracted to this for various reasons…epic story, epic venue, epic music, epic staging and an epic future.
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?
Where do I begin? From the Phantom boat not working, to the mausoleum cross in Phantom falling to stage with me in it, to the trombone player falling off his seat during a concert at the Palladium – taking everyone else with him, to all the dead soldiers in Les Mis having to get up and walk off because the revolve didn’t work. The list goes on!
Are there any other theatre roles that you would like to have a go at playing?
I never think that way. I’m always fully engaged in the present, whether work or private.
If you could be the opposite sex for a day, what theatre role would you like the play?
Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street. I’ve always been a closet tap dancer!
What are your thoughts on theatre etiquette? What things annoy you when you are performing or when you are in the audience?
Many! From theatres selling sweets with wrappers, to late comers being allowed in at inappropriate moments, to people who don’t turn their mobile phones off. On stage, all performers should have respect for each other both on and off stage.
Why do you think people should come and see your new show?
First of all, for all the epic reasons previously mentioned plus, they can be one of the first to say “I was there when…”
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
For more information and to book tickets for Love Beyond click here
Click here to see who else has been having tea with me lately!