For those who may not be familiar with your work, can you give me a little run down of some of your career highlights so far?
Hi Wilma! I’ve been lucky to do some brilliant varied productions over the years and I’ve had a great time on all my jobs. In particular, I loved being part of the first London cast of Matilda playing Rudolpho, Don and covering Zach in the revival of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, playing one of my dream roles of Marius in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre, playing Rum Tum Tugger in the UK Tour of Cats (my big break), travelling the world as Sky in Mamma Mia! (International Tour), and of course, getting an iconic red jacket in Jersey Boys!
You are currently playing Nick Massi in Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre. For anyone not familiar with the story, is the show about and how does your character fit in?
Jersey Boys is the rags to riches tale of the legendary Four Seasons. My character Nick Massi was one of the founding members of the group and was one of the first people to notice the unique vocal talents of Frankie Valli – he gave him his first singing lessons! Jersey Boys shows how The Four Seasons embarked on an amazing journey and gives you an insight into the highs and lows of fame. It has an incredible soundtrack!
Do you have a favourite song in the show?
My favourite song has got to be Dawn at the end of Act One. It was a new one to me but I absolutely love it now and it shows the band at its ‘rock-star’ peak before things start to unravel…..
Do you have any dream stage roles that you would like to have a go at playing?
I try not to look too far ahead in this business… It’s just so unpredictable and inevitably opens you up to disappointment. Most of my favourite jobs have come out of the blue, so now I just try and go with the flow…I’m a firm believer in what’s meant to be is meant to be!
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, which female theatre role would you like to play?
Without doubt it would have to be Mama Rose in Gypsy. In my opinion, it’s the best female role in musical theatre, in one of the best shows ever!
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?
I’ve been pretty lucky over the years and not had anything too disastrous happen. The funniest thing was probably when I had to change into a wetsuit onstage in ‘Lay all your love on me’ in Mamma Mia!. I got given a tiny one 5 sizes too small and spent the rest of the number with it round my ankles, trying to squeeze into it.
Why do you think people should come and see ‘Jersey Boys’?
For me, Jersey Boys is the perfect mix of an incredible true story, fantastic hit songs and brilliant direction, choreography and design. It is in its 8th year in the West End, just been nominated for an Olivier Audience Award, and is still getting standing ovations night after night…It really ticks every box! Get those tickets booked and see you at the Piccadilly Theatre soon!
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Thanks for a lovely cuppa Wilma x
Jersey Boys is booking at the Piccadilly Theatre until 14 February 2016. Click here for tickets