BWW Interviews: Anton Stephans

 

Hi Anton! Thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions! How are you today?

I'm very well now, thank you Kathryn! For the last two and a half years, I've been battling a brain tumour and tumours on both my adrenal glands. It was a fight that I didn't ever think I'd have to battle. To be honest, there were times when I didn't think I'd make it at all! I'm so happy to say today I'm extremely well and fortunate to still be here.

 

I'm sorry to hear how tough things have been for you. What was it that helped you through?

Friends and family! You really find out who your friends and those who love you are! My faith helped a lot, and laughter got me through. It's strange how the worse things got, the more we found things that other people might cry at funny! I'm a very positive person and find it easier to look on the bright side of things. Even at the most difficult times.

 

I can imagine how important friends and family must be...one of those friends got you back on stage for the first time in a long while, am I right?

Yes, that's right! Hannah Waddingham is a very dear friend! She asked me to duet with her at her cabaret in the Delfont Room at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Actually, that very room is where we first met 14 years ago! It wasn't the Delfont Room then, of course! We were both auditioning for Smokey Joe's Cafe. She walked up to me after I'd been seen by the panel and said "You're gonna get this!"...and we both did!

 

Singing with Hannah again must have been pretty special...

The night at the Delfont Room was very special! At that time I could barely see or walk. We honestly thought that this could be the last time I would ever perform! It was a very special song 'Love Me/Don't' taken from Smokey Joe's. That evening when we sang it was amazing and very moving. Friends and family there that night all knew the importance of that moment. Hannah is an extremely caring, loving and generous person who held my hand through the most awful time I have ever known. At the worst of times she was always there, always available to me. I can't thank her enough!  

 

Aww that's lovely! I hear you'll be performing on the same stage again soon?!

She will of course be dueting with me at the concert 'Grateful' on the 12 of September. We'll be singing a track called 'Coming Together' by Jason Robert Brown. She'll sound awesome on it! I'm super excited, I just can't wait! 

 

Can you tell us a bit about Grateful?

Grateful is a concert that came about in a very dramatic way. I was told that although I had initally responded well to treatment, I had more tumours growing. That night I was beyond despair and frightened. I started thinking about my life. All the ups and downs. I had an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness for my life, for what I had done and achieved while being on the planet. The song choices came fast and strong, a mix of Musical Theatre & Gospel! I promised the universe that should I survive, I would do it. So I am! It's going to be a collection of happy songs, ones that'll get you up out of your seat and on your feet! Absolutely no sad songs or poor me songs. That's not what I'm about. This is a celebration of life. We have 30 in the band, and 50 in the choir, all West End & Broadway performers! There are also tap dancers, as well as duets with the likes of the lovely Rebecca Caine, Melanie La Barrie, Cassie Compton, Ian Carlyle, Daniel Koek, Edward Baruwa and, of course, my lovely Hannah Waddingham!  It's gonna be a bast! Rehearsals are going really well, the voices are amazing and I'm thrilled!

 

I hear the stars on stage aren't the only ones that shall be making an appearance on the night...!

That's right! I have some very special stars flying in for the concert too, all the people I've worked with and toured with over the years: Tina Turner, Elton John, Sting and many more. It's actually terrifying if I think about it too much! As well as being a fantastic and extremely exciting evening musically, there'll be plenty of opportunities to star-spot too! A real rollercoaster of a night!

  

It sounds like an amazing line-up! Can you tell us a bit about the charity behind all this?

Intermission Youth Theatre is a charity close to my heart. I spent my early years in care, and then was adopted. Thank God! This charity is wonderful and unique. It helps young people who are in care and vulnerable; it takes children from all over London, and helps them through the performing arts. In all aspects of their lives, they are cared for. Many have gone on to RADA, and some have landed roles in soap operas such as Casualty and Eastenders. These children start out broken and lost, some on the verge of serious crime. This charity turns their lives around. It really works! I wouldn't have enjoyed the success I've known had it not been for the kindness of a stranger! Ooh that sounds very Street Car Named Desire! [laughs] It's true though! The world might seem a dark and frightening place, but there are wonderful people in the world. People who care and help make positive changes. Intermission Youth Theatre is proof of that!

 

That sounds like a brilliant charity. What's on the cards for you after Grateful?

I'm looking forward to getting back to work! My energy levels are through the roof and I'm stronger and fitter than I've ever been. I'm reading scripts that have been sent in, and hoping to start on a new play very soon. My dream job would be to play Javert in Les Mis. It's been played in the UK once before by a black actor, and I'd like to get a chance to do it myself. I've dreamed of it for 20 years. Let's hope that dream comes true soon...

 

Thanks, Anton, and all the best for the future!

 

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