BWW Interviews: LES MISERABLES' Martin Neely

Hi Martin! Thanks for doing this today. How are you?

I'm very well, thank you. Enjoying my winter wardrobe.

Glad to hear it! You're currently in Les Misérables at the Queen's Theatre playing the drunkard Grantaire. How is that going?

I'm having a great time. Grantaire is such an interesting character with plenty of scope for interpretation, so it never gets dull.

You're now covering Enjolras...do you enjoy donning the sexy waistcoat and leather wristbands?!

Ah, the infamous 'Gauntlets of Power'! I love it! I get the best of both worlds now; on one hand I'm the sceptic Grantaire, then on the other I get to play the hero and lead the students into battle! It's very exciting.

Any hilarious on-stage mishaps (yours or someone else's!) that you'd like to share with us?!

Mishaps, eh? Well, I have been known to sing "Dogs will bark, bees will flight" instead of "...fleas will bite"!

Ha! A classic! How does it feel being part of the cast during its 25th year? Is there a different vibe in the air?

Yes, I think there is a 'vibe'. We've had such a busy time because of the 25th Anniversary, with appearances in the show from people like Nick Jonas and Alfie Boe, it can't help but create a vibe. It feels like the best time to be involved in such an iconic show.

You were also involved in the epic 25th Anniversary Les Mis concert at the O2 back in October. What was that like?

It was probably one of the most exciting times in my career. It was incredible, not just performing to almost 40,000 people, but performing with such a talented cast, truly the cream of the West End, past and present.

What would your dream theatre role be?

Well, Enjolras was a dream role for me for a long time, ever since seeing the 10th anniversary concert; I guess I'll have to find a new one now, perhaps the Phantom?

I hear you're branching out into concert production next year; can you tell us a bit more about that?

Yes, of course! It's a company that Scott Garnham and I started a couple of months ago. ‘Direct From The West End' is the first production from Musical Ovation Limited, starring some of the best West End performers. Samantha Barks, who played Eponine at the O2 concert; Anthony Hansen, due to open in Wicked in February; Gina Beck, who most recently played Christine in The Phantom of the Opera; Jessie May, currently playing Sophie in Mamma Mia; then Killian Donnelly, Rachel Bingham, Scott Garnham and Jeff Nicholson who are all current members of the London cast of Les Misérables.

Sounds great! Where can our readers go to see this new production?

We have three dates booked next year: 23rd January - York Grand Opera House; 6th February - New Theatre Oxford; and 13th February - Windsor Theatre Royal. Tickets on sale now! Ha!

So after all this excitement, what's next for Martin Neely?

Well, with all the work involved in producing a show and performing eight shows a week, I think a holiday may be in order!

Brilliant plan! Thanks, Martin, and all the best with the new production.

To book tickets for 'Direct From The West End', head on over to the following websites:

Grand Opera House, York http://www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk
New Theatre, Oxford http://www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk
Theatre Royal, Windsor http://www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

 

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.