In The Spotlight - Neil Ledward

How long have you been performing in shows
Well I was very fortunate to go to a school that concentrated on music rather than maths so spent most of my childhood acting, singing and playing instruments.

What got you interested in music / theatre
My father was on the stage when he was younger and he also played in the Salvation Army and I suppose I followed his lead. We were forever going to see shows in London when I was a kid and when I lived in London for 4 years in the 90s I spent a fortune going to see west end theatre shows.

What was your first show
My first show as a boy was Joseph which we did at school and then a talent scout from the Nottingham Theatre Royal saw it and chose us to perform in the chorus at a full production at the Nottingham Theatre Royal. I remember that as being an incredible experience. I even got to play the back end of a camel in the show (i was understudy to the front end!)

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
One of my favourite shows is Hello Dolly because the sets and songs are amazing and the characters are excellent. I have always wanted to play Cornelius Hackle but alas I am too old now! I am really enjoying doing Parade at the moment because the story is so intense and the music is so varied. As it is a true story you can relate to the charcaters a lot more.

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
I played Fagin a few years ago and remembered singng the same verse three times in 'i'm reviewing the situation!'
Also recently in Fame we were doing a dance down the sides of the auditorium and one of my daughters friend's mother caught my eye and I totally lost concentration and messed up all the actions - I looked a right twerp but thankfully Shane didn't notice ;-0!

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Trying to make myself look like a 19 yr old music student in Fame was quite challenging and was I really stressing trying to get a wig that would look right.....I did the best I could!
When playing Fagin I had to glue on a beard which tended to stay stuck to my face for months afterwards.

What has been your proudest moment
I think it was at the end of Mack and Mable my first show with Greasepaint. At the end of the last night several of the cast members slapped me on the back and said 'great first show Neil'...that meant a lot to me. Its great to have such encouragement from a great bunch of talented individuals.

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
That's a difficult one as there are so many great shows. I would like to try chitty chitty bang bang as that has so many childhood memories for me. My children enjoy it today also and we went down to London to see it a few years ago....Also my dog is called 'Edison' named after the old english sheepdog in the film!

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
I am actually a qualified Flute and Guitar teacher and have played professionally in a number of orchestras in my 20's. As for theatre I am just a budding actor trying to eek out a living....would be great though wouldn't it?...don't tell the wife tho!