In The Spotlight - Gareth Wynne
How long have you been performing in showsForever! My first show was at primary school in Markfield, I still vaguely remember it actually! I also remember it had something to do with space and a robot... anyway!
What got you interested in music / theatre
I did Music A level, and the amount of classical music involved on the course put me off music, and to be honest I was on the brink of giving it all up. Then a drummer friend of mine called and asked if I fancied playing piano for a show he'd been asked to do at Kirby Muxloe, and I thought 'what the hell, why not'! I played that show, fell in love with theatre, and never left. I was on stage within a year in some panto or other, then started doing leads, and MD'ing, then moved into Lufbra.
What was your first show
Some spacey roboty thing!! In Kirby, 'Return to the 6 T's', a home written version of Forbidden Planet. In Loughborough, West Side Story playing Bernado with ESNA.
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
A hard one! Forbidden Planet a couple of years ago was the most fun I think, due to playing the instruments on stage (also the first time I'd played any quantity of music from memory), great score and a great cast. Parade is easily the most challenging and rewarding show I've done from an acting point of view though. Also it's from my favourite composer which helps!
What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
Hmmm... in Me and My Girl with ESNA I played Charles the Butler, and during the Ancestors dance my trousers split from crotch to knee, I had to complete the dance, boxers flapping about, and then after the number had to come straight back on and serve tea, still flapping. Lines wise, I gave the plot away in Hired Man by asking Emily if Jackson (her secret lover) had been to visit instead of Joe Sharp... fortunately it's not a serious show, and that wasn't a crucial moment in the plot(!).
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Well I've played Dame a number of times so there's a whole assortment of hideous costumes there! The Leather jacket look for RTTFP was pretty cool, as was the All White look in Tommy.
What has been your proudest moment
I'm involved in a few groups, and we have put on some seriously good pieces over the last 8 years, I've felt enormous pride so many times. Parade was a bit special though, it was so draining and I think we did something really quite special between us.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
Hmmm, well Last Five Years is one I was planning to do some time back, and I'd still love to do that at some point, it's one of my favs. There are so many quality shows though, and so many more that I've not met yet!
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Absolutely... just waiting for the phone to ring and I'll be off to Broadway!