In The Spotlight - Jacob Leeson
How long have you been performing in shows9 years and counting!
What got you interested in music / theatre
I think it was actually my mums involvement with Greasepaint while I was really young and therefore going watch 'Singing in the Rain' and 'Barnum' which sparked my interest with theatre and particularly musical theatre to begin with.
What was your first show
The first musical I performed was 'Oliver' with LAOS in 2006, prior to that it must have been starring as Joseph in my nursery nativity and refusing to speak once I got on stage! My first Greasepaint show was 'The Wizard of Oz' in 2008.
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
Hmmm, I've enjoyed all of them if I'm honest. However, I'd have to say 'Parade' and 'West Side Story' are definitely up there! In terms of characters, Snowboy and Slightly have been two of my favourites probably due to the gangs we formed during the shows! Playing Hugh was also great fun, the chance to play the complete opposite in one show as the same character. Mind, I never did get that northern accent down.
What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
Haha, during the Big News number in 'Parade'. People may remember we formed clumps and then froze creating a still image? Well, on one of the nights I pushed through the clump and as the time came to freeze I found my left hand seemingly placed on Becky Bruce's right boob. Safe to say 13 year old me was not too comfortable with this position and I subsequently spent the rest of the still image trying to shuffle away unnoticed!
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
I don't recall many being especially awful, although I suppose 'Wizard of Oz' was rather interesting looking back. I wasn't a particular fan of my blue Adidas tracksuit in 'Acorn Antiques' either if I'm honest! My 'Peter Pan' costume must take some recognition though, that was interesting. My favourite costume however has to be during 'Jekyll & Hyde'. I have a full three piece suit with cravat and an overcoat and scarf as well, safe to say it was rather hot hidden under that archway getting suffocated in dry ice with Dan Kauss!
What has been your proudest moment
This is quite easy actually. The deathly silence at the end of 'Parade' - it takes something special to create that atmosphere in a room of 500+ people and it was captured perfectly. I felt immensely proud to have been able to be a part of that.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
Ahh this question! Theres too many, I don't know where to start. Put it this way, if it has good music and is attached to a decent script I'll be there!
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Yes, I'm currently waiting to receive my A-level results and, if all goes to plan, hopefully I'll be studying Actor Musicianship at Guildford School of Acting as of September! I'm looking forward to getting my acting journey under way.