In The Spotlight - Mark Chinnery
How long have you been performing in showsI've been mucking about on stage for almost 20 years now!
What got you interested in music / theatre
I originally went to see shows that Shane (Greasepaint Producer/director) was in with Christchurch Theatre Club and was massively impressed with the quality of theatre that was being produced by so called 'amateurs.'I always thought that it was something i would love to try as i had done a bit of drama at church before and being male found no difficulty in getting involved with CTC.
What was your first show
My first show was Jesus Christ Superstar in 1989. I have since gone on to do this show another three times!
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
Crikey! I've many favourite shows really although i would have to say that 'Fiddler on the Roof' would have to be up there. It was for me my proudest moment playing Tevye as I have never considered myself to be capable of playing a'leading man.'
I have been fortuneate to have played some great character parts over the years, my favourites being 'Durdles' in 'Mystery of Edwin Drood''Oscar Lindquist' in 'Sweet Charity', 'Lank Hawkins' in 'Crazy for You' and recently 'The Cowardly lion' in 'Wizard of Oz'.
What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
I think it's fair to say that there have been numerous embarassing hence funny looking back moments over the last twenty years. Falling of a table during a dance move which had actually been taken out of the show unknownst to me in Chess! Generally forgetting lines or in the case of the wizard of oz...VERSES!! i'm sure other group members could come up with hundreds more!!
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
The worst costume i've had to wear would definately be the one piece cat suit thing in the ballet chess match scene from Chess....oooh i shudder to think about it still! Best ones tend to be anything that fits properly!! Alyhough I did like Lanks costume in Crazy for You just cause i like being a cowboy!!!
What has been your proudest moment
As i said earlier it would have to be playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Also being made Chairman of the group some years ago was a very proud moment for me.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
I would love to do 'Return to the forbidden Planet' as i'd love to actually play the music as well as be involved in the acting/singing side of things. Most of all i would just like to do some of the many fantastic shows out there that aren't widely known or are considered too difficult to sell
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Unfortunately i'm far too old for that now besides not having any real talent apart from a willingness to show off!! Although i would love a career as a theatre photographer as this would combine two of my real passions in life.