In The Spotlight - Sean Hickling
How long have you been performing in showsI appeared in school productions from a very early age: maybe 6 or 7 years old. But my first opportunity to appear in musical theatre came in 1986 with Loughborough Theatre Clubs production of Gigi. So I would have been 16.
What got you interested in music / theatre
My cousin, Sharon and distant cousin, Stephen were members of ESNA. I remember going to Stanford Hall to watch them with my parents. I have very little memory of the shows I saw back then, apart from their production of Showboat in 1980. For some reason that one stuck in my mind.
What was your first show
Gigi, with Loughborough Theatre Club at Stanford Hall.
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
Blood Brothers with Christchurch Theatre Club in 1987. I was given the part of Sammy, Mickys older brother who was being played by our very own Shane Perry. I think being given that opportunity in such a stunning show at the tender age of 17 was a massive boost and just made the whole experience amazing.
Also, playing Doc in West Side Story with LAOS and the Subway Ghost in Ghost with Christchurch were both incredible opportunities.
What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
There haven't been that many to be honest. The odd forgetting of lines always brings embarrassment but it happens.
As Doc in West Side Story, I walked onto stage and thought; Damn, I'm not supposed to be on yet! So I casually cleaned the shop counter and walked off stage. Just in time to hear Liam Patrick as Riff say: "Doc?"... I was supposed to be on stage!
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
The best costume for me was Doc. And that's purely down to being lazy. One simple outfit that I put on before the show and didn't have to change again until after the performance had finished.
Subway Ghost was a great costume too.
The worst has definitely got to be one of the eyesore suits I had to wear when playing Ralph Sheldrake in White Christmas. They were just so garish.
What has been your proudest moment
I am simply proud of any opportunity I have to perform. I honestly experience the greatest pride when friends and colleagues do well on stage. Witnessing others excelling and enjoying what they do fills me with pride and joy.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
No question: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I wish I had had the opportunity to portray Frank-n-furter.
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Many years ago, maybe. But it's definitely not in my present plans. But if a miracle were to present itself, I wouldn't say no. Never say never ;)