09 May 2010 (released)
10 May 2010
Alexis Gerred is known to millions of TV viewers following his outstanding performances on the BBC’s Your Country Needs You, the UK Eurovision finals. He trained in Musical Theatre and a leading London agent signed Alexis and introduced him to Jenny O’Grady, an elite vocal coach who has worked with the likes of Elton John and Kylie Minogue.
He is making his professional West End debut in Dirty White Boy and Film-News was eager to find out more about his thoughts and opinions.
Film-News:
Alexis, has it always been your aspiration to work in musical theatre and TV, or has it been suggested that with your talent and your looks, you could find equal success and opportunities in a 'boy band'?
Alexis Gerred:
I have always been a bit of an entertainer, even from a very young age. I used to strut around dressed as Freddy Mercury at the age of three… Hilarious at the time, embarrassing to look back on! So as long as I’m entertaining, in no matter what shape or form (within reason!!) I’m a happy man. If I was to progress as an artist in the music industry, I would very much like to draw inspiration from my heroes… Freddy, Rod, George Michael… and within a band it’d be hard to find a balance between all members… what if one of them likes N’Dubz?
FN:
How did you land the debut role in Dirty White Boy and what attracted you to the project?
AG:
After coming runner up on BBC’s Eurovision: Your Country Needs You! on the 12th March 2010, I had a number of opportunities arise. Dirty White Boy was one of them. I got great vibes from the audition and was luckily offered the role shortly after! The most attractive part of this job was working with the talent involved… Clayton has a great gift in writing and this has been proved through the reviews and celebrity endorsements. David Benson is an incredibly talented and versatile actor and the producer, director and MD all have a great amount of experience and credits behind them. For me, it’s got to be a recipe for a great show. But a major bonus for me is that I am able to stamp my mark on this role, as it’s open to my interpretation, as I will be the first ever to play it.
FN:
Were you familiar with the book by Clayton Littlewood before auditions /rehearsing?
AG:
As soon as I received the role, I bought the book immediately. Family and friends have also found it hard to stop turning each page… it’s incredibly addictive. Even my granddad rented it out at the local library… they had to order it in especially. I’m sure a few funny looks were exchanged!
FN:
How did you prepare for the part?
AG:
I felt there was a lot of reasonability on all our shoulders to tell and interpret this incredible story and so we all dedicated ourselves to the play in and out of rehearsals! Unfortunately the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano held our director (Phil Willmott) captive in New York for half of the rehearsal period. However, after a few days with his incredible assistant (Katherine Hare) he was able to fine-tune our performances to make Dirty White Boy the show it is today!
FN:
Who decided on the musical numbers in the play, like which songs would be incorporated?
AG:
The final decision was down to the director and the producer… however, a selection of songs had been suggested by the whole team involved. The material that worked was sifted out from the material that didn’t! I know Clayton was very passionate to keep “Do You Know?” by Diana Ross in the show, as it relates so much to the storyline and his emotions surrounding that period in his life.
FN:
Dirty White Boy is your professional West End Debut - what's it like to perform beside a distinguished actor like David Benson?
AG:
David is an incredible talent and he just oozes theatrical knowledge and experience that’s really inspiring to a newcomer like myself! What’s so incredible about Mr. Benson is that with all his talent, he doesn’t show an ounce of arrogance or pretentiousness. David doesn’t seek fame, he just wishes to entertain and ensure the audience is having as much fun as he does! We all have become such a close family and Clayton Littlewood is such a talented writer and a warm and caring individual that it gives the show its welcoming tone and modesty!
FN:
What's the next project you will be working on, once the play is finished?
AG:
I feel at home in the West End and I do hope to continue in theatre! However, there have been some opportunities arising in TV and film that are extremely exciting. I am also currently working on some original material with singer/songwriter Beverly Skeete, who has worked with Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Will Young and has a regular working relationship with Bill Wyman. So I’ll just ride the wild wind and see what happens.
FN:
Any particular part in any particular show you would love to act/sing in one day?
AG:
Without a doubt Galileo in We Will Rock You! My family and I are huge fans of Queen and what better role than to sing the songs you love and grew up with every night!! I hear there’s a sequel to We Will Rock You coming out in the near future. Hint, hint…
FN:
Thanks for taking time for this interview, and best wishes for your future projects!
