Top Hat - which debuted at Milton Keynes Theatre in 2011 - returns to the venue this evening (August 26), with a new cast, and an even sharper show.
The wonderful production stars Alan Burkitt as Jerry Travers - the role made famous by Fred Astaire.
Alan was a member of the original West End Cast,and the recipient of the All England Tap Dancer of the Year Award has also walked the stage in Singin' in the Rain, 42nd Street and We Will Rock You.
He answered Total MKs In the Spotlight questions...
- Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
My Mum and Dad took me to see 42nd Street at the Drury Lane Theatre when I was a young lad. The sheer scale and atmosphere of it all had me hooked instantly!!!
- And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
I went and did work experience at 'Performers College' where I later graduated from. It was so amazing to dance and train all day and be amongst people with the same passion. I instantly knew what I wanted to do in life.
- Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
Oh! There's always calamities on and off the stage!!! I'll never forget the time one of my fellow actors completely forgot his lines and just shouted the most random things..... Myself and another actor completely lost all sense of professionalism and had a fit of the giggles!!! Ooops!
- Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
It has to be Mr Astaire himself! I would ask him for any tips and if he wouldn't mind dancing some of the tap breaks for me so I could see how it's done!
- Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
In the opening number, 'Puttin' on the Ritz' we all have canes.... not sure why but I like to have the same cane every time...... if not things just don't feel right?!
- The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
I had some great teachers at college.... Brian Rogers, the director of our college was a great role model to me and has such an amazing work ethic that rubs off on everyone.
- What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
Not getting jobs you really want. Auditioning can be so hard and you inevitably find yourself out of work. You just have to keep your chin up and believe everything happens for a reason and you will get there if you continue to work hard.
- How do you fill your spare time while on tour
I'm looking forward to seeing some of the sights of the UK. Other than that I like to visit good restaurants, the gym and spend some money in the shops!
- Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
50/50..... Some nerves are good ..... it gets me going and creates the right atmosphere.
- How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Its all about making theatre accessible to a wide range of audiences..... more theatre and excerpts of musicals on TV shows and theatre deals so that everyone can enjoy this form of entertainment.
- Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.
1 Andy Lee in 42nd Street .... as this was the first show I saw this was a dream to be part of this musical.
2 I was in the musical 'Movin Out' that came over from Broadway. It only lasted six weeks in the west end but was truly the most amazing show to be a part of ...... the dancing was out of this world.
3 And of course Jerry Travers in Top Hat..... Fred Astaire is my Idol, so it means so much to me to bring his film alive on stage.
- And finally, what can we expect from your performance in Milton Keynes?
Lots of marvellous dancing and singing..... the whole show is completely enchanting and so funny...... I guarantee the audience will be clapping along and up on their feet by the end!!
Looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes..... See you soon!
> To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
- Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
It has to be Mr Astaire himself! I would ask him for any tips and if he wouldn't mind dancing some of the tap breaks for me so I could see how it's done!
- Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
In the opening number, 'Puttin' on the Ritz' we all have canes.... not sure why but I like to have the same cane every time...... if not things just don't feel right?!
- The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
I had some great teachers at college.... Brian Rogers, the director of our college was a great role model to me and has such an amazing work ethic that rubs off on everyone.
- What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
Not getting jobs you really want. Auditioning can be so hard and you inevitably find yourself out of work. You just have to keep your chin up and believe everything happens for a reason and you will get there if you continue to work hard.
- How do you fill your spare time while on tour
I'm looking forward to seeing some of the sights of the UK. Other than that I like to visit good restaurants, the gym and spend some money in the shops!
- Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
50/50..... Some nerves are good ..... it gets me going and creates the right atmosphere.
- How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Its all about making theatre accessible to a wide range of audiences..... more theatre and excerpts of musicals on TV shows and theatre deals so that everyone can enjoy this form of entertainment.
- Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.
1 Andy Lee in 42nd Street .... as this was the first show I saw this was a dream to be part of this musical.
2 I was in the musical 'Movin Out' that came over from Broadway. It only lasted six weeks in the west end but was truly the most amazing show to be a part of ...... the dancing was out of this world.
3 And of course Jerry Travers in Top Hat..... Fred Astaire is my Idol, so it means so much to me to bring his film alive on stage.
- And finally, what can we expect from your performance in Milton Keynes?
Lots of marvellous dancing and singing..... the whole show is completely enchanting and so funny...... I guarantee the audience will be clapping along and up on their feet by the end!!
Looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes..... See you soon!
> To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
