The Commitments returns to Milton Keynes next week, and with this show every night is 'souled-out,' as more than 20 smash hits litter the show in the best possible way.
Kevin Kennedy made a name for himself as one of the most memorable characters in British soap, Curly Watts.
Since leaving the Corrie cobbles he has been treading the boards and is a respected, in demand theatre actor - The Commitments is the latest in a long list of roles for Kevin.
He went On Stage with Total MK...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
My first memory of theatre was, like many other people in this country, pantomime. My dad worked for Kellogg’s and every Christmas, the children of the employees went to see a panto, it was Cinderella, I think, at the Palace Theatre Manchester and the leading star was Danny La Rue. That was my first experience, I thought ‘this is cool’ - and I got a box of Malteasers as well!
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
I think probably when I was in school, I did drama classes and it was pretty much the only thing I was any good at. I mean I was average at other things; I played sport and other things but I was really quite good at drama. Then I started going to extra drama classes and clubs after school, then ended up in the Manchester Youth Theatre and that was it then. I always wanted to do something that involved performing.
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
Plenty, but all very rude. So I think I’d better leave it at that!
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
Well I did meet Peter O’Toole, and I had a million and one questions to ask him… but I just shook his hand and said thank you and that was it. He was one of the greatest stage and screen actors that we’ve ever had.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
I always say a little prayer and twice on matinee days.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
Take the job seriously, but not yourself
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
In theatre, I would say it would be being taught the old bamboo for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Dame Gillian Lynne!
How do you fill your spare time while on tour
Normally, cinema, Play Station, reading or TV. If there’s anything interesting nearby I’ll make an effort to go see it.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
A bit of both, I would say about 60% nerves, 40% excitement. It’s variable.
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Get rid of X Factor, get rid of The Voice and encourage children to go to theatre workshops, and do more theatre in schools. Get a decent arts minister. The list is endless…
And plug The Commitments! Why should Milton Keynes folks buy a ticket to see it?
Because this is a musical like you’ve never seen before. There is always something happening, it’s very funny and poignant. Roddy Doyle is a funny writer but also has a social conscience. This is the X Factor for realists.
Pic: Kevin with The Commitments writer Roddy Doyle
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