Today we are setting up the stage at the Alban Arena for Hot Mikado opening on Tuesday.
We are also having our first rehearsal with the band and doing a technical run through.
As we are getting introduced to the band today it seemed appropriate that we get more of an insight into our musical director, Graham Thompson.
Graham Thompson
How did you first get involved in musicals?
When I was 9 years old, I played a gypsy boy in my home town’s production of ‘The Gypsy Baron’. I first went into the orchestra pit at the age of 13, playing Bassoon in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’
How does directing adults in music compare to directing children?
I enjoy directing adults as you have a totally different kind of atmosphere from working with children. Harder work though as the adults take longer to learn things, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs in Musical Theatre.
Use five words to describe yourself as a musical director?
Straightforward. Honest. Demanding. Humorous. Laidback
Give us a 15 words synopsis of our production of Hot Mikado
This is one of the best productions I’ve been involved in. Great Team, Great Cast.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not involved in a show.
Gardening (Vegetables. I grow my own), Fishing, Cooking (used to be a chef), Watching Rugby (Played for 30 yrs, Love the game)
If you could be any character from a musical, who would it be and why?
The Pirate King. – Sang the part in a concert version of the show and loved it. Great songs, especially the trio in act 2. (But I don’t miss all the make up and costume bit) Much prefer being in the Pit.