Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
COPACABANA
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th-12th May 2018
Music by Barry Manilow
Lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Book by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman
COPACABANA
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th-12th May 2018
Music by Barry Manilow
Lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Book by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society will be performing Barry Manilow's Copacabana next week at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff and playing the role of Tony will be Jamie Sampson, 36, from Benfleet, who has also appeared professionally in the West End in shows such as Jersey Boys, Rent and Mamma Mia! He chats to us about his favourite part of the show and how he once stroked Mariah Carey's face!!
|
Many people will be familiar with the music by Barry Manilow from Copacabana but for anyone who has never seen the show before, can you give us a brief idea of what it’s about?
The show is about a songwriter Stephen and his wife Samantha. It’s their one year anniversary and Stephen is desperately trying to get some inspiration to finish his song. As he’s writing it, we go into his dream world where we see his fictional characters, Tony and Lola’s love story whilst at the famous nightclub Copacabana. The story takes some twists and turns before ending back where it started, but this time Stephen manages to finish his song, Copacabana!
You are playing the role of Tony in Copacabana - tell us a bit about the character and what was it about the role that attracted you to want to play him?
Tony is a smooth guy, who has talent and is struggling- a bit like me really? (I’m joking!) he’s a songwriter and is desperate to get his hits published. He always goes after the girls and is known for being a ladies man, but when Lola appears- he falls head over heels. When I read the script and saw what songs he got to sing, I was like; this needs to be mine! ‘Sweet Heaven’ is a song I’ve always wanted to sing, so the chance to do it in this show made me work really hard to learn my audition pieces and get everything right to gain the part! Thankfully, it worked out and I’m thrilled!
Have there been any particular challenges playing Tony?
As a baritone, Tony is more of a tenor part. So I’ve really had to work into my voice some of the higher parts of Tony’s songs. It’s been a challenge, but I’m finally really enjoying stretching myself. Also, I haven’t danced in about 4 years - so ‘Dancing Fool’ was pretty difficult for me to conquer. However, having Sallie Warrington’s support and motivation to help me bust out the moves, along with our amazing dance captain David Gillett to clean the number, I finally feel ready!
This is quite a dance heavy show, has Sallie Warrington (Director and Choreographer) been tough on you all?
It is a hard show dancing wise. Sallie has her vision on how it should look and I think we all know how hard she works on her shows, so when it comes to us - we have to match it! Once the difficult and beautiful choreography has been taught, it’s really up to us to use our own time to practise and make sure it’s right for the next rehearsal. That’s something I’m proud of LODS for, everyone works so hard because they want their shows to be the best in Essex!
The show is about a songwriter Stephen and his wife Samantha. It’s their one year anniversary and Stephen is desperately trying to get some inspiration to finish his song. As he’s writing it, we go into his dream world where we see his fictional characters, Tony and Lola’s love story whilst at the famous nightclub Copacabana. The story takes some twists and turns before ending back where it started, but this time Stephen manages to finish his song, Copacabana!
You are playing the role of Tony in Copacabana - tell us a bit about the character and what was it about the role that attracted you to want to play him?
Tony is a smooth guy, who has talent and is struggling- a bit like me really? (I’m joking!) he’s a songwriter and is desperate to get his hits published. He always goes after the girls and is known for being a ladies man, but when Lola appears- he falls head over heels. When I read the script and saw what songs he got to sing, I was like; this needs to be mine! ‘Sweet Heaven’ is a song I’ve always wanted to sing, so the chance to do it in this show made me work really hard to learn my audition pieces and get everything right to gain the part! Thankfully, it worked out and I’m thrilled!
Have there been any particular challenges playing Tony?
As a baritone, Tony is more of a tenor part. So I’ve really had to work into my voice some of the higher parts of Tony’s songs. It’s been a challenge, but I’m finally really enjoying stretching myself. Also, I haven’t danced in about 4 years - so ‘Dancing Fool’ was pretty difficult for me to conquer. However, having Sallie Warrington’s support and motivation to help me bust out the moves, along with our amazing dance captain David Gillett to clean the number, I finally feel ready!
This is quite a dance heavy show, has Sallie Warrington (Director and Choreographer) been tough on you all?
It is a hard show dancing wise. Sallie has her vision on how it should look and I think we all know how hard she works on her shows, so when it comes to us - we have to match it! Once the difficult and beautiful choreography has been taught, it’s really up to us to use our own time to practise and make sure it’s right for the next rehearsal. That’s something I’m proud of LODS for, everyone works so hard because they want their shows to be the best in Essex!
Without giving too much away, do you have a favourite moment in the show?
I must admit, I adore singing ‘Sweet Heaven’. It’s such a beautifully written song by Barry Manilow and seeing the stunning showgirls strut on in their feathers makes me smile so much. It’s definitely one of my favourite moments.
This is your first role with LODS but you’ve worked professionally - can you tell us what other work you’ve done?
I was Eddie in ‘Mamma Mia!’ I then went onto Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre) and Rent (Duke of York Theatre) with Denise van Outen. I then toured around the USA as a Jersey Boy. So quite a varied career in shows. I also worked professionally on TV in various bit parts and commercials.
Did you go to drama school - if so where did you go and what was it like?
Yes. I was lucky enough to win the Dame Judi Dench Scholarship to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. I had a wonderful time at college and loved every minute of it!
I must admit, I adore singing ‘Sweet Heaven’. It’s such a beautifully written song by Barry Manilow and seeing the stunning showgirls strut on in their feathers makes me smile so much. It’s definitely one of my favourite moments.
This is your first role with LODS but you’ve worked professionally - can you tell us what other work you’ve done?
I was Eddie in ‘Mamma Mia!’ I then went onto Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre) and Rent (Duke of York Theatre) with Denise van Outen. I then toured around the USA as a Jersey Boy. So quite a varied career in shows. I also worked professionally on TV in various bit parts and commercials.
Did you go to drama school - if so where did you go and what was it like?
Yes. I was lucky enough to win the Dame Judi Dench Scholarship to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. I had a wonderful time at college and loved every minute of it!
What’s your day job now?
After having my varied performing career, I knew I wanted to still be within the entertainment business but not as an actor. So in 2014, I re-trained to become a theatrical agent. That’s my day job - representing West End actors in musicals, plays, tv work etc. And I love it! Having been an actor - I know how channelling it can be and I feel like the progression from actor to agent is one that’s been perfect for me.
After having my varied performing career, I knew I wanted to still be within the entertainment business but not as an actor. So in 2014, I re-trained to become a theatrical agent. That’s my day job - representing West End actors in musicals, plays, tv work etc. And I love it! Having been an actor - I know how channelling it can be and I feel like the progression from actor to agent is one that’s been perfect for me.
Which performers do you admire and why?
I admire Luke Evans. I was in Rent in the West End with Luke and now seeing him starring in Hollywood movies and playing Gaston in Disney’s new ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was inspiring. Someone who never gave up and got to the top! Who’s the most famous person you have met and did they meet your expectations? Most famous person? I’ve met quite a few along the way, but probably one I always remember is Mariah Carey. She was one of our PR clients where I used to work and I was taken to her concert and then got to meet her afterwards. However, after a few too many wines, when she finally emerged I decided to stroke her face…Big mistake - huge! She wasn’t impressed. Another client was Barry Manilow and I got offered backstage passes to his concert. I declined though as I’m not a huge fan and I now regret this choice as you could have inserted a great photo here!!! |
If you could play any part, what would it be?
I’d love to play Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Although I’m probably a bit old now! But that was always a role I wanted to give and go and sing ‘Any Dream Will Do’ whilst surrounded in dry ice! I’m stagey…I know.
Do you get nervous before a show if so, how do you deal with it?
I always get nervous before performing, but I try to think about the end result and take each scene bit by bit. If you think about everything as a whole, it can be overwhelming. I just try to breathe through it and enjoy every moment. Also - taking the time to be quiet and focused before going on is really important to me. People telling me they’re really nervous just makes me really nervous!
I’d love to play Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Although I’m probably a bit old now! But that was always a role I wanted to give and go and sing ‘Any Dream Will Do’ whilst surrounded in dry ice! I’m stagey…I know.
Do you get nervous before a show if so, how do you deal with it?
I always get nervous before performing, but I try to think about the end result and take each scene bit by bit. If you think about everything as a whole, it can be overwhelming. I just try to breathe through it and enjoy every moment. Also - taking the time to be quiet and focused before going on is really important to me. People telling me they’re really nervous just makes me really nervous!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to not eat biscuits in bed. You never get the crumbs out… Itchy back all night.
What’s the best thing about being in Copa?
The best part about being in Copa is the people that are surrounding me. Literally such wonderful people who really want this show to be awesome!
Will you be doing more with LODS once Copa is over?
I can’t wait to do more shows with LODS! I think it’s one of the strongest society’s in Essex and there’s no group I’d rather get together with twice a week to have fun and share a passion with.
Interview: Kim Tobin
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to not eat biscuits in bed. You never get the crumbs out… Itchy back all night.
What’s the best thing about being in Copa?
The best part about being in Copa is the people that are surrounding me. Literally such wonderful people who really want this show to be awesome!
Will you be doing more with LODS once Copa is over?
I can’t wait to do more shows with LODS! I think it’s one of the strongest society’s in Essex and there’s no group I’d rather get together with twice a week to have fun and share a passion with.
Interview: Kim Tobin
Wed - Sat Evening Performance £19.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Thu & Sat Mats £17.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Tickets are on sale via www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
Concessions £1.00 off
Thu & Sat Mats £17.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Tickets are on sale via www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.