Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
John Barrowman on My Life in Musicals
John Barrowman returns to the stage this autumn with My Life in Musicals, a celebration of the West End and Broadway shows that have shaped his career.
Spanning more than three decades on stage and screen, Barrowman’s musical theatre career has taken him from Sunset Boulevard and Anything Goes to Chicago, La Cage aux Folles, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon. His new show brings together songs, stories and memories from his career for an evening of musical theatre and entertainment.
Ahead of his visit to Towngate Theatre in Basildon on Sunday 25th October, John talks about his earliest memory of performing, the role he’d love to revisit, a rather suspicious collection of theatre props – and the childhood item he never travels without.
What’s your first memory of performing?
My first memory of performing, off the top of my head, would be singing Milly Molly Mandy in my mum and dads living room to guests at a party using a measuring cup thing as a microphone, and I was in my kilt. I used to come down and that was my party piece. Sings ‘Milly, Molly, Mandy sweet as sugar candy, pretty little eyes of blue. Everybody would be if they could be walking out with you. Wishing on a Monday when I see you Sunday that you’ll find it’s true. Milly Molly Mandy sweet as sugar candy I’m in love with you.’
John Barrowman, have you ever stolen any props from any sets?
How very dare you! I have never stolen any props from set, but I may have borrowed them and never returned them. Because I will say that some things from Doctor Who fell into my bag and they just happened to be on my shelf in Palm Springs. Vortex manipulator, actually that was made, and Squareness gun, other things that shall remain nameless because I have somebody who knew someone in the props department standing right over there. I don’t wanna say what a took!
You’ve played 21 leading male parts in the West End and Broadway in 10 years. What is 1 leading part you would love to play?
I’ve already played it and I’d like to play it again. I’d like to do it on a tour of the UK, and I’d like to tour other places. I would like to play Zaza once again in La Cage Aux Folles because I love the story, I love what it stands for, It’s about family. It’s about families that are not deemed to be as the “norm” because what is the norm right? Your norm, your family is the norm in your world and I love that. I love what it tells and also I loved getting up in drag and playing that character so I’d love to do it again.
John Barrowman if you could ask your 80 year old self one question what would you ask?
Did you have fun? And I hope the answer would be yes.
John Barrowman what will audiences take away from the show?
I hope the audience takes away a lot more than what they came in with. I hope they take a little piece of John Barrowman home with them. They have great memories, they’ve laughed so hard that their stomachs hurt a little bit, and also that they feel joy when they walk out the door.
When you travel, what is 1 item you always take with you?
My original STARWARS pillowcase that I have had since childhood, I won't leave home without it.
My Life in Musicals
Recommended for ages 14+