Interviews: Hit The Theatre meets stars of London's West End stages

Mark Evans debut album THE JOURNEY HOME has just been released, and it doesn’t disappoint. Personal favourites include Flight, The Journey Home (from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams) and Reach The Sky. The album is sung in a mix of Welsh and English language, harping. He is also currently appearing as Sam in GHOST THE MUSICAL at the Piccadilly Theatre. Hit The Theatre caught up with him on the week of the release of his album to find out more about it and more…

I went to see the show when it first opened at the Piccadilly Theatre and loved it. I really wanted the role of Sam, so I bought a guitar and learnt how to play it. I had two auditions on the Friday, then one more on the Monday, where I had to sing with some potential Molly’s, including Siobhan Dillon (who is currently starring as Molly in the show). I waited two or three weeks and got the call.
It’s a tough role and it really takes over your life. Often I won’t speak all day. Ghost is unlike any other show as it features rock songs like We Will Rock You and yet the script is more like a screenplay (by original Ghost screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin). Every night on stage I think how lucky I am.
I don’t put too many limitations on things like that. I have a natural trust in my ability and a very positive outlook on things. I’ve done 7 years now as a professional actor, starting with the tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers where we were on a tight budget, with second hand wigs. And now, I’m in one of the biggest musicals in the West End, I’m very excited about the future.

Oh my god, it is so tough to pick the songs. I know everyone says that, but it really is! There was a real demand for a Welsh sung through album.
When we first set out, I wanted to make it about the 10 years since I left home, being a farmers son from the hills set for the West End. However, in the end, we changed the running order so it was less about me and more about the music.
I didn’t want to put together an album full of my audition songs. Unlike many acting roles I was able to be the director, so it was completely under my control.

It’s so hard as they’re all so special, but it’d have to be To Where You Are which I sung at my grandmothers funeral.
Keep on Believing which I co-wrote with Ollie Tompsett is a favourite as he’s one of my best friends.
Brand New You which was written by Jason Robert Brown. It’s exciting as he’s coming over later this summer to work on 13 with the National Youth Music Theatre, which I cannot wait for.

Be nice to people, be interesting. I often tweet funny things, including some photos. I posted one of my socks recently!

New York – I’m hoping to get there near the end of the year. I also love somewhere hot!

I actually run a Summer School in North Wales (see notes below). I’ve been doing them every year for a while now. It’s great to give something back. This summer is the last one. I was very lucky to come and study in London, but it’s very expensive, so it’s a great chance for the kids to work with performers at the top of the game.

I think at the moment it’s Louise Dearman. I’ve been lucky to work with so many great performers.

Hugh Jackman

Miss Saigon

Obviously on stage in Ghost, but I’m singing three songs at West End Live on Sunday 24 June. Hopefully there will be some television appearances around the launch of the album.

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