A Conversation With A West End Personality - Rob Shaw

​I am fortunate to have so many acquaintences and friends both in training and within the theatre industry, Rob Shaw is just one of them from my hometown and a former west end star. When I approached Rob with my questions he was more than greatful to answer.

• 'Jersey Boys' or 'Mamma Mia'?

Tricky question, both for different reasons they're both stories of family so it's very hard to choose but, if I had to choose I'd say Mamma Mia by a cat's whisker!

• West End or Touring?

Tour as really I enjoy exploring.

• Singing or Dance?

Singing, but only because I'm rubbish at dancing.

• Wales or Dubai?

Wales- I love home.

• Welsh Cakes or Scones?

Welsh cakes- reminds me of home.

• List your theatre credits

Oh goodness- theatre credits-

Sky- 'Mamma Mia'

Ensmble- 'Jersey Boys'

Joseph- ' Joseph and His Amazing Technicolord Dreamcoat'

Eddie- 'Blood Brothers'

Ensmble- 'Evita'

Along with other little jobs.

• What was the first musical you performed in? And how old were you?

I was 16 and it was 'Anything Goes'. I played the lead- nothing like being thrown in at the deep end.

• What is your favourite musical?

My favourite musical is 'The Witches of Eastwick' as I like the world in which it's set.

• Do you have any pre show rituals?

No pre-show rituals other than company warm up and making sure I'm focussed and ready for the show.

• Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Geordie Shore- please don't judge.

• What do you do on off show days?

I teach singing lessons between jobs and try to keep fit and have little projects on the go.

• What is your proudest moment?

I would have to say playing Joseph at the Wales Millennium Centre performing on stage in my homeland.

• What is your dream role of the opposite sex?

It would probably be Mary Poppins or Elphaba (very stagey).

• Where did you train?

Guildford School of Acting.

• Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Julie Walters.

• What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?

Advice is to work hard! There are so many talented people out there and you have to train hard to compete.

• If you could have your own musical who would you want to headline it?

Probably someone massive like Julie Andrews.

• Describe yourself in three words.

Resilient, Positive, Ambitious.

• If you could pick your ultimate role to play what would it be?

Bert in 'Mary Poppins'.

• What was the last musical you saw?

'The Wind in the Willows' at The London Palladium, 'Blondel' at The Union Theatre.

• Do you have any further projects to look out for?

No further projects as yet. Taking a break for a while.

• Social media

Twitter: rob_wilshaw

Huge thank you to Rob Shaw for taking time out of his schedule to chat with me. I look forward to seeing Rob's forthcoming projects.

#musical #actor #theatre #welsh #singer