A Conversation With A West End Personality - Paul Ettore Tabone
I am fortunate to have so many acquaintences and friends both in training and within the theatre industry Paul Ettore Tabone is just one of them currently playing Piangi in the smash hit musical The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End. When I approached Paul with my questions he was more than happy to answer.
Opera or Musical Theatre?
I love both! Both Opera & Musical theatre have a very special part in my life. I trained in Musical Theatre, then went into Professional Opera and have again returned to Musical Theatre. I think I will do this for my whole career – they are both very elite art forms for very different reasons – and I love that.
London or Europe?
I love both London, and Europe. But obviously my home Australia and Italy have very special places in my heart!
Love Never Dies or Phantom of the Opera?
Oh they are both extremely beautiful! I was so lucky to be cast in Love Never Dies at 23 years old, and then to have done it in Australia and Germany and then come to WEST END to the original. It is a dream come true. I am very blessed.
What is your proudest moment?
I think so far making my Opera Debut as First Cast Duca Di Mantova at the Opera national Buceresti at 24 years old. That was a spectacular moment for me and one I am very proud of and also singing at the Arena Di Verona for the Pavarotti Foundation which was sold out (20,000 audience) and broadcast to over 20 million people worldwide.
Where did you train?
I trained at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Australia) and then under the guidance of Fulvio Massa & Chris Merrit (Italy) for opera.
What is favourite musical?
The Phantom of the Opera of course.
Do you have any pre show rituals?
Eating home cooked meals (we take turns cooking) and warming up with some Opera duets with my colleague Lara Martins!
List your theatre credits.
Love Never Dies (Australia)
Liebe Stirbt Nie (Germany)
Rigoletto – Duca Di Mantova (Bucarest)
Madama Butterfly – Pinkerton – Teatro Del Giglio (Italy)
Tony (Bernstein Suites ) – Teatro Carlo Felice (Italy)
Tenor soloist – Arena di Verona- Pavarotti Foundation just to name a few.
What was the first musical/concert you performed in? And how old were you?
I was Cookie in The Return of the Forbidden Planet in high school!
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I love baking and making deserts.
What do you do when you are off from a show?
I love to relax and travel with my partner. I love spending time with friends, cooking and watching films. Trying to stay off my phone and computer!
Dream part of the opposite sex?
Effie White – Dreamgirls.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Luciano Pavarotti – he has and always will be my biggest inspiration. We are from the same region, and a small town– he just is incredible.
What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?
Don’t ever pretend to be something you are not. The panel are going to love the REAL you! Laugh, be calm and relaxed– they are going to love you more if they see who you really are.
Describe yourself in three words.
Joker, Singer, Cook.
If you could pick your ultimate role to play what would it be?
I really want to do some more opera and I cant wait to sing Rodolfo (Boheme), Cavardossi (Tosca) and one day Otello (Otello). I love to sing everything so I am very patient and looking forward to whatever comes my way.
What was the last production you saw?
Barber of Seville – Maggio Musicale in Florence.
What does theatre mean to you?
It is my life. I love everything it stands for. I feel blessed I can contribute to moving someone emotionally for three hours every evening. It’s a beautiful thing.
Why do you think The Phantom of The Opera has had such an impact on London’s West End?
Nothing can be or will be Phantom. It is a landmark just like the tower of London. A beautiful show – that was well ahead of its time and still is.
What is your favourite song in ‘The Phantom of the Opera?
'Prima Donna'- The music is just so operatic! I love concerti and this is just so well written!
Do you have any upcoming projects/concerts?
Yes we do! I will be doing a new cabaret called “Both Ways” with Lara Martins (Carlotta) – we will break down gender and genre boundaries in what is set to be an awesome evening (October 15, Live at Zedel) not to mention a wonderful Christmas concert which is past and present leads of Phantom at the Holborn Pizza Express! Going to be an awesome couple of events!
Also Lara Martins and I have launched a brand new Youtube Channel called “Voice Unleashed” we are going to be sharing some INCREDIBLE segments with everyone so please subscribe!
Social links.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @tabonetenor
Website: www.paultabone.com
Youtube Channel: goo.gl/NFU9N2
