A Conversation With A West End Personality - Jonathan Dudley
I am fortunate to have so many acquaintences and friends both in training and within the theatre industry, Jonathan Dudley is just one of them. Currently performing in The Book of Mormon at Prince of Wales Theatre heart of London's West End. When I approached Jonathan with my questions he was more than happy to answer.
Singing or Dancing?
Singing. I enjoy both but have always sung since a young age.
List theatre credits.
The Book Of Mormon
Titanic The Musical
Scrooge
Les Miserables (Film)
Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Rent
Glee: Don't Stop Believing
Barricade Boys
Where did you train?
Mountview Academy Of Theatre Arts.
Do you have any pre show rituals?
I drink lots of water; also steam for the vocals and I always run my first number out loud.
What is your favourite part of the show?
I think it's actually 'Hello' and 'Two by Two'. I enjoy the choreography and seeing the audience reaction. As Cunningham it's 'Baptise Me', it's a lot of fun.
What is your favourite musical?
West Side Story. I love the music and the storyline
Is timeless. It also has a special place in my heart as it was my 3rd year production at drama school where I lucky enough to play Tony.
What was the first musical you performed in? And how old were you?
Joseph an his Technicolored Dreamcoat. I was in year 2 so what is that 7 or 8.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I love dinosaurs and Jurassic Park. I have always been obsessed. I loveeee Ru Paul's Drag Race I could watch it all day. And generally food I love to eat.
What do you do when you are off from a show?
I love to travel and see as many places as I can. I also love films so the cinema and drinking lots of tea. Gosh I sound exciting haha.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Erm I think it can be hard to stand back and appreciate what you have been lucky enough to achieve sometimes. We always want more but it would probably be either going over to Canada with Titanic. It felt very special to be taken over there to perform. But also the feeling after my first Cunningham show.
Dream part of the opposite sex?
Haha sooooo many. I would love to be Effie White or of course Elphaba.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I have also grown up with music in my household.
My cousins and myself have performed for years in a local Youth Theatre. So I suppose music in general all different types. There are many actors I look up too. Too many to name. We have some amazing talent in the U.K.
What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?
Keep going. Don't take yourself too seriously. You will fail at some things and that's ok. Stay positive in your belief of yourself and ability and be prepared.
If you could have your own musical/play who would you want to headline it?
Haha the show would be pretty dull but I would love someone like Zac Efron as I mean we look so similar.
Or someone grand like Sir Ian Mckellen.
Describe yourself in three words.
Silly, Sarcastic, Passionate.
If you could pick your ultimate role to play what would it be?
I would love to be in an original cast of something. But would to play Marius, Peter Pan & Albus Potter.
What was the last production you saw?
Lady Day with Audra McDonald she is unbelievable.
What does theatre mean to you?
It is a place to escape and be creative but also to be able to have fun and be lucky enough to do what I love for a living.
How do you deal with a typical eight-show week/two show day?
Look after yourself lots of water, eat well. Get rest and keep yourself healthy Gym. Have some downtime for yourself.
What is your favourite number in The Book of Mormon and why?
'Hasa Diga Eebowai' I always want to be in it.
If you could play another character in The Book of Mormon who would it be?
The General
How does The Book of Mormon compare to your previous shows?
We spend so much time together and it really has been 2 of the best years of my life. The atmosphere at work is lovely and makes it easy to come in everyday. We laugh everyday. It and they are just great.
What do you think about stage dooring/have you received any gifts etc?
How would you describe The Book of Mormon?
Funny, silly, heart warming, offensive, ridiculous. If you haven’t been to theatre before it's a great show to introduce people too.
As well as being on the West End what brings joy to you?
Dogs I love them. I stop in the street every time I see one.
Do you have any upcoming projects/concerts?
Yes South Pacific on Sunday 16th October, 6:30pm at Cadogan Hall. 32-piece orchestra, cast includes Rosalie Craig, John Owen Jones, Peter Polycarpou, Bradley Jaden and me of course. So don't miss it.
Social links.
Instagram: @jonnyduds
Twitter: @jonathanduds