A Conversation With A West End Personality - Dominic Andersen
I am fortunate to have so many acquaintences and friends both in training and within the theatre industry, Dominic Andersen is just one of them having performed in several West End shows. When I approached Dominic with my questions he was more than happy to answer.
Theatre or Cinema
Cinema! I love theatre but I've got Odeon's limitless card and can go whenever I like and watch all the films every week! My soul would be repossessed if I did that with the theatre.
List your theatre credits.
Cats- The Rum Tum Tugger
Rocky Horror Show- Rocky Horror
Ant- The Ant and Dec Musical (haha)
Heathers- Ram
Acting or Singing?
Acting. You can act a song too you know.
Where did you train?
Arts Educational School.
Do you have any pre show rituals?
It changes through a contract but I usually listen to specific music to get me in the right frame of mind before I attack a stage. I've been known to ingest unruly amounts of caffeine also.
What is your favourite musical?
'In The Heights'- It's cooler than I will ever be.
What was the first musical you performed in? And how old were you?
The Witch Doctor- The Magic drum. I was 9/10. It was phenomenal.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Soreen. I love Soreen possibly more than my siblings. Possibly. I don't feel guilty though. Much.
What do you do when you are off from a show/not working?
I go to the gym, hang with my homies and occasionally put myself into a food coma. I am also known to work at a fitness-based emporium called Kobox. It's like boxing HIIT classes. Come along. It's fun.
What is your proudest moment so far?
I think my proudest moment so far is performing Rocky Horror for the cinema. Either that or finishing the 6-layer burger challenge in Disneyland Paris.
Dream part of the opposite sex?
Wonder-Woman.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration, I'd have to say you Joe. You are my grandest inspiration.
What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?
Just do your thing. Not Heath Ledgers or Jeremy Jordan or Tom Holland's thing. Yours. Honestly I am not a great example for audition etiquette, however I will say one thing. Try and enjoy them, as it is literally part of the career you have chosen.
If you could have your own musical who would you want to headline it?
An unknown face that is shit hot at the role. That or Robert Downey Jr.
Describe yourself in three words.
A Super-Saiyan.
If you could pick your ultimate role in a musical to play what would it be and why?
I would play Sam Wheat in Ghost. Because which male is 6 foot and above lad doesn't want to play this role?!
What was the last production you saw?
I saw 'Yank' the Musical! My friend Scott played the lead and he was wonderful!
What does theatre mean to you?
Theatre is stories. Not only that but it is putting you at the heart of that story and affecting you in the most amazing, quantum expansive, insanely provocative way. It is a form of art that can make a point, emote, give a platform, and create new worlds. Theatre to me is life at its highest vibrational point and means a great deal to myself.
What is your favourite musical theatre song?
Hmmmm I really enjoy 'Totally Fucked' from 'Spring Awakening'. 'Raise a little Hell' from 'Bonnie and Clyde' and pretty much any song from 'Dear Evan Hansen'.
What motivates you?
People who are better/stronger than me motivate me hugely as well as people telling me I Can't do something. There is no limit to how far I'll go to prove that opinion wrong.
What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?
Why would you choose to be miserable when you can literally choose to be Amazed, Curious, Excited, Overwhelmed, Thrilled, Happy or content and so on...
What has been your favourite musical that you have been a part of?
Rocky Horror. It's essentially a 2-hour party on stage!
After seeing your performance as Rocky in The Rocky Horror how do you continue to maintain that physique/fitness regime?
Eat well and Gym loads. I train to the type of parts I want to get. I try not to hammer too much fast food or fizzy drinks and always find the next physique-building gimmick to placebo my mind into changing my shape. Honestly. The mind is the most powerful tool when trying to achieve the goals you set/want.
How did you find the costumes in The Rocky Horror Show?/Which was your favourite and why?
Haha ridiculous. Obviously the corset as I didn't have to be completely naked.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Keep watching this space. ;)
Social links
Instagram: @dominicandersen
Personal Training Instagram: @dabodybettering
Twitter: @DominicAndersen
Huge thank you to Dominic Andersen for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer these questions, such a genuine humble person.