I've been reliably informed that blonde's have more fun. I can now confirm that they do. How am I in such a position to answer this question? Well, if you come to see the 25Th Anniversary production of Les Miserables, you will witness me sporting what can only be described as flaxen, flowing locks on my head. That's right, Enjolras is a Blondy!
Now I try to maintain a level of decorum in these blog posts but Holy Crap was last night fun! We opened the show last night at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff to standing ovations and sobbing - just what we were aiming for. After the most gruelling rehearsal and teching process of my career, we finally got it together to show to the public. Tweaking is still required here and there but essentially the show is set and BOY does it work.
We have, new orchestrations that truly bring the score into the 21st century. A set and design that is vivid and at times breathtaking. A cast that work their proverbial bottoms off to get it up and shiny and I get to wear that waistcoat and carry a gun, what more could a boy ask for Christmas?
There are some behind the scenes pics and interviews at www.wmc.org.uk and I'll be posting some more production shots as I get them.
A merry Christmas to all and enjoy the new year.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Wednesday 11 November 2009
It's Simply Massive!
So one forgets how huge this show is! I mean it, it's ginormous.
When you watch the original version of Les Mis, and that's all that's been available til now, it's all quite familiar and one scene runs into the next very smoothly and one iconic image is followed by the next and so on. What we forget is - just how many images there are.
We had our full sing through last week and coupled with being an inspiring sound, it brought home the scale of the challenge at hand. To re-imagine with equal vitality, the pictures of the story of Les Miserables. These are the hurdles we're attempting to jump in a daily basis.
Here's a few tip bits of inside info:
1. We begin on the convict ship "Orion".
2. We have real bails of hay in the farm section of the prologue.
3. The design incorporates more than just Hugo's writing.
4. I get to wear the piece of clothing I wanted most.
"Enigmatic teasing" I hear you cry? Well... yes I suppose it is but you'll just have to come and see the show to find out.
Enjoy coming up with new and inventive Christmas goodies.
When you watch the original version of Les Mis, and that's all that's been available til now, it's all quite familiar and one scene runs into the next very smoothly and one iconic image is followed by the next and so on. What we forget is - just how many images there are.
We had our full sing through last week and coupled with being an inspiring sound, it brought home the scale of the challenge at hand. To re-imagine with equal vitality, the pictures of the story of Les Miserables. These are the hurdles we're attempting to jump in a daily basis.
Here's a few tip bits of inside info:
1. We begin on the convict ship "Orion".
2. We have real bails of hay in the farm section of the prologue.
3. The design incorporates more than just Hugo's writing.
4. I get to wear the piece of clothing I wanted most.
"Enigmatic teasing" I hear you cry? Well... yes I suppose it is but you'll just have to come and see the show to find out.
Enjoy coming up with new and inventive Christmas goodies.
Thursday 15 October 2009
A very big thank you...
... to all who came to and supported the cabarets at the Leicester Square Theatre. I was so pleased with how the shows went and flattered by the turnout. Gina and Russell were superb and I could not have done the show without the skills and endeavours of Mike Baxter.
Some news in them;
Russell will be performing in "Frank's Closet" at Hoxton Hall. A new musical that sees Russell don several fabulous diva persona's and truly strut his/her stuff. For more info go to www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Gina continues to play Christine in the original production of Phantom of the Opera (not the new one!). For all things Beck go to www.ginabeck.co.uk you can even listen to her beautifully sopranoed twitter.
Mike will be joining me, among others, on the International Tour of Les Miserables as a swing and if anyone can do such a job, it's our Mikey.
We start rehearsals for the brand spanking, just out of the box, new smelling production in a week. I will post all the news from the barricade as it happens.
Enjoy Autumn.
Some news in them;
Russell will be performing in "Frank's Closet" at Hoxton Hall. A new musical that sees Russell don several fabulous diva persona's and truly strut his/her stuff. For more info go to www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Gina continues to play Christine in the original production of Phantom of the Opera (not the new one!). For all things Beck go to www.ginabeck.co.uk you can even listen to her beautifully sopranoed twitter.
Mike will be joining me, among others, on the International Tour of Les Miserables as a swing and if anyone can do such a job, it's our Mikey.
We start rehearsals for the brand spanking, just out of the box, new smelling production in a week. I will post all the news from the barricade as it happens.
Enjoy Autumn.
Sunday 27 September 2009
New Date added...
News-News-News!!!
I'm adding another date at the Leicester Square Theatre for "How did I get Here...?".
Having sold out the first date we're going to do it all again on the 14th October at the different time of 11pm. The line up will be the same; the wonderful, talented and far too sexy Gina Beck and Russell Whitehead will be singing with me and the dexterous wonder Mike Baxter will be re-tickling our ivories.
Tickets will be available from Tuesday (29th) at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com or by calling 0844 847 2475.
For those of you who have booked for the 4th, I'll see you there and if you can make the 14th then I'll see you then too.
Jon.
I'm adding another date at the Leicester Square Theatre for "How did I get Here...?".
Having sold out the first date we're going to do it all again on the 14th October at the different time of 11pm. The line up will be the same; the wonderful, talented and far too sexy Gina Beck and Russell Whitehead will be singing with me and the dexterous wonder Mike Baxter will be re-tickling our ivories.
Tickets will be available from Tuesday (29th) at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com or by calling 0844 847 2475.
For those of you who have booked for the 4th, I'll see you there and if you can make the 14th then I'll see you then too.
Jon.
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Out of the Red and into the Black
As a few people have asked me this question, I thought that it was probably time that I announced the next show I will be performing in.
I will be returning to the barricade playing the role of Enjolras on the 25Th Anniversary International Tour of Les Miserables.
I will be joining this new production that already has a Stella cast attached; including John Owen Jones (Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Gareth Gates (Marius). This is one of the most exciting projects that could think to be involved in. Not only do I get to rediscover the musical I love, but I have the challenge of a new role, set and costume design, cast and staging to play with. I could not be more excited.
The tour dates can be found on www.lesmis.com/tour.htm and tickets are on sale now. Updates to my site will follow soon. We're working a new design for the site that will launch later in the year with new features, pictures and videos, another thing I'm excited about.
The Leicester Square Theatre cabaret "How did I get here...?" has sold out, so thank you to any of you who bought tickets and I'll see you there.
ps - Check out www.whatsonintheatre.com for a great ad a friend of mine put up!
I will be returning to the barricade playing the role of Enjolras on the 25Th Anniversary International Tour of Les Miserables.
I will be joining this new production that already has a Stella cast attached; including John Owen Jones (Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Gareth Gates (Marius). This is one of the most exciting projects that could think to be involved in. Not only do I get to rediscover the musical I love, but I have the challenge of a new role, set and costume design, cast and staging to play with. I could not be more excited.
The tour dates can be found on www.lesmis.com/tour.htm and tickets are on sale now. Updates to my site will follow soon. We're working a new design for the site that will launch later in the year with new features, pictures and videos, another thing I'm excited about.
The Leicester Square Theatre cabaret "How did I get here...?" has sold out, so thank you to any of you who bought tickets and I'll see you there.
ps - Check out www.whatsonintheatre.com for a great ad a friend of mine put up!
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Small Change...
Hello all,
Sad news - due to a double booking, Nancy Sullivan has had to withdraw from the cabaret in October.
Happy news - taking her place will be Russell Whitehead, formally of "Chicago" and star of the recent Union theatre production of "Pirates of Penzance".
I'm very excited about Russell joining us and have been told by the theatre that tickets are selling really well.
Better get back to rehearsals...
Sad news - due to a double booking, Nancy Sullivan has had to withdraw from the cabaret in October.
Happy news - taking her place will be Russell Whitehead, formally of "Chicago" and star of the recent Union theatre production of "Pirates of Penzance".
I'm very excited about Russell joining us and have been told by the theatre that tickets are selling really well.
Better get back to rehearsals...
Monday 17 August 2009
How did I get Here?
So, the project I hinted at in my last blog entry has now been confirmed and I can let y'all know what I've been up to.
I am planning a Cabaret at the Leicester Square Theatre on October 4th at 4.30. It'll be an evening of musical numbers relating (however loosely) to myself. Our guest performers on that night will be:
Nancy Sullivan (Les Miserables' Eponine) http://www.nancysullivan.co.uk/
Gina Beck (Phantom of the Opera's Christine) http://www.ginabeck.co.uk/
and will be Musically directed by Mike Baxter (who's very talented)
It'll be in the basement space at the theatre, which is only 50 seats. The box office is open now and tickets are £12.50. To book go to http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/ and look at "Events -Basement" or call 0844 847 2475.
I'm very excited about it. Posters will find their way around very soon so look out for em!
I am planning a Cabaret at the Leicester Square Theatre on October 4th at 4.30. It'll be an evening of musical numbers relating (however loosely) to myself. Our guest performers on that night will be:
Nancy Sullivan (Les Miserables' Eponine) http://www.nancysullivan.co.uk/
Gina Beck (Phantom of the Opera's Christine) http://www.ginabeck.co.uk/
and will be Musically directed by Mike Baxter (who's very talented)
It'll be in the basement space at the theatre, which is only 50 seats. The box office is open now and tickets are £12.50. To book go to http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/ and look at "Events -Basement" or call 0844 847 2475.
I'm very excited about it. Posters will find their way around very soon so look out for em!
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Your haven't heard it til...
... you've heard Les Mis with a 50 piece orchestra. The score is so majestic when you can hear all of the orchestrations played that well and that loud!
I am, of course referring to the Les Miserables in concert that I took part in last weekend on the Ilse of Wight. In spite of the rain it was truly one of the most special evenings of my life. If anyone reading this was there then you'll know what I'm talking about. Singing that role with that orchestra in those grounds with that cast and a load of fireworks at the end was an astounding assault on the senses. One that is likely to take some beating in the future.
I've been having a summer holiday over the last few weeks and I've a few theatrical recommendations for y'all. Firstly the Union Theatre's all male production of "Pirates of Penzance". Not being the worlds greatest Gilbert and Sullivan fan, I was apprehensive about watching this show. By the end my face hurt from smiling and hands from clapping. What you get with this production is 2 hours of pure joyous silliness. Unashamed and skillfully delivered by a wonderful, all singing (at times in the girls octave!) all dancing cast. This Victorian romp is on for another week so if you can get down to see it as the space only holds 60 and tickets are going fast. www.uniontheatre.org.
Next for a dramatic change of pace, the Landor's new play "Stockwell". This is a verbatim piece, documenting the inquest into the 2005 shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes on the London Tube at Stockwell station. It is an hour and 40 mins without an interval and I've never had my attention held so well by a piece of theatre. Another must see for fringe fans.
I'll be in touch soon with a new project I'm working on for the Autumn. Watch this space...
I am, of course referring to the Les Miserables in concert that I took part in last weekend on the Ilse of Wight. In spite of the rain it was truly one of the most special evenings of my life. If anyone reading this was there then you'll know what I'm talking about. Singing that role with that orchestra in those grounds with that cast and a load of fireworks at the end was an astounding assault on the senses. One that is likely to take some beating in the future.
I've been having a summer holiday over the last few weeks and I've a few theatrical recommendations for y'all. Firstly the Union Theatre's all male production of "Pirates of Penzance". Not being the worlds greatest Gilbert and Sullivan fan, I was apprehensive about watching this show. By the end my face hurt from smiling and hands from clapping. What you get with this production is 2 hours of pure joyous silliness. Unashamed and skillfully delivered by a wonderful, all singing (at times in the girls octave!) all dancing cast. This Victorian romp is on for another week so if you can get down to see it as the space only holds 60 and tickets are going fast. www.uniontheatre.org.
Next for a dramatic change of pace, the Landor's new play "Stockwell". This is a verbatim piece, documenting the inquest into the 2005 shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes on the London Tube at Stockwell station. It is an hour and 40 mins without an interval and I've never had my attention held so well by a piece of theatre. Another must see for fringe fans.
I'll be in touch soon with a new project I'm working on for the Autumn. Watch this space...
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Tommorow came.
So,
My adventure in 19th Century France is over. The last shows were, as always, extremely emotional. I can't begin to describe how much I am going to miss the people, the show and being made to look chiseled by all that wonderful make up and costume. I do however get a small swan song next month in the Les Miserables in concert on the Ilse of Wight with the cast of Les Mis and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. For more info go to:
www.bsolive.com/concerts/concertdetails.htm?concertid=156063
Last week I attended a special screening of the final cut of Chess in Concert, which I performed in last year. The DVD is available to buy now via amazon and dress circle and I can tell you that it looks truly great. Adam Pascal sounds especially incredible and Josh Groban's Anthem is a sight and sound to behold. Order yours now!
For those of you who have keener ears, you may have picked up my voice on the new Danone Activia adverts. We'll get hold of a copy and post it on the videos section. If you haven't noticed that it's me then I suggest you stay up all night watching TV until it comes on again and listen really hard.
We'll be redesigning the website over the next few weeks so it may go down from time to time, for this I apologise in advance.
Til next time...
My adventure in 19th Century France is over. The last shows were, as always, extremely emotional. I can't begin to describe how much I am going to miss the people, the show and being made to look chiseled by all that wonderful make up and costume. I do however get a small swan song next month in the Les Miserables in concert on the Ilse of Wight with the cast of Les Mis and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. For more info go to:
www.bsolive.com/concerts/concertdetails.htm?concertid=156063
Last week I attended a special screening of the final cut of Chess in Concert, which I performed in last year. The DVD is available to buy now via amazon and dress circle and I can tell you that it looks truly great. Adam Pascal sounds especially incredible and Josh Groban's Anthem is a sight and sound to behold. Order yours now!
For those of you who have keener ears, you may have picked up my voice on the new Danone Activia adverts. We'll get hold of a copy and post it on the videos section. If you haven't noticed that it's me then I suggest you stay up all night watching TV until it comes on again and listen really hard.
We'll be redesigning the website over the next few weeks so it may go down from time to time, for this I apologise in advance.
Til next time...
Friday 29 May 2009
Avenue Update
Hi,
It's been a while since the last blog as I've been really quite swamped with the gentle balancing act of juggling 2 musicals. Performing Les Miserables at night and rehearsing Avenue Q in the day. A confusing and exhausting combination.
My brief return to the world of Puppet sex will be on Monday and I could not be more excited. The cast, with the exception of the ever wonderful Julie Atherton, are new to me and it's a privilege to work with them all. The nerves are beginning to kick in as the day approaches but they have made me feel so welcome and I hope the show has as much success at the Gielgud as at the Noel Coward.
I'll be back on the Barricades on Tuesday and will be performing for the rest of the run, which finishes for me on June 20th.
As always I'll keep you updated as to any future plans I have after Les Mis. And if you can get to the Isle of Wight for Les Miserables in Concert on the 26th July then I'll see you there.
Jon.
It's been a while since the last blog as I've been really quite swamped with the gentle balancing act of juggling 2 musicals. Performing Les Miserables at night and rehearsing Avenue Q in the day. A confusing and exhausting combination.
My brief return to the world of Puppet sex will be on Monday and I could not be more excited. The cast, with the exception of the ever wonderful Julie Atherton, are new to me and it's a privilege to work with them all. The nerves are beginning to kick in as the day approaches but they have made me feel so welcome and I hope the show has as much success at the Gielgud as at the Noel Coward.
I'll be back on the Barricades on Tuesday and will be performing for the rest of the run, which finishes for me on June 20th.
As always I'll keep you updated as to any future plans I have after Les Mis. And if you can get to the Isle of Wight for Les Miserables in Concert on the 26th July then I'll see you there.
Jon.
Friday 17 April 2009
Chess trailer
Hi,
For those of you who weren't lucky enough to see Chess in Concert live last year, they have made an extremely cool looking DVD and an equally cool trailer to go with it. Here's the link to see it:
http://www.icethesite.com/default.aspx?articleID=310
Blink and you'll miss it but you can see Adam Pascal push past me and gosh is it Dramatic! Enjoy.
I will be finishing Les Miserables on the 20th of June. I've had an amazing time, but before I finnish I'm off to play with the puppets. I've started rehearsing already and it feels great to be back with the fussy ones.
My arm hurts but it's all worth it.
Jon.
For those of you who weren't lucky enough to see Chess in Concert live last year, they have made an extremely cool looking DVD and an equally cool trailer to go with it. Here's the link to see it:
http://www.icethesite.com/default.aspx?articleID=310
Blink and you'll miss it but you can see Adam Pascal push past me and gosh is it Dramatic! Enjoy.
I will be finishing Les Miserables on the 20th of June. I've had an amazing time, but before I finnish I'm off to play with the puppets. I've started rehearsing already and it feels great to be back with the fussy ones.
My arm hurts but it's all worth it.
Jon.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Holiday Updates...
Hey,
I've changed some of my Holiday dates for my time left in Les Miserables. I will now be away from the show on these dates:
April 20th - 22nd
May 23rd - June 1st
The new cast of Les Mis will start on June 22nd so we'll be finishing on the 20th.
Summer's nearly here, hope you're enjoying the sun.
Jon.
I've changed some of my Holiday dates for my time left in Les Miserables. I will now be away from the show on these dates:
April 20th - 22nd
May 23rd - June 1st
The new cast of Les Mis will start on June 22nd so we'll be finishing on the 20th.
Summer's nearly here, hope you're enjoying the sun.
Jon.
Friday 20 March 2009
Spending some quality time with the new Neighbours
Some exciting news!
After having it's most successful sales since it's opening, Avenue Q will be transferring to the Gielgud theatre on Shaftsbury avenue - next door to Les Mis - and re-opening on the 1st of June.
I have been asked to reprise my role as Princeton/Rod for one night only on that date. Daniel Boys will be completing his tour with John Barrowman that evening, performing at the Royal Albert Hall. for more info go to www.johnbarrowman.com .
I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I get to play with Puppets again! To book tickets go to www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Hope to see you there.
After having it's most successful sales since it's opening, Avenue Q will be transferring to the Gielgud theatre on Shaftsbury avenue - next door to Les Mis - and re-opening on the 1st of June.
I have been asked to reprise my role as Princeton/Rod for one night only on that date. Daniel Boys will be completing his tour with John Barrowman that evening, performing at the Royal Albert Hall. for more info go to www.johnbarrowman.com .
I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I get to play with Puppets again! To book tickets go to www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Hope to see you there.
Sunday 15 March 2009
An Englishman in "The New Yorkers"
Hi,
I'll be performing on Sundays throughout April at Sadlers Wells in the Lost Musicals project. The show that is being lovingly restored by director Ian Marshall-Fisher is Cole Porter's The New Yorkers.
I'll be playing James Livingstone, a preppy socialite who falls for the sassy Hostess of the Torro Club run by the Bootlegger Al Spanish. It's a gay 1930's crime ridden romp! In Porter's own words - "A Satirical Sociological Comedy". The music's cute and the cast are wonderful.
For more info visit www.lostmusicals.org and I hope to see you there.
Jon.
I'll be performing on Sundays throughout April at Sadlers Wells in the Lost Musicals project. The show that is being lovingly restored by director Ian Marshall-Fisher is Cole Porter's The New Yorkers.
I'll be playing James Livingstone, a preppy socialite who falls for the sassy Hostess of the Torro Club run by the Bootlegger Al Spanish. It's a gay 1930's crime ridden romp! In Porter's own words - "A Satirical Sociological Comedy". The music's cute and the cast are wonderful.
For more info visit www.lostmusicals.org and I hope to see you there.
Jon.
Thursday 5 March 2009
A date for you...
Hey,
Just a quick note, as promised, to say that the Elaine Paige Interview on which Nancy Sullivan, Earl Carpenter and I are singing will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 22ND March.
Enjoy.
Jon.
Just a quick note, as promised, to say that the Elaine Paige Interview on which Nancy Sullivan, Earl Carpenter and I are singing will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 22ND March.
Enjoy.
Jon.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Les Mis in Concert
Hi again,
The current cast of Les Miserables and I have been offered the unique opportunity to perform our show in a concert setting this summer on the Ilse of White. The show will take place in July and is being produced by Gingerboy Productions.
I'm very excited about doing this for several reasons. Firstly, we get to perform the show with a larger orchestra and I do like my musicals loud and secondly, it will take place after my current contract runs out so it'll be a fun return to a show I may not be doing. Though I doubt they'll let me wear the costume!
I went to see David Bedella's one man show at the Leicester Square theatre last night and was truly blown away by the man. Anyone who has seen David perform will know what I mean. He has just real eased his first album on Curtain Records and will be available at dress circle soon. A sound investment in entertainment during these hard economic times!
Til next time...
The current cast of Les Miserables and I have been offered the unique opportunity to perform our show in a concert setting this summer on the Ilse of White. The show will take place in July and is being produced by Gingerboy Productions.
I'm very excited about doing this for several reasons. Firstly, we get to perform the show with a larger orchestra and I do like my musicals loud and secondly, it will take place after my current contract runs out so it'll be a fun return to a show I may not be doing. Though I doubt they'll let me wear the costume!
I went to see David Bedella's one man show at the Leicester Square theatre last night and was truly blown away by the man. Anyone who has seen David perform will know what I mean. He has just real eased his first album on Curtain Records and will be available at dress circle soon. A sound investment in entertainment during these hard economic times!
Til next time...
Wednesday 21 January 2009
From Stage to Paige
Hey,
I'll be appearing on Elaine Paige's BBC Radio 2 Musical Theatre show with Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Nancy Sullivan (Eponine) soon. I don't yet know the exact date of broadcast but we'll be pre-recording the interview at the end of this month and I'll post it when I do.
The three of us will be singing our solo songs from Les Miserables - Stars, On my Own and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and discussing all things Les Mis - Very Exciting!
So, keep your ear to the... radio?!
Jon.
I'll be appearing on Elaine Paige's BBC Radio 2 Musical Theatre show with Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Nancy Sullivan (Eponine) soon. I don't yet know the exact date of broadcast but we'll be pre-recording the interview at the end of this month and I'll post it when I do.
The three of us will be singing our solo songs from Les Miserables - Stars, On my Own and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and discussing all things Les Mis - Very Exciting!
So, keep your ear to the... radio?!
Jon.
Thursday 1 January 2009
Happy New Year
2008 was a wonderful year for me and I would like to thank all my friends and any visitors to the site and this blog for making it so.
May your 2009 be full of joy and song.
All my Best,
Jon.
May your 2009 be full of joy and song.
All my Best,
Jon.
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