Alasdair Harvey: “Doing FORBIDDEN BROADWAY is like running a marathon”

There is only one Show in the world in which the actress that performs the title role in ANNIE is 30 years old and is tired of playing the part of an eternal orphan; Nancy sings her main OLIVER! song as if she was beaten by her boyfriend; and Billy Elliot is renamed as Silly Elliot. This Show is FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, that presents an informal and entertaining look at the history of the American musical theatre, lampooning and spoofing some of the current and contemporary musicals as well as targeting actors, directors, composers and writers.

Last seen on London 10 years ago, this updated version created especially for the Menier Chocolate Factory, features numbers from some of the best theatre productions seen both on Broadway and in the West End in recent years, including old favourites.

The London cast is Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie-Louise Dann, Alasdair Harvey and Steven Kynman; with musical direction by Joel Fram. Philip George directs this cabaret musical revue that will be at the Menier until 13th Septembre.

Alasdair Harvey tells us more details about his work in this funny musical Show.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS ‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’ THAT IS PRESENTED AT THE MENIER?
FB is a musical sketch show, where the sketches are parodies of musicals, actors, directors and producers. Think ‘Saturday Night Live’ about Broadway and the West End

HOW HAS BEEN THE REHEARSAL PROCESS?
We had a really fantastic time. The director and musical director were great and the actors are a real team. The great thing about working with comedy is the enjoyment of rehearsing and playing with the material, finding out what works and what doesn’t. It’s hard work but fun.

IS IT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT SINGING AND PERFORMING CHARACTERS IN A “PARODIC” WAY?
Yes, especially if you know the original lyric!

WHAT IS FOR YOU THE MAIN DIFFICULTY OF THE SHOW?
I think the main thing for all the cast is maintaining the high level of energy that’s required during the performance. It’s like running a marathon! Everytime we run off stage we quickly change costumes, wigs, etc while singing 3 part harmonies and then dash back on stage like nothing has happened.

HAD YOU PREVIOUSLY SEEN ANY OF THE ‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’ SHOWS PERFORMED IN LONDON? DID YOU LIKE THEM?
No, I knew of it by reputation only.

HOW HAS THE AUDIENCE REACT TO THESE FIRST PERFORMANCES AT THE MENIER?
Fantastic. They really love it.

IN FORBIDDEN BROADWAY YOU LAUGH ABOUT YOUR OWN, SHOWING A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. DO YOU THINK THAT, GENERALLY, WEST END ACTORS AND ACTRESSES HAVE A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR?
Yes I think so. Some can be more intense than others. But let’s face it, it may be art, but it’s not brain surgery!

HAVE YOU GOT ANY FAVORITE PARODY?
Yes, THE PHANTOM or BILLY ELLIOT scenes.

Alasdair Harvey and Anna-Jane Casey in LES MISÉRABLES sketch

YOU ALSO PERFORMED AT THE MENIER IN ‘SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE’. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST OF PERFORMING AT THIS VENUE? WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU PERFORMING IN THIS SONDHEIM SHOW?
The money! It’s a great building ran by a group of dedicated and passionate people. I also like the intimacy of the space. I had a great time performing in Sunday in the Park, Sondheim is one of my hero’s and although I’ve done a lot of Steve’s work, Sunday in the Park was my favourite.

YOUR WEST END CREDITS INCLUDE ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’, ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’, ‘LES MISÈRABLES’, ‘SUNSET BOULEVARD’ AND ‘ASPECTS OF LOVE’. HAS THERE BEEN ANY OF THIS SUCCESSFUL SHOWS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR YOU?
I have favourite shows for different reasons but BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will always be special to me.