Interview

Earl Carpenter

by Phil Willmott
07/07/2005

When Earl Carpenter was 15 years old his dad bought him a copy of the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack to play on his new hi-fi. A decade or so later Earl is currently playing the Phantom, one of the most coveted roles in theatre, and clearly relishing every minute of it.

I met him in the number one dressing room at her Majesty's Theatre where he's based whilst playing the Phantom, until autumn 2006. In fact it's more of a dressing suite, there's a changing area, a sitting room bit and a room where the famous phantom make up is painstakingly applied for each end every performance.

Q: This is a great dressing room.

A: I know. And imagine what it would cost as a flat in this location.

Q: Congratulations on securing the role. You were "walking cover" Phantom last year. What does that mean?

A: It's rather a nice job, it means you're on standby in case the regular Phantom gets sick and you cover for him when he's on holiday but unlike a regular understudy you don't have to hang around the theatre every night. They just call you in when you're needed.

Q: How did you make the jump from cover to lead?

A: Well, one nerve-racking evening when I was appearing in the part both Cameron Macintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber came to see the show. Afterwards Cameron came back stage to say well done and said he hoped I'd be the next Phantom.

Q: Did you phone your mum?

A: Well it wasn't as simple as that. I still had a still a long nervous wait until it was signed and sealed.

Q: While they decided whether to put a celeb in the role?

A: That kind of thing.

Q: I saw it last night and it was absolutely fantastic. I wasn't sure if it would be as good as when I first saw it all those years ago but it was as fine as I remember. I can't imagine any celeb being better in the role then you. You gave it 100% and it was very moving.

A: Thanks very much.

Q: You've been playing the role at every performance since February. Don't you get bored some nights?

A: No you really don't. It's such a complex, fascinating part and there are so many elements to think about: the singing, the acting, the safety of the special effects and I have two different Christine's to play opposite which keeps each performance fresh.

Q: When you appear from behind the gold angel, flown down from the top of the proscenium, have you had to hide in there for long?

A: Yes, but it's very comfortable up there.

Q: And when you appear from the stone crucifix?

A: Yes, I have to hide in there too.

Q: So it's lucky you enjoy the score, you have to listen to a lot of Christine's numbers each night whilst you're hidden waiting to come on.

A: I'm not bored yet.

Q: The Christine I saw last night was fantastic. She gave the character real spirit.

A: That's Celia Grahame. She played the role last year and now she just covers Monday evenings and matinees.

Q: Is there an alternative Phantom for some performances.

A: No there never has been. I don't know why that is.

Q: Maybe it dates back to when the first Christine was played by Mrs Lloyd Webber. Phantoming is only one of the things you do. I'm really impressed with how indutrious you are. You're a theatre producer too.

A: Well I'm currently organizing a series of events and concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, arranging for West End singers to perform popular music with them, they have the amazing experience of singing with a huge orchestra.

Q: Show songs?

A: A lot of show songs. We've a big Rodgers and Hammerstein event coming up but we're also doing an evening of James Bond themes.

Q: So where does the Phantom hang out after the show?

A: Oh I'm much too tired to go out much. I head straight home to bed.

Q: Where did you train?

A: Back in Bournemouth at Poole College and then I benefited from an incredible apprentice period working on such shows as Beauty and the Beast covering Gaston and the Beast - I was playing the Beast by the end - as Courfeyrac in Les Miserable, and as Ed and then Daryl in Witches of Eastwick.

Q: Would you like to do some straight acting when you finish as the Phantom, a play or on TV?

A: I think I'd be really nervous. I've only ever appeared in musicals.

Q: I'm surprised to hear that. It's obvious from your Phantom performance that you take acting very seriously.

A: I'm glad that comes across. I think the key to it is listening and really responding to what the other performers give you.

Q: Do you have to stick to reproducing what Michael Crawford originally did in the part. Is that frustrating?

A: No. Obviously the staging remains the same but you're encouraged to make the part your own. I think that's what keeps the show so fresh rather then a museum piece.

Q: What advice would you give to young performers starting out in West End Theatre?

A: You need so much discipline, especially in along run: I some times think younger actors don't realise that. It's not just the glamour of opening night. And I learnt so much from listening to older and more experienced performers, I still do. Take time to listen don't ever imagine you know it all.

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