Interview

Gavin Lee

Gavin Lee has had rave reviews as Bert the chimney-sweep in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre, where Gavin co-stars with Laura Michelle Kelly, who recently won an Olivier for playing Mary Poppins. Gavin has successfully taken the role from memories of Dick van Dyke and undeniably made it his own. Paul Webb flew down Old Compton Street to meet him.

Mary Poppins had a long try-out in Bristol before coming into the West End. Was that helpful? "Very. It's a very technical show, so there was a lot to try out. We also managed to cut some length off it."

It's not a short show, but then I never found myself looking at my watch - there's always something happening, and a reason for it... "Exactly. There's absolutely no padding at all. But we did need to trim it down, and Richard Eyre eventually asked us to cut out a few words here and there, just to bring the overall time down - which we did."

Presumably you'd seen the film years before? "No! I only saw it after I got the part - my girlfriend got the video and we sat down and watched it. It's an enjoyable film but what really struck me was that most of the numbers seemed to come out of nowhere - whereas in the stage musical they're all there for a strong reason and take the plot forward.

"Another difference is that in the film the kids are so nice. Whereas on stage they're more naughty and they really do need a nanny to come down and sort them out - though with love. The stage version has heightened various parts of the story, and Julian Fellowes has done a great job - he's tried - and succeeded - to give a reason why people should sing when they do, and that's much more dramatically effective."

How was it working with two choreographers - Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear? "Different! But then they have complementary skills - Mathew is very good at the bigger picture, the design of a dance, as with his ballets, while Stephen - though he can do that too - is more as steps man who is good at the dance detail. They worked together very well, and the choreography is fun to dance and friends who've seen the show say it looks great too. Stephen has also choreographed Acorn Antiques, but the drawback with being in a show is that you don't always get the chance to see what else is on in the West End,"

It's an amazing scene where you walk round the proscenium arch of the stage. Were you worried when you first tried it? "Of course! But they sort of broke it to me gently. They said, at rehearsals, that they wanted me to try my harness on, and I thought 'Great! I get to fly, too!' - I had no idea they wanted me to walk upside down along the length of the stage. Of course it's all very safe, and cleverly done, but it was a bit daunting at first. It's a question of technique, of balance rather than strength. When I was rehearsing they created a climbing frame for me that was less daunting - and high - than the proscenium arch, which was a good way of breaking me in. Now I'm used to it, and as it's something the audience enjoy so much, I get a real buzz out of it every night!"

It must be wonderful to be co-starring in one of the West End's biggest hits? "It is - it's the best role I've ever had, and what makes it more special for me is that I'm creating a role in a musical. In ten years time, when I'm, sure this production will be playing all over the world, I'll be able to go to a performance in, say, Sydney, and watch someone in the role and know that some of his steps, his performance, is due to the fact that that was the way I created the character on stage here."

You've specialised in musical theatre during your career? "Yes, it's the type of theatre that I most enjoy."

I saw you in Of Thee I Sing at the Bridewell, a couple of years ago. It was a very good production, but beyond that it's interesting that an actor can be starring in a fringe theatre like that and then, next time you see them, they're in the West End. Rather like my seeing Sally Ann Triplett at the Bridewell in Rags and then the next time I saw here was in Anything Goes at the National! "That's showbusiness! But yes, I'm very glad to be here now - and this is my dream West End show."

You were at the Prince Edward before? "Yes, in Crazy For You in the last year of an eight-year run. So I got a real sense of deja vu when I came back here with Mary Poppins. The click of the pass door, the stairwell leading down to the stage, standing at the edge of the stage waiting for my cue - it's all just the same as in Crazy For You, which is a nice feeling."

Any future plans? "Our contracts will be up for renewal in October and I'd love to stay in this role for a bit longer! It's my dream part."

And Broadway? "Who knows? It would be great to take the show there."

And when you finish the performance, do you have a favourite theatre restaurant? "Well, there are loads around here but actually I prefer to go home and eat something while sitting in front of the telly!"

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By Paul Webb
Thursday March 10