Interview
James Bellamy
By Phil WilmottIt had taken several frustrating weeks to get James Bellamy, currently starring as Stevie Wonder in "Dancing in the Streets" to answer some questions so I wasn't expecting to warm to him when I arrived at his dressing room at the Cambridge Theatre. In fact he turned out to be so disarmingly eloquent, enthusiastic, charming, and, well... young (so bright at just 17) that I really enjoyed chatting to him. Mums all over teh country brushed away a tear when the little guy was voted off TV's "X Factor" and it's clear by the way his colleagues greet him that he's just as popular amongst the cast of this Motown tribute show.
Q: Have you recovered from being voted off "The X Factor" yet? How did it affect your life?
A: I had to recover immediately. I had to be back at work the next day. I teach kids who also want to be performers. They gave me so much love and support and encouraged me not to give up on my dream.
Q: I hear you're also still studying at college?
A: Yep, I study acting at Westminster College. I've got two goals. One is to be a director and the other is to be a pop icon. The course helps me with the first. I was inspired to study by Renny Harlen, a great movie director I worked with on "Exorcist - the Beginning". He knew so much about every aspect of the job, the lighting, the sound, editing - he knew exactly what he wanted. I want to be a director like that.
Q: How did you get involved with "Dancing in the Street"?
A: My agent got me an audition. At first I didn't understand what the show was; I didn't even understand that it was a stage musical; I just knew some people want to hear me sing Stevie Wonder songs. Then by coincidence I was walking past the theatre and I realised.
Q: Did you like this kind of music before going into the show?
A: I've always admired the Motwon performers and enjoyed the music.
Q: Why do you think it has such appeal?
A: Maybe it's because the songs are all about love, needing love, looking for love, how beautiful love is. Everybody can relate to that.
Q: Were you a Stevie Wonder fan?
A: Yes, but before the audition I only new the later songs like "Superstition", "Lately" and "Rhythm in the Sky". Then afterwards I got into all the classic tracks.
Q: What's your favourite Stevie track and why?
A: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" at the moment. Not sure why. Just really love it.
Q: You're obviously passionate about singing. What kind of song do you like to perform?
A: My tastes are all over the place. I can find songs I enjoy in every genre of music. I particularly love the harmonies you get in R and B and soul. People don't always realise how much emotion is captured in those songs. I also love it when I find a lyric that reflects my experiences.
Q: Are any of your family in the entertainment industry?
A: My mum's a singer. I started harmonising with her when I was 4. She used to tour around a lot singing R and B and soul.
Q: Does it feel glamorous to appear in the West End?
A: I feel so honoured that by the grace o fGod I'm playing such a wonderful role in such a great show.
Q: Where do you hang out after the show?
A: There's a pub near by that we all go to.
Q: Do you go to the theatre much? What would entice you to see a show?
A: I've never really known much about theatre but being in this show has really opened my mind. I hear people backstage talking about "The Lion King" and "Les Miserables" and it really made me want to go. The trouble is we're always so busy doing 8 shows a week here that I haven't had a chance yet.
Q: How much rehearsal did you get?
A: Two weeks. I spent most of the first week trying to get the movement right. I knew the director was joining us on the thursday so I spent all of the wednesday night studying DVDs of Stevie Wonder performing so I could get his movements right.
Q: How would you define the way he moves? There's an odd head jerk isn't there?
A: I always think of it like he's trying to jerk his head away from a bee. But it's also like the music is trying to burst out of the top of his head. I read his biography and apparently blind people often hold their hands on their chest as he does to feel the vibrations of the voice. Obviously, because one of his senses is missing he compensates with tht others, which also affects the way he moves.
Q: What's your favourite bit of the show?
A: I really love just coming here. It does feel like a family, there's no bitching. If ever anyone's off sick everyone adjusts and covers for them on stage. It's great. Becasue I'm the youngest the women really mother me, too. I can always go to them for advice. On stage I love the moment when the Temptations first come on and you first see Diana Ross with all the big hair. I love the harmonies in that bit. Every night I watch it from the wings. I'm trying to learn their choreography.
Q: What advice would you give to a young performer who wanted to get into show business? Do you recommend the "X Factor" route?
A: Know what you want and go for it and if you feel in your heart that you want to be a singer then shows like "X Factor" are a great way in. I also advise people to get out there and meet people, make friends, make contacts. Go and support your mates when they're performing. That's the way to make the contacts you'll need.
Q: What contemporary singers do you like and why?
A: At the moment I'm mostly into the classic stuff, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sammy Davis junior.
Q: Where would you like your career to go next?
A: I really want to stay in musical theatre for a while. It's really helping to strengthen my voice for when I'm ready to become a recording artist.
Q: What do your friends think of "Dancing in the Street"?
A: They love it. My mate's seen the show ten times. When we first came to see it we couldn't believe how good it was. We never got quality theatre like this in Finsbury Park. Now, because my mates have seen this they're going to see, and loveing, other shows like "Mamma Mia" and "Chicago".
Q: How would you describe it to someone who was thinking of coming to see it?
A: Amazing. You expect some tacky Las Vegas style imitations but right from the start you'll be hooked by the quality.
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