West End star Sam Buttery talks The Voice, Boy George and being Taboo in Brixton

Sam Buttery; West End actor and star of recent BBC hit show The Voice  talks to me about all things Tom Jones, success following his apperance on The Voice and going crazy each night in Boy George’s smash musical Taboo.

Originally from London, 21 year-old Sam Buttery’s has become one of the countries most recognisable vocalists having been selected to appear on music icon Tom Jones’ team on the new BBC talent show, The Voice.

Earlier this year, 20-year-old Sam chose Adele’s hit-song ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ and amazed judges with his voice. Music icon Sir Tom saw potential, pressed his button and added the Tom Jones superfan to his team.

W: Sam, thank you for talking to me.

S: You’re very welcome.

W: So, The Voice! Not exactly a bad way to launch yourself into the public eye. How did all that come about?

S: I saw it advertised on BBC One and it just felt right to go for it.

W: What was it like when Tom Jones turned around for you?

S: It was such a surreal amazing thing, I loved it.

W: You mentioned at your audition that you are a big fan of Tom’s?

S: I am and always have been a very big fan of Tom’s, along with my Dad. I always sang his songs when I was little! Even at school! (laughs)

W: Would you go back on The Voice if you could do it all again?

S: It was stressful and surreal; almost indescribable.

W: Following your appearance on The Voice, how did your life change? Was it as overnight as people are lead to believe?

S: In all honesty, it was a long hard slog to try and forge a career after leaving the show. It is not quite overnight as it is sometimes perceived.

W: What was it like performing on prime-time BBC1 week-after-week?

S: I don’t know if I would go back and do it ALL again. I would go back and work with Tom again without any doubt! I don’t regret anything however.

Sam’s first audition on The Voice.

W: What was your audition process like for Taboo? I imagine rather different to The Voice? S: The audition process was all very surreal. I attended a function at the Tate Modern hosted by George. My friend Daniel Lismore, whose guest I was, introduced me to George who asked me to audition for Taboo. Anne Vosser, the lovely casting director, contacted me and I did one audition and landed the role!

W: And you follow in some rather large footsteps with Leigh Bowery? Matt Lucas and Boy George himself to name but a few.

S: Very large footsteps! But, what an honour and a challenge.

W: And now you’re in Taboo at the Brixton Club House?

S: Yes I am in Taboo! Which is such amazing fun! Even before the voice I have always wanted to pursue a career in musical theatre!

W: I actually came to see the show back in late 2012 but due to illness was cancelled. The show really is a gruelling evening for the cast then?

S: It’s extremely hard work as it was a new venue and such a strange space. It was such a tiny building so once one person was sick, everyone was.

W: Earlier this year there was your first cast change. What’s it like remaining with a cast but have new faces to work with each night?

S: Its great to change cast as it keeps the show fresh.

W: You worked alongside some West End regulars and some fresh-faced recent graduates. How did you find that? 

S: I have always been a musical theatre fan girl/geek so to work alongside west end performers was amazing for me. I have loved theatre from the age of about 10! No, I have never had any formal training, apart from about four singing lessons.

W: Did Boy George ever give you feedback on your version of Leigh? I imagine getting his blessing would be the biggest of compliments? 

S: He said he loved it; dream. (laughs)

Sam’s appearance with Boy George on ITV’s This Morning from September 2012 

W: Had you seen previous productions of Taboo before you were cast? 

S: I had never seen any other productions actually.

W: ‘Pretty Lies’ and ‘Petrified’ are actually two of my favourite musical theatre songs and both are from Taboo. Do you have any favourites? 

S: My favourite songs from the show are stranger in this world and Il adore. My favourite musical theatre songs changed every day, at the moment anything from A Chorus Line/ People… My Man…. Anything Barbra!

W: And finally, do you have any plans once you leave Taboo?

S: I am auditioning like a goodun’ at the moment and recording various stuff! Watch this space. (laughs)

W: Sam, thank you very much and the best of luck with your final weeks in Taboo!

Tickets for Taboo and available online at www.taboothemusical.co.uk

Header and all photographs copyright to TabooinBrixton and @samuelbuttery. 

Coming Soon – Interview with The Voice, Taboo & West End star Sam Buttery

Coming soon… I’ll be speaking to West End star Sam Buttery. Sam’s currently in Boy George‘s musical Taboo at Brixton Clubhouse.

I’ll be asking him all things Taboo, Boy George, his appearance on The Voice and his obsession with Welsh icon, Tom Jones.

Coming soon!

William J.

Interview w/ Mark Harris: Director of Acorn Antiques – The Musical

Croft House Theatre Company return to the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre after their complete sell out performances of The Sound of Music with this fabulous production of Victoria Wood’s stage show: Acorn Antiques – The Musical!

This all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza sees sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta struggling to keep their antiques business open, as shop after shop on the High Street closes. A devious third sister Miss Bonnie plans to sell the shop to ‘The Guilty Bean’ (the world’s second biggest chain of coffee shops).

With family secrets, life-changing acting and high-spirited musical numbers, can they still employ Mrs Overall? Will Mr Clifford ever get his memory back, and remember who he’s engaged to? And most worrying of all, will Mrs Overall be able to tap dance whilst holding the tray?

For more information on Acorn Antiques – The Musical and to book tickets:

Box Office: 0114 249 6000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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Interview by William J Connolly

W: What first attracted you to the idea of directing Acorn Antiques – The Musical?

M: I was approached by Croft House Theatre Company due to my love and general obsession with Acorn Antiques on TV and Victoria Wood’s work in general.

W: What is it about Acorn Antiques that you loved so much?

M: The whole concept was way ahead of its time. The wobbly sets, bad camera angles, forgotten lines and actors playing characters who are playing characters. Genius!

W: Is the stage show as funny as the TV show?

M: Yes, although you can’t approach the stage show in the same way. Any audience members who don’t know AA could think it’s just a bad production when it’s actually meant to be played badly. It’s a fine line.

W: The show has large musical numbers too?

M: Oh yes! Tap dancing, fosse

style ‘Chicago’ routines but also some fantastic smaller numbers and of course the Victoria Wood forte – the Ballad, two beautiful numbers, ‘Remind Him’ and ‘Gent’s Duet’.

W: What can people expect when they come and see your production?

M: An honest and loving homage to Acorn Antiques and Victoria’s truly brilliant writing.

W: What’s it been like working with your cast? I hear they were all auditioned and chosen  specifically for the show?

M: That’s correct. It’s very important to get the casting right especially when Acorn Antiques includes well loved characters that we are trying to emulate.

With weeks to go, the cast are working hard but we still have a way to go. Compared the professionals, we only rehearse a tenth of what they do so I think we do really well, especially when audiences see the standards we will reach in March.

W: What are the similarities and differences between the TV series and the musical?

M: The main characters are the same but the story is totally different. It’s a lovely fresh look at the world of Acorn Antiques.

W: Did you ever see the show in London?

M: Yes. I saw the final Saturday Matinee of the 16 week run with the original cast. Julie Walters was amazing, as was Celia Imrie. Victoria Wood was there and she even made a little cameo appearance and stopped the show! Amazing!

I also saw the touring production (which is the version we are doing) and Ria Jones as Mrs. O was fantastic.

M: Her shortness and comic genius. 

W: Can people expect the TV series replicated on stage or is this a re-imagination of the story? What can audiences expect?

M: They can expect 2hrs 15mins of laughs, tears, tantrums and campness! Oh, and maybe a macaroon or two.

W: Are you a fan of Victoria Wood’s work? Did you watch her TV shows?

M: Oh yes! ‘As Seen on TV’ was shown on television when I was 10 and even though I didn’t understand all of the humour, it always made me laugh.

Her songs were and still very much are infectious and Victoria’s ‘An Audience With…’ I could probably quote word-for-word! Is that sad? Or obsessive? You decide. (Laughs)

W: What is it about Victoria Wood’s writing that makes the show so special for you?

M: She is just a comedy genius. Her writing is so lyrical, almost like music, and she writes from the heart.

https://vimeo.com/61291652

W: Which character would you like to play?

M: I’d like to play Miss Babs or Mrs. O. They are both genius, well written characters but obviously female. Otherwise it would have to be Mr. Clifford so I could be in the thick of the action.

W: Sheffield has such a great reputation for producing great quality theatre. Has this added any additional pressure?

M: No. In a way it makes it easier because you know your ensemble will come through and pull it off. With a first class backstage team, you know all bases are covered and it’ll come together come March 19^th.

W: With 7 weeks until the show opens, what are you most excited about once you make the transition to the Lyceum Theatre?

M: Seeing your vision come together and trouble shooting on the hoof when problems arise.

W: How have rehearsals been so far?

M: Interesting, stressful but SO much fun. (Laughs)

W: Not long until opening night now…?

M: Eeek!!!!!

W: So why should people come and see Acorn Antiques in March?

M: To support this incredibly talented cast of local people, see Victoria’s work live on stage and maybe even have a macaroon or two if Mrs. O. has any spare.

W: And finally, how will you remember your journey with Acorn Antiques – The Musical?

M: Emotional!

W: Mark, the best of luck and thank you.

For more information on Acorn Antiques – The Musical and to book tickets:

Box Office: 0114 249 6000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk