On November 17, the red carpet will be rolled out at Wales Millennium Centre for Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen, featuring the most iconic songs made famous by films.
Hollywood blockbuster songs and Oscar-winning melodies of the silver screen from Disney to Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing to The Greatest Showman and many more in between come to life on stage with an all-star cast of singers and the soaring sounds of The Novello Orchestra, celebrating the soundtracks that have captivated generations of movie lovers.
Conducted by David Mahoney, Movie MixTape will be hosted by Connie Fisher (winner of BBC’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?), and feature appearances from guest artists Lucie Jones (Waitress, Legally Blonde, Rent), Noel Sullivan (School of Rock, Tiger Bay The Musical), Ian H Watkins (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, vocalist in Steps), and Steffan Hughes (Only Men Aloud).
Seren Howells recently put questions to Noel Sullivan about the show and his career on stage.
What led you into the world of musical theatre?
My first ever theatrical job was when I was 12 years old working for the Welsh National Opera. It was this experience that introduced me to the magic of live theatre and from that moment on I knew it was a career I’d want to pursue.
Could you ever have imagined having a successful musical career?
I’m not sure I ever imagined it. I just wanted to keep working, before you know it 16 years has passed and I’m still enjoying it and looking for fresh challenges.
What has been your favourite show to do?
Dirty rotten scoundrels, without a doubt. It was so much fun playing so many mischievous roles in one piece. And the cast, including Michael Praed, Carley Stenson and Mark Benton were an absolute dream to work with.
You’ve played many roles, which would you consider to be most like you?
To be honest, I don’t think any roles I have played have been anything like me.
Has there been a role that has proven to be a challenge?
My current role, Dewey Finn, in School of Rock has been my greatest challenge to date. The show is relentless energy wise and I’m never off the stage for longer than one scene, add to that 36 different child actors and a screaming rock score and it’s a huge juggle. But I love it.
Do you have any advice for people going into the industry?
I would just advise people to prepare themselves for rejection, it’s the hardest part of what I do. You have to remember that there are sometimes hundreds of people going for the same role. If you don’t get it it’s nothing personal, you might not look right, or be too tall, you never know what the creative team are looking for or if you will fit into their ideas. Keep going though, it’s worth it when you get there.
How can parents support a child who’s wanting a career in musical theatre?
Lessons in singing, dancing and acting are key but the most important is emotional support. Helping them feel like they can achieve anything if they’re willing to work hard to succeed.
Noel Sullivan features in Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen, presented by David Mahoney Productions takes place at Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre on November 17th. Photo by Michael Wharley.
You’ve appeared at the Wales Millennium Centre before; do you have a special memory of performing there?
I love the WMC. Growing up there was no venue of its size in Wales. The opening royal gala performance will always stay with me, but the highlight must be performing with Brian May on the opening night of the We Will Rock You tour back in 2011.
Can you reveal a little about what you’ll be doing on Movie Mixtape?
I’m definitely bringing some variety to the show, an 80’s hit from Back to the Future, a duet from Dirty Dancing and a childhood favourite from The Jungle Book amongst many others.
What is your favourite movie?
Silence of the Lambs, I love Anthony Hopkins and he’s incredible in this movie. Unfortunately, there are no catchy numbers from the film to sing at the Movie Mixtape show!
Is there a dream movie role you’d like to do?
I’d love to do some film work, but every time I try to do something different, I keep coming back to theatre!
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Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen, presented by David Mahoney Productions takes place at Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre on November 17th. Visit http://www.wmc.org.uk for details.
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UPDATED NOVEMBER 17, 2019: Due to illness, Noel Sullivan sadly can no longer perform at Movie Mixtape . Craig Gallivan will perform in his place.