From the wings of the West End to the bright lights of Broadway, John Barrowman has spent more than three decades commanding stages and screens with irresistible charm and show-stopping vocals.
We asked him a few fun questions, prior to his latest tour…
What’s your first memory of performing?
“My first memory of performing, off the top of my head, would be singing ‘Milly Molly Mandy’ in my mum and dad’s living room to guests at a party, using a measuring cup thing as a microphone, and I was in my kilt.”
From ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘Chicago’ and ‘Anything Goes’ to ‘La Cage Aux Folles’, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Miss Saigon’, John has played over 20 leading male parts in the West End and Broadway in 10 years.
What is the one leading part you would love to play?
“I’ve already played it and I’d like to play it again. It would be Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles, because I love the story. I’d like to do it on a tour. I love what it stands for – it’s about family. It’s about families that are not deemed to be as the “norm” because what is the norm right? Your family is the norm in your world, and I love that. I love what it tells, and I also loved getting dressed up in drag!”
Have you ever stolen any props from any sets?
“How very dare you! I have never stolen any props from set, but I may have borrowed them and never returned them. I will say that some things from Doctor Who accidentally fell into my bag. Vortex manipulator and Squareness gun, and other things that shall remain nameless, because I have somebody who knew someone in the props department standing right over there!”
What will audiences take away from the show?
“I hope they take a little piece of John Barrowman home with them. They have great memories, they’ve laughed so hard that their stomachs hurt a little bit, and also that they feel joy when they walk out the door.”
When you travel, what is 1 item you always take with you?
“My original STARWARS pillowcase that I have had since childhood, I won’t leave home without it.”
And finally, if you could ask your 80 year old self one question, what would you ask?
“Did you have fun? And I hope the answer would be yes.”
John Barrowman is at The Apex on Saturday 19 September at 7.30pm. Expect stories, laughter, unforgettable anthems and a few showstoppers, all delivered with the charisma, talent and flair that makes John a global star.
