FINDS OUT HOW THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE SYNDICATE IS A FAMILY AFFAIR It’s a
MARION McMULLEN
Gaynor, you were the series script editor when the The Syndicate was first broadcast, with a cast including Timothy Spall and Joanna Page. Did you always feel it was going to be a success? Gaynor: I just knew that it was going to be a hit because my mum captured the brothers, the family, the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such a substantial amount of money brings to people – the good and the not so good.
My mum writes for people, not accolades. The people who watch her shows, those are the people she relates to, the people she champions and admires.
She encapsulates them and shows what it is to be a normal person. At times it’s funny, at times it’s dramatic or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’s why people love her work.
Who is in the cast?
Gaynor: I’m thrilled to be joining Brooke Vincent, Samantha Giles and the rest of this stellar cast on stage. The Syndicate is very close to my heart, for so many reasons, and it’s fitting that this production is a real family affair, as we welcome my son Oliver to the company.
I know that he will make an amazing addition to the cast. Oliver: Having acted in series four of The Syndicate TV show and worked with my grandmother, playing the role of Jamie, in development workshops of the play, I’m chuffed to bits to be making my stage acting debut alongside my mum in my g randmother ’ s final play.
This production is in honour of her and all she achieved, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the character of Jamie and hopefully doing her proud.
Your mother enjoyed TV success with Fat Friends and Band Of Gold and had already asked you to co-direct with her on the stage production. Has it been daunting going it alone?
Gaynor: Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand what her vision was for this production because I have been by her side from the very beginning.
I’m excited for everyone to see it. It has become my first solo directing role and, while I am so sad not to be doing it with her, I am also very proud and excited to bring mum’s vision to the fore.
Josh Andrews is a fantastic producer who I’ve worked with on several shows and, with a fabulous creative team and, of course, an incredible script, we’re going to reach for the stars and make mum’s wish come true – bringing another Kay Mellor classic to theatres across the country.
Oliver, you play the part of Jamie in the show. What is it about the character that appeals to him so much?
Oliver: He’s so electric and brings this energy to the stage that I just absolutely love.
He’s very three dimensional, he’s got a switch in him which can make him villainous, and that’s always amazing to play as an actor, but then he’s also got this real sense of love and connection with his brother, which I totally understand. I don’t have a brother but I have a sister and I understand that sibling bond.
I just love that he’s brash but he gets away with it because he’s always got a cheeky smile and a glint in his eye.
Does having three generations of one family involved in the show brings a unique experience for audiences?
Oliver: There’s real heart to this show, there’s a lot of love for it, it just feels special.
Kay had been mentoring me for the last four years, she knew how hard the industry can be and said she saw potential in me. She took me under her wing and really helped me learn the business, both in front of the camera and behind. To now be involved with the stage show and Gaynor, my mum, directing it too, it just feels special.
I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother, every day beside her was a dream. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but that’s just because I want to make Kay proud.
I really want to prove I deserve my place in the show and give it my best shot, I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands.
STRICTLY STAR TRIES ON THE KINKY BOOTS
Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe (right) is to play drag queen Lola in the nationwide tour of next year. The award-winning musical will hit the road in January and features a score by Cyndi Lauper. The singer says of the show: “It’s like a happy pill – and we could all use some of that right now!” Visit kinkybootstour.com for tour details.
WAR HORSE IS BACK ON THE ROAD
The National Theatre’s hit production of (above) embarks on a major 18-month tour from September 5 running through to 2026. The tour marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse novel, which has now sold more than 35 million copies world-wide and been translated into 37 different languages. Go to WarHorseOnStage.com. for more information.
LIVE SCORE FOR CLASSIC SCI-FI
Film director Ridley Scott’s multiOscar nominated sci-fi classic
is to be presented live in concert from September. The movie starring Harrison Ford (below) will be shown on a vast HD screen, while the synthesiser-led score by Vangelis will be performed live by The Avex Ensemble. Head to AEGPresents.co.uk for ticket and tour details.
MICKY REFLECTS ON LIFE AFTER 60
Comedian Micky Flanagan, above, is touring theatres across the UK following the success of his recordbreaking arena shows
He will be looking at life since turning 60, growing older, and the changes in the world around him. Visit LiveNation.co.uk for ticket sales.
I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother
Oliver Anthony on Kay Mellor