Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Musical man
He’s the baddie we all love. What’s On caught up with director, choreographer, dancer, actor and, of course, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood as Son of a Preacher Man, which he has directed and choreographed, comes to the county
You became a director yourself after being a choreographer and not agreeing with the director, didn’t you?
I didn’t want to have a battle with the director and see the line where the director finishes his work and the choreography began. For me it’s a lot easier to have one concept of a piece applied. I did it so I could have arguments with myself rather than with someone else.
Tell us about the show you’re having arguments with yourself on.
Son of a Preacher Man is a joy to work on. I am delighted to bring to life for the very first time this wonderful story created by Warner Brown. I hope that audiences in Tunbridge Wells will come to love this warm-hearted and uplifting new musical as much as I do.
What do you think of Dusty Springfield’s music?
The Dusty music lends itself to good storytelling and that’s really important. Her stories always have a beginning, a middle and an end.
And they’re very soulful. A lot of people will be surprised when they see the songs come to life. Her lyrics are really quite poignant. She tells human stories with amazing rhythms that can be applied to men or women and crosses through to being gay as well. That’s why her music is universal.
Tell us about your reputation for being (brutally) honest?
I just react to what I’m seeing. If I’m watching bad dancing I’ll tell them the truth. They need to know. If you’re not getting corrections I think that would be wrong. I don’t think it’s fair to say you love something if you don’t.
Do you have a fantasy cast of celebs you’d like to judge on Strictly?
I’d love to see Simon Cowell. The world would love that. Sharon Osbourne would be good because she’s very mouthy. Prince Harry would be fantastic.