You’re playing lawyer Billy Flynn in the UK tour of Chicago. How did it all come about? Negativity is a waste of time... a waste of life
Russell Watson chats to MARION McMULLEN about making his debut in hit musical Chicago, and why he’s determined to embrace the fun in every new challenge
My wife Louise handles my business affairs and she simply had an email from the director and producers asking if I would like to do the role. (Laughs) People ask me what I am doing next and I say Chicago and they say ‘Oh, it will be beautiful there this time of year’.
The tour is the longest run I’ve ever done. I’ve (got) three songs and a lot of dialogue. It’s not like doing 19 or 20 operatic arias every night. I just want to go out there and really enjoy it and have fun – that’s one of the lessons I’ve learned in life.
The musical is famous for its dance routines. Will you be putting your best foot forward?
(Laughs) The producers said they would play to my strengths when it comes to dancing, but I’ve got no strengths.
The show does take me out of my comfort zone, but frankly that has never stopped me. I’ve done so many things. When you have a career that spans 21 years and, if you count the time I spent working in clubs its 31 years, that is a lot of stage performances.
I’ve sung in back street workingmen’s clubs and for the Pope in the Vatican. I played Parson Nathaniel in Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds tour and the lead role of Karl Oscar in Kristina by Abba’s Benny and Björn, that was almost like an opera. And I did I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! That was great fun. You forget being hungry and cold and thinking about food most of the day and just think of the people who were there.
What has Chicago involved?
I’ve put a large amount of effort in preparing for the role. I want to get all the fine details right and put a little bit of my character into this established part as well.
I’ve been working on the accent. I’m a natural mimic and I can produce an American accent at the drop of a hat, but the Chicago accent is a little bit more challenging.
I’ve spent a lot of time in New York and picked up the New York accent, but Chicago is very different. It sounds a bit gangster. Billy Flynn was based on a real person, so I’ve researched him and I’ve grown a moustache and beard because that’s how I see the character.
He’s very charming and a success with the ladies, but he also has this dark side.
Are there any other musicals on your wish list?
Oh, so many. I’d love a crack at Phantom Of The Opera. I think that would be a good role for me – big noisy voice required – and I love the classic musical roles like Emile in South Pacific or Captain Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music.
I was watching The Sound Of Music recently and it is really brilliantly put together. They are the sort of shows that lift up your hearts and make you feel good.
You are an expert when it comes to touring. What will you be packing for the tour of Chicago?
My PlayStation 5, my guitar and my pillow. I can’t sleep on hotel pillows. The are too soft and you wake up with them wrapped around your face.
People brought photos of their kids and drawings from their kids and their luxury item on I’m A Celebrity... (Laughs) I know what my kids look like. My luxury item was my pillow.
How have you coped during the pandemic?
Whenever I think about the pandemic the first thing I think about is those who have lost their lives – I lost a very good friend last year –and then I think of those who have lost their livelihoods like the greengrocer who has been there for 50 years and the little card shop who have all had to close.
I always try and support local businesses. They help make a community. I have always had the focus with regard to my life, particularly with my illness (Russell has had two operations to remove brain tumours), to remain positive.
It’s a bit like when you are having an argument and it can be something trivial like putting the bin out and it can be all-consuming within four walls, but it is not important. It is a waste of time and a waste of life. Let go of the negativity, the vitriol and spite that you find online and get on with you life and have some fun.
People ask me what I am doing next... I say Chicago and they say ‘Oh, it will be beautiful this time of year...