-
Training: LAMDA appoints their first female Principal
The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, the UK’s oldest drama school, has announced the appointment of Joanna Read as its new Principal.
-
Notting Hill Carnival celebrates at Heathrow
The Notting Hill Carnival has begun its celebrations at Heathrow Airport, with arriving passengers being treated to a taste of what is to come.
-
2010 Spotlight Prize winner is Andrew Gower
It’s one of the most prestigious awards going. The Spotlight Prize showcases some of the most talented young actors and attracts fierce competition.
-
Latitude Live: VIDEO – Theatre503 production of PLAYlist
It was another busy day for The Drama Student crew yesterday down at Henham Park. The highlights are presented here.
-
Blog: Uncle Dudley on when tenacity wins
I caught Stanley Park, a pilot, on BBC3, the other night. I don’t have time to sit flicking through vacuous TV channels, but this had something, I’d heard the story before!
-
Join us on Facebook and Twitter for special offers
Are you a Facebooker or Twitterer? Why not join us on our social networking platforms to hear about our special updates, offers and fantastic competitions?
-
Competition: WIN! £50 of Theatre Tokens!
Have a night at the theatre or treat someone to an evening of live entertainment with one of our 5 Theatre Tokens prizes.
-
Old Vic New Voices on the search for hot new talent
Old Vic New Voices have announced that applications are now open for the fifth annual The 24 Hour Plays.
-
Theatre Review: Aspects of Love – Menier Chocolate Factory
Menier magic works its spell again with a chamber treatment of Aspects of Love, writes Josh Logan.
-
Theatre Review: Wolfboy – Trafalgar Studios 2, London
Matthew Bannerman heads down to Trafalgar Studios 2 for Wolfboy, the psycho-sexual musical thriller.
-
Theatre Review: Ballets Russes – A Stage Kindly
Benjamin Potter reviews A Stage Kindly’s latest production, Ballets Russes, and discovers a creative piece of work with some delightful performances.
-
Theatre Review: Translations – Tobacco Factory, Bristol
As the set slowly disintegrated in the closing scene of Brian Friel’s tale of language and conquest, the power behind his simple story delivered its telling message.
-
The First Word: Her Time to Shine
Kathy Trevelyan is no ordinary drama student. Proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion, at fifty-five her journey an actor is only just beginning.
-
Introducing… Neerja Naik
Fresh from hosting the Asian Film Festival, Neerja Naik talks to Daniella Gibb about her journey from a credit-crunching City worker to successful starlet.
-
Get ready for Summer Schools 2010
A sizzling summer is on its way and now is the time to be planning your programme to develop your skills and expand on existing talents.
-
Interview: Paul Spicer
He seems to have it all. An amazing West End job, his own company producing concerts and theatre, his own Summer School, and time for holidays.
-
Interview: Martin Harvey – Dirty Dancing
Martin Harvey first performed at the Aldwych Theatre at the age of six. Now 24 years later he is back playing the lead in Dirty Dancing. He drops in for a chat.
Add a comment
Martin Harvey is back at the theatre he made his stage debut.You made your stage debut aged 6 at the Aldwych in Peter Pan. How was it playing Michael at such a young age?
Like a big adventure, I got to fly around the stageLeap ahead 24 years and you’re back performing on the same stage as the lead in Dirty Dancing. I imagine that must be rather poignant?
It felt like it was meant to be. I recalled the theatre a bit but the thing I remembered most from Peter Pan was how big everything was. That has now definitely changed when you see just how Dirty Dancing has been shoe-horned into the Aldwych Theatre.You were something of a child star, but unlike others, you don’t seem to have burned yourself out. What’s your secret?
Not sure about ‘child star’ but I’ve worked constantly since the age for six. My secret? I would say hunger and periodic reinvention.Even though you trained at the Royal Ballet School, you have said you felt like “a faker”. What was holding you back?
You have to have a blinkered focus to be a ballet dancer and there were always other things that I wanted to do. My physique also presented certain problems.It is a fantastic role that means so much to so many people. I am having a blast.
Was there a specific moment when things slotted into place for you as a performer going through training?
Too many different moments to specify, it was a constantly evolving process.Everyone knows the film Dirty Dancing. It must be terrific playing such an iconic role in ‘Johnny’?
It is a fantastic role that means so much to so many people. I am having a blast.I remember the press night of Dirty Dancing – it was wild! Are audiences still as outrageous three years on?
Even more so! They are one of the best things about the show. Their appreciation is a significant factor in the overall atmosphere of the performance.What advice would you give to a yourself as a young boy going into the industry?
Trust your instincts, work hard and be a really good company member.We hear you’re a bit of a footie fan. Who’s your team?
England!Dirty Dancing is running at Aldwych Theatre in the West End.
www.dirtydancinglondon.comPublished on April 21, 2010 · Filed under: Featured, Highlights, Interviews; Tagged as: Aldwych Theatre, Dirty Dancing, Martin Harvey, West End
