Posted on Oct 2nd, 2002

Have you ever considered recording a Duets CD? I think it would be a big hit with your fans! Claudia Lambert (USA)

I've always loved singing with other people and on a couple of my albums I've included duets but at present I have no plans to record a duet CD. Personally I've never found duet CDs by other artists to be totally satisfying…. But then again I never say never.

I really enjoyed your latest CD, Centre Stage. I'm sure you recorded a lot of demos tracks and it must've been really tough deciding what to include on the album. Were there any songs you particularly regret having to leave off? Kelly Abbott (UK)

I don't regret leaving any off because if they had been good enough they'd have been included. I do wish we'd been able to make "This Is The Moment" work and also there was a Rogers & Hammerstein medley that again looked good on paper but didn't cut it in the recording studio.

It is obvious that you put your heart and soul into the music you sing, but is there one song above all the others where you feel that the instant you begin singing you disappear and become part of the music? Cheryl Case (USA)

Gethsemane…..

You recently sang a couple of Brian Kennedy tracks at your concerts, 'Get On With Your Short Life' and 'Lift The Wings'. What does your friend, Brian think of your renditions, has he heard them? BTW, any chance of you singing 'You Raise Me Up'? I love Brian's version and I think it would be a perfect song for your voice as well. Clare Cohen (UK)

At the recent ROC concert Brian and I duet with "Lift the Wings" and "Short Life" and had such fun doing them. Brian really loves what we've done with the arrangements of "Short Life"; he felt that giving it a harder and brassier feel really suited my way of performing. I have to agree with you, "You Raise Me Up" is a fantastic song and may be worth looking at in the future.

Do you remember your first trip to the theatre as a young child? Did you become hooked right away? Tara Ebersole (UK)

My first experience of the theatre was actually being in it at the age of 31/2 in Mother Goose! That was my first taste of being on stage and I loved every minute of it. My Mum & Dad were always taking us to the theatre but the two shows that really stick out in my mind are Jesus Christ Superstar and Showboat staring Cleo Laine.

I'm a big fan of Anton Rodgers and his work, what's it like working with him? Your scenes with Anton are a joy to watch - you two have a great rapport together on stage. Natalie Rossit (Australia)

A nightmare! The man is an egotistical maniac who should be forced to leave the profession and have his equity card surgically removed! BUT seriously, the rapport you see on the stage is just as strong off stage. He is one of the kindest, most caring and generous performers and people I have had the pleasure of working with. I couldn't want for a better Dad.

If you could switch roles one night and play another character in Chitty (male or female!) which role would you choose and why? Leigh Maher (Canada)

The Childcatcher! Great entrance and exit, and it would be a real kick to try and make everyone really scared of me……. and you get plenty of time off in Act One.

I was lucky enough to be in the Chitty audience on June 27th. The atmosphere was positively electric, and the subtle references to your birthday were hysterical. Have you masterminded any payback jokes to play on the culprits who wound you up that night? Debbie (USA)

As you know I'm the consummate professional who has never been known to deviate from the script and stage moves!….. On the other hand, come to my final matinee performance where revenge will be sweet...

You have fulfilled many ambitions and faced new challenges these past couple of years with much success. When you look ahead, what else would you still like to do? What's left to do to put the icing on the cake? Angela Butts (UK)

Everyday new challenges present themselves in one form or another. I've never been one to look too far ahead and if I have an ambition it's to keep working at the job I love and entertaining people to the best of my ability until the day I drop……..

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Posted on June 1st, 2002

After the great opening night reviews, there has been reports that Broadway producers are now looking to bring Chitty to New York. If the opportunity arose, would the prospect of recreating the role of Caractacus Potts on the Broadway stage interest you at all? Or is it too early to say? Karen Palmer, USA

It would certainly interest me but there are no immediate plans at the moment. Depending on my other commitments I would love to take the show to Broadway. There's also the problem with American Equity to contend with.

Chitty is your first musical comedy, actors often say that comedy is one the hardest things to do, do you agree with that? Janie Matheson, USA

Yes! Comedy is all about listening not only to fellow performers but the audience and judging how to time laughs for maximum effect. Some of the best comedy is not action but reaction and for that you have to be a good listener. The best thing about comedy is the instant feedback, when you get the laughs it really boosts your performance.

It's inevitable that in a highly technical show like Chitty, bloopers will happen. Now that the previews and opening night are out of the way (and you can laugh at it now ;-) what has been the funniest or most embarrassing moment for you on stage so far (that you can print!)? Melanie Drake, Australia

Despite all the huge and most obvious disasters, i.e Chitty not working, scenery not coming on stage and Anton Rogers (Grandpa Potts) falling asleep in his dressing room and missing his entrance…. One of the most embarrassing and funny gaffs had to be when I was presented with a Toot Sweet that didn't toot. It kind of defeated the whole object of the scene and it took serious improvisation to dig me out of that one!

Your portrayal of Caractacus Potts seems very much to be devoted father first, eccentric inventor second. Was this an intentional move by you to make the character different from the film? Marie Thomson, England

Caractacus's prime motivation are his kids. I've always said he is Ian Fleming's greatest hero. Being a single parent at the turn of the century with just your wits to provide for your children would have been a huge challenge. I felt that for the show to work you have to believe first and foremost that Caractacus is a doting if rather unconventional father.

Many people have commented that some of your best scenes in Chitty are with the children, Jeremy and Jemima. There seems to be a genuine chemistry and affection you have with each other and it was wonderful to watch - did you all click immediately? Marianne McCabe, England

On the whole yes. I knew that for our scenes to be convincing the kids had to be comfortable with me and from day one I sought to build a bond with them that is genuine. I'd be proud to be the father to any of them.

You've mentioned in interviews that you invented a heart condition in order to avoid dance classes at Drama School! After all the hard work you did for Chitty, how do you feel about the dancing now? Lee Ann, USA

I love it and so regret not having trained properly and enjoying dancing sooner. I'm one of those impatient people who tend to give up if it doesn't come quickly. Unless you're supremely gifted it doesn't just happen with dance. It's hard work, repetitive and painful but when it comes together it's a glorious and liberating feeling…….. it's pretty good at helping you lose weight as well!!

Chitty has all the things actors say you should never work with, animals and children (and I am sure flying cars should be on the list!) Does the "Toot Sweets" scene make you nervous? Cheryl Case, England

Not anymore. Kids and animals can be unpredictable and I think that's what I love about working with them. It makes it fresh every night.

Is it true that there will be a "Making of Chitty" video available for commercial release? If so, do you know when? Kathy Nestor, England

Yes. It's nearly finished. They don't have a release date but people will be fascinated with the behind the scenes footage that shows just what it takes to put on a West End Musical.

How the time has flown since you began your career in the West End. What do you know now that you wish you had known then? And is there anything you have lost along the way that you would like to recapture? Debbie, USA

I wish I had known that, in the words of Grandpa Potts, "a little application and a lot of dedication" I could have enjoyed the discipline of dancing much earlier.

What would I like to recapture?…………..My boyish charm and snakelike hips!!

Having dipped your toe into songwriting with a handful of tracks on recent albums, do you ever foresee yourself leaving the tried and tested - and enjoyable - combination of musicals tracks and old favourites behind and releasing an album of purely new material? Stephen Maxfield, Scotland

That's always a possibility but I haven't yet decided what the direction will be for any new albums. I admit I haven't been writing anything new recently simply because it's not been possible. But if I find the time and the inclination and the end result is good enough I'd love to record them.

Are the Chitty children sweet? Be careful how you answer Carrie Fletcher, Chitty Co-Star

It's time the truth was told. These are not children. They are in fact 35 year old talented midgets with a penchant for alcohol and lewd behaviour. After the violent threats that they've made towards me I don't feel I can say any more except that I have had to obtain 24 hour protection and my lawyers are seeking a restraining order. Gareth has also had to be secretly armed with a cattle prod……….. Yes, of course they're sweet.

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Posted on February 7th, 2002

You've mentioned that childhood sentimentality played a big role in your decision to appear in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. What was it about the movie that appealed to you the most as a child? - Tammy Pirochi, USA

As a child I loved being scared and the Child Catcher was one of the most terrifying characters of my childhood - you just have to mention the words "Child Catcher" and everyone knows exactly whom you're talking about. Also the car was such a major character in the film and it just captured your imagination - we all really thought of Chitty as being human with feelings and emotions. Oh, and I always loved the music so I learnt all the songs off by heart.

Three of your last four roles on the musical stage were characters that you originated (Marius - Les Miz, Alex - Aspects, Giorgio - Passion). The role of Caractacus Potts is so closely associated with Dick Van Dyke, does this create more pressure for you? Are you worried about the comparisons? - Susan Cole, USA

It's natural for an audience to make comparisons but the role of Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Musical is an original role. Also we're not just putting the film on stage, there's a new book, new songs and totally original staging so there is really no comparison. Besides, my English accent is pretty good!

I understand that you're already taking dance lessons to prepare for CCBB - how are they coming along and what have you learned so far? Emma Trickett - UK

I have learnt the meaning of pain….. I have learnt the meaning of pain….. I have learnt the meaning of pain….. I have learnt the meaning of pain….. I have learnt the meaning of pain…..

Caractacus Potts only has one solo number in the movie, "Hushabye Mountain" - has the musical been rewritten to incorporate more songs for your character? I read somewhere that there were also plans to release "Hushabye Mountain" as a single? - Elaine Ramsey, UK

There are new songs for me and the other characters, which is all I can divulge, as I would hate to spoil any surprises. However, I can say that at the moment there are no plans to release Hushabye as a single but there will of course be a cast album.

Are you worried about being potentially upstaged by a flying car? ;-) - Stephen Dunbar, USA

I think I'm more worried about being upstaged by a crashing car! Seriously… I love shows with special effects and as the production is staged by the James Bond team and designed by the award winning Anthony Ward this is going to have some of the most elaborate and spectacular effects ever seen on any stage anywhere.

CCBB is being reported as the most expensive production to ever run in the West End. Without giving too much away, what kind of spectacular effects can we look forward to seeing? - Sharyn Burke, Canada

All I can say is that the car will float, the car will fly, Caractacus will make a spectacular entrance and the Child Catcher will make a spectacular exit. There's even talk about the roof of the Palladium being removed!!!!

This is your first family-oriented show, so there will no doubt be a lot of children in the audience, and a lot of them will probably be experiencing live theatre for the first time. What are some of the challenges of performing to an audience of young children? Christine Miller, UK

The challenge is in creating a show that has many layers. It has to appeal to children of all ages from 5 to 95! But the main challenge will be keeping the little b……..ers totally entertained and engrossed so that they don't stray from their seats.

Will you be performing the full 8 shows a week or will you be off during the matinee performances? How long have you signed on for CCBB? Thomas Van der Spiegel, Belgium

I intend to do 8 shows a week. I think that if your name is above the title you have a duty to perform at all the shows. Obviously I will be taking a couple of holiday breaks and there are also a few outdoor summer concerts which we had arranged before I signed for CCBB which I must honour (the dates of which have yet to be confirmed but I know the production company will give customers as much advance warning as possible) and unfortunately all of us get sick or injured at times. I've signed for the whole of the first booking period and beyond.

A lot of big names were rumoured to be considered for the role of "Truly Scrumptious", were you surprised that they decided to cast an 18 year old unknown, Emma Williams, in the lead role? - Kate Rowan, UK

Rumours are a terrible thing and I try to avoid them as much as possible. I wasn't surprised when they decided to cast an unknown - we've got a great cast and I worked with Emma during her final auditions and think she is perfect for the role .

Your rendition of "This Is The Moment" (Jekyll & Hyde) as seen on the Olivier Awards in 1995 was incredible and many fans were thrilled that you finally brought the song back in your recent concerts. Will you ever record "This Is The Moment"? Alicia - Australia

I get loads of letters regarding this song - especially when I'm planning a new album or am about to go on tour so I'm delighted it's come up as a question. Unfortunately it's one of those songs that come across better live than on record. If I could find a way of recording it to my satisfaction then of course I'd consider releasing it but as of yet I have not been able to.

During the Donmar run, you speculated about taking the show on the road, if it had legs. It strikes me as the edgy, intelligent sort of show that would go down in a storm in New York on or off Broadway. With CCBB now happening, is 'Alone Together' in NY still on your list of potential future projects? Katy - USA

I was so proud of Alone Together and am thrilled that we managed to capture it on film so that it has a life. As for future live performances, I agree it will work well in New York and so I hope to do so one day…

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Posted on Novermber 15th, 2001

Do you have plans to perform in the US in the near future? Any plans to return to Australia? Will you be touring the UK in 2002?

I'm the world's worst person at keeping secrets, especially when it comes to telling the fans any of my ideas for the future. Whether it comes from me or it is officially announced through my management and the fan club I have every intention of carrying these plans through, the last thing I would want to do is disappoint people. However, such is the nature of this business that the best of plans can be thrown into the air when opportunities such as the Donmar and now Chitty Chitty Bang Bang come along.

There are preliminary plans in place for the US and Australia but it is essential that it fits my schedule and that I have the support of my record company and local promoters to ensure that the trips are successful. Towards the end of 2002 we hope to resume our plans for a full scale tour and I very much hope they'll include trips to Europe, US and Australia…….if they still want me.

There I go again telling everyone about the future when nothing's confirmed!!!

Now that the Donmar shows are over, was it everything you had imagined and rehearsed? Did you accomplish what you set out to do? Sue Rogers, England & Donna Kelly, USA

Everything and more………….

You must have been thrilled with the amount of positive feedback you received from your Donmar performance - both from the fans and the critics. How much importance do you place on critic's reviews? Brian Klasner, Canada

Like every performer we love to read appreciative comments about our work and take any negative comment very personally. In this business you have to develop a very thick skin and if a critic writes something positive then they are clearly a highly developed, sensitive and creative soul who is at one with the universe and are welcome to come to tea, anytime. Anything negative is a clear indication that they are an intellectual pigmy, an emotional retard who obviously suffers from delusional psychotic episodes and has not a creative bone in their body!

Me, care what critics say???…………………. Never !

How much creative input did you have in developing the concept and selecting the music for the Donmar show? Janice Fleming, USA

It was very much a collaboration between myself, Jonathan Butterell (director) and Jason Carr (musical director). Jonathan and I conceived the idea together and when Jason joined the team we pooled all of our musical resources, tastes and instincts to help to tell the story.

Was the Donmar show autobiographical at all? Or was it based on a fictional character? Karin Krueger, Germany

Some of it was directly autobiographical, some of it was very close to home and some of it related to the experience of people that I know very well. Where those lines cross over is up to the audience to judge. I wanted the show to make people think, I didn't say that I would have the answers.

How long did the whole creative process of developing the Donmar show take - from penning the script to the actual completion of the rehearsals? Brenda Widenmaier, Australia

Six weeks from our initial meeting to our first preview on 17th September. Naturally we were all involved in other projects as well so we only worked on it full time for 2 weeks. I still can't believe I managed to learn it all!!

I understand that the Donmar show was filmed - is it going to be released? if so, when? Josie, Phillipines

Yes it is and is released on Monday 19th November.

I loved your version of "The Phantom Of The Opera" on your latest CD, Centre Stage. Would you ever consider going back to the show, this time in the title role? Michael Gowing, England

I was approached very recently to play the Phantom but it just didn't appeal to me at this time. Who knows, I may feel differently about it in the future.

There are many performers who are uncomfortable with the stage door scene; do you think there is an obligation to the audience beyond the show? Anita Wallace, England

I don't think there is an obligation but if circumstances permit I personally love to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures. As long as people are respectful and sensitive not just to me and the people I work with but to each other it can be a perfect end to a great night. However there are times when I have to leave a venue immediately, known as doing "a runner", and there are occasions when I just want to get my head down and go home. I hope people understand this and don't mind too much if I am less responsive at those times.

If I were to look into your CD player right now, what CDs would I find? Renata Torreao, Brazil

I have a multi-player so in there is Joni Mitchell's new album "Both Sides Now", Eva Cassidy's "Song Bird", Brian Kennedy's "Get On With Your Short Life" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Dream time Michael: If you could perform at any venue, anywhere in the world (that you haven't played before) where would it be? Heather Morey, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl.

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Posted on September 16th, 2001

How did you feel when you were invited to take part in the prestigious Divas season at the Donmar?