Noel Sullivan On…WWRY
Noel Sullivan has managed to break free from being mainly associated with the pop band Hear’Say. The band – formed on the Reality TV show Popstars – broke up in 2002. Since then Noel has starred in touring productions of Fame, Flashdance, Love Shack and What a Feeling! – as well as making a cameo apperance in the much loved comedy Gavin & Stacey. He has also starred in the West End as Danny in the hit musical Grease. He is currently appearing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in the UK tour of the Queen musical We Will Rock You
What attracted you to WWRY?
It has a great reputation and is widely respected as a difficult and challenging role for singers. The audition process was mentally nerve-wracking performing for Ben Elton, Brian May and Roger Taylor so I was overjoyed to win the role.
What are your three favourite songs in the show?
“Under Pressure”, “Hammer To Fall” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Tell us a bit about your character
Galileo is a young outcast who has strange dreams, we follow him on his journey to find the lost instruments so he can return the power of music to a world where it has been banned and culture has been destroyed.
The show has become a stalwart of the West End. Why do you think it’s so successful?
Well, the backbone of the show is Queen’s amazing music which is authentic and thetrical. Couple this with the scale of the production and the results are amazing. You cannot help but leave the theatre on a high and this experience leaves audiences wanting to come back for more.
You recently finished performing in Grease in the West End. How was it?
Danny Zuko was an amazing role to play as it’s so iconic that you really feel the pressure but it was a dream role to get to play – 15 years after I’d first seen it in the West End.
You have performed in Manchester several times, most recently in Flashdance. What was it like originating the role and werre you disappointed not to appear in the West End production?
I felt great pride in Flashdance, it is great to get the opportunity to create a role and I had a great time on the show. The West End show is good but I’m glad to be moving onto bigger and better roles.
Your former band mate Kym Marsh is based here, do you keep in touch?
No, but I still see Suzanne who is a busy girl and lives near Leeds for Emmerdale so I will be catching up with her over Christmas.
You have made a great career in musical theatre since leaving Hear’Say but do you mind that many people still link you with the band?
Not at all. I’m proud to have been from the first music based reality show. It feels like a different lifetime for me now though, as it was 10 years ago. I had a great time but I definitely prefer my life now.
Are there any roles you would love to play?
Yes, I would love to play Chris in Miss Saigon.
Finally, what are your plans for Christmas?
I’m heading home to Cardiff to spend it with my family.
Noel Sullivan was speaking to Glenn Meads
He stars as Galileo in We Will Rock You at the Palace Theatre until 15th January.
