Features

A few of my favourite things: Mamma Mia!'s Alasdair Harvey

The actor counts “Let It Go”, Michael Gambon and Bali in his favourite things

Ben Hewis

London London's West End

10 November 2014

Alasdair (with guitar) in Mamma Mia! — Alasdair (with guitar) in *Mamma Mia!*
© Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Alasdair Harvey is currently starring in the West End smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre in London. Alasdair has a string of West End roles to his name and is currently playing the role of Harry – the part played by Colin Firth in the 2008 film version Mamma Mia! The Movie.

We caught up with Alasdair to find out of a few of his favourite things…

What/who is your favourite…

Film?

I have different favourite films. The Fugitive is a great thriller and I've loved it for years. I was raised on John Wayne westerns and True Grit was always a favourite. It reminds me of my dad. Serendipity is a bit cheesy but it always makes me and my wife smile. Meet Joe Black is fantastic, great storyline, Antony Hopkins is superb and it has a wonderful haunting score by Thomas Newman.

Place to hangout in London?

Cheesy as it may sound, I'm most happy at home with my wife and kids. When you work evenings and they're at school and work during the day, you just want to spend as much time with them as possible. So, I don't mind where we are as long as we're all together!

Restaurant?

I have favourite restaurants for different types of food. Scott's in Mayfair is pretty special. It has a wonderful Art Deco setting and the food is fantastic. I normally have sea bass. If I want pasta, Pasta Browns in Covent Garden is a favourite matinee haunt. Or for fish and chips, I go to Fish and Chips in Enfield or Chooks in Muswell Hill for a chicken burger.

Holiday destination?

Bali is pretty special. It's a beautiful place and the people were really friendly. I'm really fond of New York too. I started going years ago purely to see the theatre, but now, more than often, I go to see friends and experience the city. I’d really love to go to Australia.

Play/Musical that you have seen?

West Side Story or Guys and Dolls are definitely two of the best musicals. As for contemporary musicals, I saw Once on Broadway just before it won all the Tony's and it was remarkable.

Coram Boy at the National is one of the favourite plays that I've seen. The subject matter and the scale of the production were overwhelming.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Donmar’s new productions of City of Angels and Closer.

Actor/Actress?

Michael Gambon and Clive Owen are two favourites, both excellent actors. Al Pacino, of course! I saw Imelda Staunton in Sweeney Todd and she was absolutely brilliant.
I admire actors who look like they're doing nothing but are actually doing everything. It's so difficult!

Theatre to Visit

I always like the feel of walking into the Theatre Royal Stratford East, it's very homely. When I worked there on Come Dancing there was always a feeling of family.

Theatre You've Performed In

I'm fond of the Dominion as I've spend a lot of time there. I had a tour of the building, the bit not even the actors get to see, before We Will Rock You finished and it was fascinating to find out it’s history.