Features

How stagey are you? Aaron Sidwell vs Amelia Lily

Our theatrical battles continue this week with this pair currently starring opposite each other in ”American Idiot”

Aaron Sidwell

Aaron is best known for playing Steven Beale in EastEnders and originating the role of Michael Dork in Loserville.

His other theatre credits include Children of Eden, Carnaby Street, Cool Rider and Ghost.

He is currently playing Johnny in American Idiot at the Arts Theatre.

Amelia Lily

Amelia Lily gained household name status when she finished third on the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011.

She made her stage debut replacing Marcus Collins in the UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat earlier this year, and is currently starring as Whatsername in American Idiot at the Arts Theatre.

What was the last show you went to see?

I went to see Gypsy in June. 1

Book Of Mormon, what an incredible show! 1

How many cast recordings do you own? Which is your favourite?

I live life on Spotify nowadays, but hard copies I'd say around 10.1

Oooooo I think about 7 and Wicked is my favourite, followed by Book of Mormon because it makes me laugh! 1

What is the stagiest picture on your phone?

A poster from American Idiot 1 [Your name on a tube poster = Stagey]

Me as Princess Fiona in Shrek for Children in Need! I was nervous but it was one of my most memorable moments. 1

How many times have you seen Wicked?

Twice. 0

15 times! My brother Lewis played Fiyero quite a few years ago so I was always there lol. I also had the privilege of going backstage whilst the show was on to see how the show works. It's such an incredible show! 2 [Bonus point for epic staginess]

Who would you invite to a dinner party (dead or alive)?

Stephen Fry, J.K Rowling, Kurt Cobain and Marlon Brando 0 [This would be a great meal, but not very stagey]

P!nk! I think I would have heart failure if I ever met her! I think she would be a great dinner/party host too. 0 [Fangirl alert!]

Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts?

To me, Reece Sheersmith because I think he's a genius!

1 [He is, and here’s our interview with him]

Probably Niall Horan lol. 0

Have you ever had your photo taken by Darren Bell?
© Darren Bell

He's my go to guy!1

© Darren Bell

Yes! He did our American Idiot cast shoot! He is bloody brilliant! 1

What is the stagiest thing that’s ever happened to you?

Meeting Sabrina Aloueche. Love you Sabs. 1

My brother made me sing "Defying Gravity" for Rachel Tucker in her dressing room at Wicked. Lols! 1

What is your earliest theatrical memory?

Seeing my godfather in the orignial cast of The Lion King 1

I remember seeing Thoroughly Modern Millie with Amanda Holden in when I was nine and I loved it! 1

What do you like to do after a show?

Get on the train and put on a DVD. At the moment it's Lost. 0

I either go straight home for a bath and bed or go for a drink with the cast and company! Depends if we have two shows the next day lol. 0.5 [half a point for being stagey half the time]

And the winner is…

7/10

Not bad from Mr Sidwell, although he joins Carrie Hope Fletcher and Marc Elliot in joint 6th place. We think he's probably too cool to be truly stagey and imagine he'd rather have a pint of Snakebite and Black in a Camden rock bar than grind the poles at Freedom.

8.5/10

Amelia wins this battle with an impressive score for a West End 'newbie'. We think she likes Wicked a little bit, can you tell?


Next week: Victoria Hamilton Barritt vs Sam Mackay

Stagey League Table

1. Simon Lipkin

10 points


=2. Eva Noblezada

9 points


=2. Jon Robyns

9 points


4. Amelia Lily

8.5 points


5. Cassie Compton

8 points


=6. Carrie Hope Fletcher

7 points


=6. Marc Elliott

7 points


=6. Aaron Sidwell

7 points