James Hill On … Annie

Stockport born James Hill is about to performat the Palace Theatre in Manchester – as part of their stage experience – which this year is the hit musical Annie. He plays Rooster and we caught up with the 18 year old to find out how he feels about this great experience.

What is your favourite musical?
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim.

And your favourite song from a show?
“No More” from Into the Woods.

What made you want to take part in Stage Experience this year?
 It was such a great experience to have performed at the Opera House last year in Fame and now to perform at the Palace Theatre this year. Not many people my age can say they’ve performed at the two biggest theatres in Manchester in a lead role. It was alot of fun last year and it helped me to develop as a performer. It’s such an amazing opportunity for people my age with aspirations to be an actor and I’m just so glad to be back this year. Hopefully it will be even better than last year.

What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to getting straight into rehearsals and feeling the buzz and energy from the whole cast as this is such an exciting show to be part of. Obviously, I’m looking forward to the actual performances as you can always feel the energy coming from the audience. That energy just spurs you on and you honestly have a whale of a time.

Will you be nervous on opening night?
Most likely!  You don’t know what kind of reaction you’re going to get  from the audience when you’re just in rehearsals, but once you hear the audience in the theatre the nerves kick in. But the nerves are good as they help you to give a better performance!

How does it feel knowing that you are going to be performing at the Palace Theatre?
It’s very exciting! I’ve seen lots of shows there and really felt inspired and spurred on to become an actor. I’m so lucky to have the opportunity for those few performances to feel like I’m in a professional show. I also feel so lucky to have the support from my family to follow my dream as it’s such a hard industry to get into which is why Stage Experience is a great opportunity for people like me. Hopefully it won’t be long till I’m performing at the Palace Theatre as a professional actor AND being paid to do what I love!