Interview: Actor Stuart Maciver on new West End musical MAGICAL MERLIN
This month sees the West End premiere of new family musical, Magical Merlin, which plays at The Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden from 24-30 October. We spoke to Stuart Maciver who plays Lancelot during rehearsals.
You’re currently rehearsing for Magical Merlin at The Fortune Theatre in London. What first attracted you to the role of Lancelot?
Lancelot is a fun character. He is a bit of a geezer, very into himself but kind of charming! I wouldn't say he is really like me, so that's fun to play something different. There may be a little magic spell cast upon him - which makes playing him even greater fun!!
What can audiences expect from this production? Are there lots of Merlin’s magic and special effects for the family to enjoy?
It's a real family show. It's definitely aimed at children, but there's plenty for the adults too. The songs are all original and super catchy. I definitely have the feeling that I've known them for years! There are of course some special magic surprises which add to the excitement as well, and which will impress the adults as much as the kids!
If you had a time machine and could go back and be anyone in history for one day, who would it be and why?
If I had a time machine I'd want to go far back... We are talking dinosaurs!! Or maybe to early caveman!!
You’ve appeared in another musical as a wizard, Wicked. Can you tell us about that?
I was lucky enough to be part of few different companies of Wicked - the international tour, UK tour and London. Wicked is an amazing musical. The story, the score, the costumes, the message, it's really epic! The more we rehearse for Magical Merlin, the more similarities I actually see between the productions. Obviously, the theme is pretty similar and I happen to understudy the wizard in both (type cast!?) but Merlin - unlike the wonderful Wizard of Oz - does have the power of magic! Both musicals are character led and have powerful messages, which I think is what makes them so impactful.
You’ve performed in venues in London’s West End and on tour. Which is your favourite venue to perform in?
I've performed in a lot of amazing theatres. The scale of some of the international venues such as Theatre at Solaire Singapore and Shanghai Grand is so amazing! I love the theatres of the UK though, they are wrapped in so much history. Probably my favourite has to be the Edinburgh Playhouse. It's the first commercial theatre I ever saw something in, so to perform on that stage was really special - and I think it's the biggest house in the UK, which is pretty cool.
If you could play any role in theatre, non-gender specific, who would it be and why?
Geez, any role in theatre is very difficult. I love showman roles, like PT Barnum in Barnum. Or if we are talking absolutely anything, something meaty like Eva Peron in Evita would be epic!
To book tickets for Magical Merlin, please click here.