Interview: Actor Tyler Davis on playing Sheldrake in SUNSET BOULEVARD revival

Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary Sunset Boulevard has been reimagined by director Jamie Lloyd for the next generation, and is currently playing at London’s Savoy Theatre. We spoke to actor Tyler Davis who plays Sheldrake in the show.

Sunset Boulevard has become somewhat of a classic. Why do you think audiences love it so much?

Because it is a great story! The characters are fantastically written and the music is cinematic - it’s absolutely indicative of the story we see unfolding onstage.

And what is it about Andrew Lloyd Webber shows in general that you think just captures audiences?

He’s a GREAT songwriter. This show has some of his greatest songs I think. Between ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’, ‘Greatest Star of All’, and the title song ‘Sunset Boulevard’, you’re setting yourself up for a pretty darn good show.

What was the first Lloyd Webber show you saw?

I was 13 years old... I just moved to the UK in 2013... and my family and I went to go see The Phantom of the Opera. Classic!

And how did you first encounter Sunset Boulevard?

Actually, I heard a friend of mine (Dougie Carter - who played Artie in the most recent UK tour of the show) sing ‘Sunset Boulevard’ at a concert many years ago. It’s a catchy song!

This production promises to be quite different from any we've seen before. Can you give us a flavour of what to expect?

If previous productions were Prawn Cocktail, this one is Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli!

You're quite early in your career still and this is your second massive West End musical. How does that feel?

I feel GRATEFUL. It’s exciting to do two shows which feel totally different to each other.

Tell us about Sheldrake and your interpretation of him.

He’s a lot of fun... I’m playing with this character loads, and I’m having a blast. It’s also very interesting to be playing a character who challenges the payment of screen writers - amidst the current WGA Strikes.

Why do you think audiences should come along this fresh imagining of Sunset Boulevard?

Because it is rooted in the absolute truth of the characters and the story. It is unrelentingly heartbreaking and beautiful. 

Sunset Boulevard plays at the Savoy Theatre until 6 January 2024, with tickets available here