In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week, we’re talking to Greg Barnett, producer (and host!) of Monday Night At The Apollo, opening in the West End next month. The brand-new concert series, will feature some of the West End’s best-known performers, singing an eclectic mix of music from their favourite genres, with 10% of profits donated to charity Acting For Others.
As well as working behind-the-scenes, Greg is also a screen and stage star having worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the country including the RSC, the National Theatre, The BBC to name a few. His theatre credits include These Trees Are Made Of Blood (Southwark Playhouse), This Little Life Of Mine (Park Theatre), Swallows And Amazons (Vaudeville Theatre), Fantastic Mr Fox (UK tour) and The Duchess of Malfi (RSC), just to name a few.
Grab a drink and let’s dive in!
1. My route into theatre was…
Being obsessed with Les Misérables from the first moment I heard the soundtrack and then landing the part of Gavroche at the age of 10 in the West End. Never looked back!!
Greg Barnett, Leo Wringer, Jessica Turner in The Fantastic Follies Of Mrs Rich, 2018. (Photo: Helen Maybanks)
2. My West End idol is…
There have been so many incredible artists in the West End over the years, it’s hard to pick just one idol. But, when I was little, Lea Salonga blew me away as Kim in Miss Saigon, so her.
Rachelle Ann Go (Gigi) and the original 1989 Kim Lea Salonga perform The Movie In My Mind (Photo: Richard Davenport)
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Terrible at maths, but at least he can hold a tune.
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Rent is definitely up there. Loved the Hope Mill version over lockdown directed by the brilliant Luke Sheppard.
Layton Williams as Angel with the cast of RENT (Photo: Matt Crockett)
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
It’s been a tough old ride through lockdown getting our concert series ‘Monday Night at the Apollo’ up and running. We’ve had some major highs and lows, but we’ve finally got dates secured that we feel confident won’t have to be postponed again and it’s one of my proudest achievements that my co-producer Hugh Summers and I kept the faith to make sure that this series will be performed in front of a live audience and will raise funds for the incredible charity ‘Acting for Others’.
6. The hardest part about my role is…
As an actor, waiting for the phone to ring. As a producer, not being able to make everybody’s phone ring.
7. If I wasn’t an actor/producer/director I would be…
I would be a marine biologist. Although I probably wouldn’t ’cause they almost definitely have to be good at maths.
Greg Barnett and Julie Atherton in Therèse Raquin at the Park Theatre (Photo: Darren Bell)
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
At least once a week, I have to leap over a fence into someone’s back garden to retrieve my dog who has found her way in and is creating havoc in their flower beds.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
It’s a marathon not a sprint
Greg Barnett, Tam Williams, Solomon Israel, Sandy Foster, Natasha Lewis in RSC’s Miss Littlewood (Photo: Helen Maybanks)
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Stop trying to sprint
If you’d like to learn more about Monday Night At The Apollo, check out our Theatre Chat Live with Greg where he talks to us about Monday Night At The Apollo and all things stage!