Show and Stay ^® Interview Avenue Q Star Daniel Boys

One of the most successful transfers from Broadway , Avenue Q has taken the West End by storm. Exciting, hilarious and unlike anything else currently playing in the capital, we spoke to Daniel Boys about his meteoric rise to stardom, that reality programme Any Dream Will Do and just how he feels about life on Avenue Q.

So, Daniel when did you first decide that you wanted to become an actor?

Ever since I can remember. I was always in the school productions so I guess that’s where I first got interested.

How do you find acting in musicals compared to acting in pantomimes, on television or in concerts?

I have only ever done theatre so this is difficult to answer, however, there is no doubt that Avenue Q is the hardest job that I have had. Puppetry is/was a new skill for me to learn and a very difficult one too! It hurt my arm a lot in rehearsals. Thankfully I’m used to it now and it doesn’t seem to hurt so much. It’s great acting with puppets I’ve become quite attached to them. I am getting used to doing 8 shows a week too.

With such an interest in theatre have you ever considered roles in film or television?

Yes, I’d love to work in both TV and film. It’s difficult to be seen for these having just musical theatre on my CV. It’s frustrating.

I can imagine, appearing on Any Dream Will Do must have been all the more exciting for you. How do you think the TV talent search influenced your career?

Any Dream will Do is the most surreal but exciting audition process that I have ever gone through. It was incredible to get to work with and sing to such important people such as ‘The Lord’. And also to think that each week 7 million people in the UK alone were watching me sing. It was very exciting. There is no question that it has helped me. It’s given me a newfound confidence in myself, which I was lacking and it has also helped me create a certain profile for myself, which is so important in this very tough business.

Have you been surprised by the public response since Any Dream Will Do?

When I was in Any Dream Will Do I loved all the handmade cards I received from the kids who watched the show. I was very touched. Fans of the TV show still stop me in the street and come to the stage door to meet me after the show. It’s so surreal but lovely.

We neglect to tell Daniel that Show and Stay^® have lurked by the stage door of the Noël Coward Theatre on many an occasion...purely for the atmosphere you understand.

Where do you see the future of the West End? With major celebrities like Josh Hartnett and Jude Law flocking to the stage to take part in major plays and musicals, do you think that theatre will have to depend on famous casts in the future to succeed?

There have always been stars in the West End to bring in the punters. Audience members like to come and see someone they know or have heard of, who is famous.

You have performed in some of the best-loved musicals of all time (Rent, Grease and West Side Story), what sets Avenue Q apart from these?

It is a unique show. There’s nothing like it.

What appealed to you most about Avenue Q? I read on your MySpace page that this is one of your "dream roles"?

It is one of the great leading roles in the West End with the added challenge of the puppeteering. Also, I love this script and the music. It has real heart to the story.

So how did you land the leading role of 'Princeton' and 'Rod'?

My agent got me an interview. But I had to audition with a puppet as well and then there was a week of intensive puppet school.

That's a long long audition process. I've previously spoken to your co-star Rebecca Lock and I understand that it can be quite a strain performing so many shows a week for Avenue Q. How do you deal with the physical demands of the role?

Since we started rehearsals we have been training up to the physical demands of the show. We have a massage each week and I exercise at the gym most days and I try and eat as healthily as I can. We also do a physical and vocal warm-up before the show.

Phew! Sounds like hard work. Here at Show and Stay^® we think Avenue Q is hilarious, is it as much fun behind the scenes as it appears to be on stage?

It is a fun company with lovely stage management and crew. It is great backstage but I spend most of the show onstage!

So other than to come and see you, why should we take a trip to Avenue Q?

Because it’s the funniest show in the West End. You’ll have a fantastic night and you’ll leave smiling

As a West End actor you must be constantly busy, what's an average day like for Daniel Boys?

I get up late, go to the gym, have lunch, watch Neighbours, shopping with friends then into the theatre.

And finally Daniel..What's next for you?

I love musicals but would love to do some TV work too and I would also like to record an Album one day. I was recently lucky enough to support John Barrowman on his first solo UK tour. Singing in front of screaming crowds gave me such a buzz and I now have the bug. Watch this space.

And with that we bid a fond farewell to Daniel and the colourful streets of Avenue Q. Fingers crossed he'll let Show and Stay^® come back to see him next year, if you ever want company whilst watching Neighbours Daniel.....