Suggs In Our House

Taken From Ticketmaster website May 2003

Interview by Andrew Manktelow and Alexa Williamson

If you were around in the eighties, you will know Suggs, the lead singer of Britain's famous ska band, Madness.  And now with the band's musical Our House, still receiving rave reviews in London's West End, Suggs has joined the cast as Joe's dad until 14th June.  In the meantime, we caught up with Madness' main man to find out exactly what it's like to star in his own musical and why he's seen it 20 times.

How does it feel to be appearing in the show you helped create?

I'm thrilled to be getting the chance to be involved in the show.  It's been amazing to watch the whole thing evolve and the various elements slotting into place during the months of rehearsals.  I have been constantly astounded at the enormity of the project and the concentration and collaboration needed.

What were your feelings when you were approached to play Joe's dad?

A mixture of fear and excitement, but just the right amount of both to help focus on doing the part right.  I was strongly encouraged by Ian Reddington who said that the part could have been written for me and that I should give it a go.  I'm very grateful to him for standing aside for 10 weeks to allow me the opportunity.

Was playing Joe's dad for a week around St. Patrick's Day your first time appearing in a major theatre production?

Yes.  My only previous experience of acting in the theatre before then was back in 1998 in the Portobello Road Stall Holders' panto, but I don't think that it is quite in the same league.

Had you done much stage acting before this?

None at all, but I have spent a lot of time on stage when performing with the band so it is not totally unfamiliar.  I'm still scared though that I'll fall down the stairs mid-song, dragging some of the scenery behind me.

What are you most proud of about Our House?

All of it.  The story, direction, choreography, design, lighting, sound, but most of all the amazing young cast (my self excluded) who are really tremendous.  I'm also very proud because more than anything else it's the best show I've ever seen.  I've been to see it probably 20 times and genuinely get something more out of it each time.