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. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Greg Barnett, who will be the host of Live At Lola’s: A Musical Chat Show With Stars Of The West End.
Find out more about Greg and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
I played Gavroche in the West End when I was 10yo and have been acting ever since.
2. My West End idol is…
So many amazing people to have graced the West End stage. My current favourite is Katie Brayben, who is starring in Tammy Faye. Her performance is incredible!!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
A Labradoodle
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in) is…
Miss Saigon. It was one of the first shows I ever listened to as a kid. My parents wouldn’t let me see it to begin with because they thought it was a bit too raunchy for a child of my age. I remember storming off to my bedroom in a major huff and belting out ‘Why God Why’ at the top of my voice.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Putting on the concert series ‘Monday Night at the Apollo’ during the pandemic. Every time we got close to opening the show we were hit with another lockdown; but we perservered and staged two incredible shows to capacity audiences. These musical chat show concerts have led us to join forces with New Frame Productions to create ‘Live at Lola’s‘ which has its first show Thursday 8 December – 7pm at The Hippodrome London.
6. The hardest part about my role is…
Time keeping!! Hosting a musical chat show, I have to get the cast chatting about their lives and careers as well as singing us some of their favourite songs, all within the time frame of the evening. These stars have so many fun/interesting stories and anecdotes to share that it’s hard not to lose track of time!
7. If I didn’t work in theatre I would be…
Anything to do with animals. Just saw on insta that being a Panda Cuddler is a job in china. I’d like to do that please!
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I had a near death experience when I was filming in Morocco. I took a trip to the river on the back of my friend’s motorbike and he let me have a go at driving as we crossed the bridge. I hit the accelerator a bit too hard and my friend went flying off the back as I headed straight for the side of the bridge. I was somehow able to get a foothold to stop myself falling as the front wheel hung dangerously over the edge, threatening to topple me and the bike into the rapids below. With great effort, my friend managed to drag me back over to safety. He never let me drive again!
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Live life like no-one is watching!!
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Don’t rush. Enjoy the journey!!
