In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Glenn Adamson, who plays the electric ‘witch-boy’ John, in the world premiere of the new rock musical Dark Of The Moon, on now until 8 August at Charing Cross Theatre.
1) My route into theatre was…
I started at my local youth theatre in Peterborough. I was struck by the bug. I was desperate to do musical theatre but no MT courses would take me. I ended up going to LIPA to do the acting degree. It turned out to be the perfect place for me. It emerged me in the music of the Beatles whilst learning to act. And suddenly I found my passion for rock musicals!
2) My West End idol is…
Michael Xavier.
The day before my drama school showcase, I came to watch West End Live and Michael was performing. I literally looked up to the sky and asked the universe to help me get an agent and one day be as big as him! I haven’t managed to be as big as him yet but we have worked together in Love Songs at the Apollo in town and it was such a full circle moment for me.
3) My colleagues would describe me as…
Naughty, mischievous and slightly weird. (I asked them this!)
4) My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Just For One Day! I loved it.
5) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
My niece is my toughest critic. She’s brutally honest and always gives me a very honest review of shows. She wrote me a little post-it note after she saw me in ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ saying, ‘Well done for your show tonight. You were amazing!’. It thawed my icy heart. She now sings ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’ at karaoke all the time, and it makes me so happy.
6) The hardest part about my job/role is…
The inner self critic. I’ve really struggled all my life with anxiety and I have to really manage it. I have an amazing therapist through Industry Minds that has changed my life. I will beat myself up for every mistake, bad delivery, or shaky note. But I’m working hard to treat it all less like it’s life and death!
7) If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
An agent! I’m so passionate about the careers of others and where I see them going. I’d love to nurture the stars of tomorrow!
8) Something people don’t know about me is…
That I’m not actually a rock n’ roll wild-boy. Everyone assumes I’m going to be this off-the-wall Rolling Stone. I’m really most comfortable with a cup of tea listening to a Vinyl.
9) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Hannah Waddingham turned my life around at Drama School when she told me ‘You could really work in musical theatre if you just learn what your voice can do and what you offer!’ Up until then I had no faith I’d ever be allowed into the Musical Theatre club! She also helped me see that I didn’t have to be the image I thought Musical Theatre performers needed to be!
10) The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
You will find your tribe one day at the theatre. The bullies are only for now and you don’t have to hide who you really are to be liked!
Get your tickets to see Glenn in Dark Of The Moon at the Charing Cross Theatre now!
