Theatre and Dance Previews

When Stephen Gately left the company of Godspell after a just a week of its tour, director Paul Kerryson looked to understudy Tom Bradley as a possible permanent replacement.

Tom, 20, had just one show to prove himself in this demanding role, but was an instant hit and has now really made the part his own. Therefore, it will be Tom that audiences will see in Dunstable when the show comes to the Grove Theatre this month, and they may also recognise him from ITV's Grease is the Word, where he reached the live show stage of the national search for a Danny Zuko.

"When Stephen left the show I was basically given a Saturday matinee to do my thing and see if it would hold in the show" explained Tom.

"It's certainly given me an opportunity that I otherwise wouldn't have had, everything happens for a reason doesn't it, so I was very lucky in that sense."

Satisfied

This latest episode was just another step in Tom's career, in which Paul Kerryson has featured quite a lot.

Godspell

He first worked with Tom when he cast him as Artful Dodger in his Leicester Haymarket production of Oliver - when Tom was just 12. After Tom had gone on to train as an actor, Paul then cast him as the Scarecrow in his 2006 production of Wizard of Oz so when Tom auditioned for Godspell he had no hesitation in contracting him as one of the ensemble.

"Yes, he's been very good to me in terms of work and I'd like to think I've been good to him in terms of repaying him with performances that he feels satisfied and happy with" said Tom.

Godspell was first performed in 1971 and features a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz and a string of international hits including “Day By Day”, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” and “By My Side”. It became one of the biggest Broadway successes of all time with productions worldwide. The show, written by college student John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz (of Pippin, and more recently Wicked fame), went on to win rave reviews and a Grammy Award for Best Score.

But it's also quite a difficult show to describe.

"I would definitely say that it's the kind of musical that from a director's point of view is a blank canvas" explained Tom.

"It's a director's dream because you can do what you want with it.

"The show is based on the gospel of St Matthew and the teachings within that gospel and so really you can do anything with it. Previous productions have been based in a classroom and a world summit and a junk yard, and they've been based in the past and the future. There's no real storyline but there's certainly a sequence of events, so it's more of a night out than it is a musical I would say - that's how I've been describing it to people!

"The show's been around for about 35 years, so it's stood the test of time and because everyone's heard of the Bible, even if they don't believe in it or have never read it, everyone can relate to it in some way. But the great thing about the show is that it doesn't preach in any way, there's no "this is how you should live your life" it's just "this is the way we like to think of it" and it gives a very modern interpretation of it."

Accessible

Tom also explained how this production has been made as accessible as possible to today's audiences.

"We've taken a lot of modern references to bring the show really up to date just so that people can relate to it" he revealed.

Tom Bradley

"People sometimes find it difficult to understand because most of the language is taken directly from the Bible, so to appreciate what's going on the stage is difficult. That's why we've taken all these modern influences and given modern examples of the various parables that are going on. There are references to modern comedy shows and little impersonations of people who are in the public eye at the moment.

"For example, when people are talking about the tax gatherers we'll throw in a quick impersonation of Gordon Brown" he added.

"I would say that if you want a good night out and a lot of fun in a very audience-orientated musical then you have to come and see this show. It's a brilliant fun night out and it's a good laugh. Everyone on the stage is having a blast so everyone in the audience is bound to have a good time!"

Odd

Before joining Godspell, Tom was one of the final eight men who reached the televised live show stage of ITV¹s 'Grease Is The Word'. And although it was a useful experience, which he went into with a very positive attitude, he feels that it was also quite strange.

"I went in with the attitude of I'm a young out of work actor and I've got nothing to lose" he explained.

"I'd not got any kind of profile prior to that, other than the odd show, so I had everything to gain and nothing to lose. I never dreamt I'd get as far as I did, it was just a case of go and hope for the best, see what happens and enjoy the enjoy the experience.

"But it was odd because seven of the eight lads in the final would never have been in the final call at an actual audition. It's not that kind of set up. The people that got to the final were there for votes. They were there for people to watch the show and vote and see how far they could get. I would never have cast myself as Danny in Grease because I think I looked too young and I'm not sturdy looking enough to play the role - based on who's been cast as Danny Zuko in the past!

"But it's good for the industry because it's bringing musical theatre back to the attention of the media and the general public which is a good thing overall."