Laurence Connor: Episode One

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this first episode Laurence talks to me about:

• How a teacher inspired him to become an actor.
• Why he was just one audition away from giving up acting.
• Why West Side Story was so important to him in his early career.
• Why he thinks he's a much better director than he ever was an actor.
• Getting his first proper acting job - on tour with Les Mis.
• His big break (doesn't get much bigger than this!).
• Becoming director of The King and I... and sometimes butting heads with Elaine Page.
• Why children are often easier to work with than adults!

Look out for episodes two and three - and Laurence has the most AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
Jason Donovan and the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1991 production
The King and I, 2000 cast recording
Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
West Side Story, original motion picture soundtrack
Slice of Saturday Night, original London cast recording

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)