Page 15 - Phonebox Magazine May 2016

a very big part – it’s a memorable part – but it’s not a massive part so I shouldn’t have any problems.”
And how is Shaun finding acting alongside Lee and Michelle? “I met Lee for the first time at rehearsals. Michelle I actually shared scenes with in EastEnders in 1996 – I gave Cindy the number of the hit man that shot Ian Beale! And I helped her get on the Eurostar so that she could run away with David Wicks.” In fact, until rehearsals a few weeks back, Shaun hadn’t seen Michelle for about fifteen years!
Shaun has been in many television programmes including Inspector Morse, EastEnders, The Bill, Extras, Waiting For God, and Plebs, but what does Shaun like about theatre that television doesn’t offer? “It’s pretty much out of your control. With television, you do the best you can... The director takes it into the editing room with the editor and they can do what they want with it, really. Whereas on stage it’s up to you, it’s everyone for themselves really – you just get on with it. I’m desperate to do more television; I need to get back into it soon. But I’ve been very lucky lately – I’ve actually been in The Railway Children, which is a beautiful show. So, yeah, I could do with getting back on TV but the trouble
Phonebox Picks
Annie: From 30th May – 4th June, the wonderful production, Annie, will be at Milton Keynes theatre. Often said to be the world’s favourite family musical, this isn’t one to miss. Set in 1930s New York, brave Annie is forced to live in the orphanage but, as things unravel, Annie gets a stroke of luck! Featuring songs such as Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow, this promises to be a fantastic show. Tickets: atgtickets.com
is, when you sign up to do stage work, you sign up for years to come, and it’s a lot really – you can’t do any telly.”
And what are Shaun’s hopes for the coming years? “Well, I’m a writer – I’ve just written for a soap opera in Ireland, and I’ve got various projects with various TV companies so what I really want to do is get one of my projects on television; whether I act in it or not is irrelevant.” Shaun is also continuing to sing when he can, having already released a CD of some of his favourite tracks and won popular television show, Stars in Their Eyes, as Meatloaf.
Finally, what advice would Shaun give to young people hoping to get into acting and television in the future? “Two things really... One is get a trade so that when you’re unemployed you can still earn money. And the other thing is there’s only one of you. We all have our heroes but don’t try and copy them – there’s only one ‘you’ on the planet so work on who you are!”
You can see Shaun Williamson alongside Lee Mead and Michelle Collins from 4th- 14th May in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Milton Keynes Theatre. Book tickets here: atgtickets.com.
What’s on in your area this May
Activities for...
Ultimate Bowie: At The Stables on Saturday 14th May, Ed Blaney takes the spotlight to lead an eight-piece band playing Bowie’s ultimate hits and popular songs. From Starman to Let’s Dance, this show captures the essence of David Bowie’s music career perfectly. Tickets: stables.org
Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Time: The multi-award winning presenter, comedian, actor, scriptwriter and author is back with his Right Man, Wrong Time tour and he’ll be at Bedford Corn Exchange for one night only on Thursday 19th May. Best known for his appearances on Celebrity Juice, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, and BBC3’s Unzipped, this promises to be a fantastic gig. He will be talking about being the ‘right’ age, growing up, and growing down! Tickets: bedfordcornexchange.co.uk
May 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 15
Tots:
A fun, interactive Storybook Café session is taking place on Mondays in Olney Library for children aged 18 months to 2 years. The session runs from 10am-11am and consists of sharing a story together followed by a fun craft activity. This focuses on developing children’s speech, communication and language skills. Visit milton-keynes.gov.uk/ children-young-people-families/woodlands- children-s-centre for more information.
Teens:
This month, The Stables are hosting an Introduction to Live Sound Engineering workshop for individuals aged 15 years and older. The workshop offers a basic introduction to the world of live sound engineering, and will cover types of microphone and placement, how to use a mixing desk, and more. It is suitable for complete beginners or anyone who wants to develop their understanding of live sound. To book, visit stables.org.
Terrors:
On 21st May, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is hosting a Swishwiffling Storytelling Workshop! Aimed at children aged 6+ and a dyslexic-friendly session, the workshop will help children create their own ‘silly story’ using pictures and props, and they will then perform it too. This workshop is just £3 per child plus museum entry fee. Pre-booking is recommended. To do so, call 01494 892192. Any unsold workshop tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis on the day.
... And the whole family:
On 27th May, The Woodland Trust bat experts will be hosting a Bat Walk at Penn Woods. You can see the bats swooping around in search of food, and the Woodland Trust experts will be there to help you learn more about the bats. They will meet at 8pm in the Penn Street Church Car Park (postcode: HP7 0PY). This Bat Walk is free of charge but booking is essential before you go. For more information, email centralevents@ woodlandtrust.org.uk.