Posi Morakinyo has been announced to play Raymond Hill in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which would mark his West End debut, and just before he was due to open in the production, theatres around the world closed due to the current pandemic. After training at Italia Conti, Posi booked his first professional role, touring the UK and internationally as Marty in Madagascar the Musical. Recently chatting with Posi, he answers our questions about preparing to make his West End debut in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, playing Marty in Madagascar and training at Italia Conti.
You were about to start your run in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical before theatres closed, how did it feel joining the cast?
I was absolutely ecstatic. Watching the show for the very first time felt incredibly surreal, and I couldn’t believe I was going to be a part of that.
What did you know about the show before auditioning?
I knew that my friend Aisha Jawando was Tina before I knew about Tina Turner, and I was familiar with her songs, but I knew nothing about her story.
What was it like rehearsing for your role as Raymond Hill?
I really enjoyed it. There wasn’t a huge amount of information or resources about him, which at the start proved slightly challenging. With the help of the amazing creatives on the show, I began to adapt my thinking which then allowed me to create my own Raymond Hill.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to most for starting your West End debut?
The culture, being in London and meeting new performers and people. I can’t wait to have a routine and perform every night.
After graduating, you booked your first professional role as Marty in Madagascar the Musical, how was it booking your professional debut?
It was an honour. Although it meant leaving college early and missing out on my last summer show, it was such a brilliant introduction to what the industry could be. To put the cherry on top, I got to tour internationally, which was something I’d never dreamed of.
What was Marty like to play?
It was interesting. I’d have never thought that you could develop a cartoon character to such minute detail. Again, with the help of the creatives, I was able to take the character off the screen and really get into the mindset of Marty.
How was it getting into character for your first show?
It was actually exactly how I imagined. I had done shows before but never to the level of a professional touring company.
How did you find the experience touring with a production?
It took me to some incredible destinations, which was a great experience. Travelling the continent of Asia whilst doing something I love was a dream combination, and I still can’t quite believe that I did that.
Was there anything that encouraged you to have a musical theatre career?
I watched In The Heights, which was the first ever musical I watched. I then went on to watch Dreamgirls and Five Guys Named Moe. Seeing so much representation of myself in these shows made me realise that my dreams were achievable.
What was your first experience of acting?
My first tangible memory of acting was in secondary school. I did plays in drama such as Lord of the Flies and The Crucible. I also did musicals such as The Pirates of Penzance and Copacabana. Looking back, I’m so glad that I did them because it gave me a small understanding of what it’s like to be a part of a theatrical production.
Had you always known you wanted to train at Italia Conti?
Funnily enough, I never actually knew about performing arts schools. I used to watch School For Stars on CBBC and could only dream about going to a school like that. The only reason I decided to go was that I didn’t want to go to college and I knew I wouldn’t survive in sixth form.
What shows did you perform in whilst training and can you say more about them?
We did Sweet Charity and Our House for my third year musicals. Sweet Charity was such an amazing experience, and the whole process was so great. I played Daddy Brubeck, which was a bucket load of fun. The show really encouraged me to go for musical theatre because I never knew I could have so much fun.
Do you have a favourite theatre show of all time?
I love different pieces of theatre for lots of different reasons, so that’s a bit of a sticky one. I’d say one of my favourites was a play I watched at The Old Vic called A Monster Calls. I’ve never seen theatre like that in my entire life, and it was honestly a privilege to watch.
What interests do you have other than acting?
I really like sports. I’ve always been active and incredibly competitive, so sports was a good release for me. I love spending time with my friends, and I also like doing anything that stimulates my brain.
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