Having appeared in Grease last year at West End’s Dominion Theatre as Sonny, George Michaelides is returning to the musical for their UK & Ireland Tour playing Kenickie, with the show opening this Friday (12th April) at Churchill Theatre in Bromley before heading to Dublin on 23rd April. In 2022, George was in the original London cast of NEWSIES playing Romeo at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, and during his time in theatre so far, he has performed on Big Night of Musicals, This Morning, the Olivier Awards, West End Live and The Royal Variety Performance. Last year, George was performing with AljaĹľ Ĺ korjanec and Janette Manrara on their Dancing in a Winter Wonderland Tour, and he previously performed at The London Palladium in 2021 for Here Come The Boys (which also marked his West End debut) and followed up with the 2022 UK Tour. George graduated from Laine Theatre Arts in 2022, and he also has screen experience, having filmed as Abel in Christmas on Mistletoe Farm for Netflix. Speaking with George, we found out from him about playing Kenickie on the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease, being in the original London cast of NEWSIES as Romeo and being part of Here Come The Boys and AljaĹľ and Janette: Dancing in a Winter Wonderland Tour.
Having been part of the West End cast of Grease at the Dominion Theatre last year, how does it feel to be returning to the show for the upcoming UK & Ireland Tour?
I’m so grateful to return to this amazing show, and even more excited for the opportunity to play a new character with a brand new cast. I can’t wait to tour and explore the UK and Ireland and share this production in the most amazing theatres.
You will be playing the role of Kenickie, what is it like rehearsing as the character and what is he like to play?
Stepping into the role of Kenickie has been such an enjoyable challenge to find his arc and growth as a character throughout the show. Kenickie avoids any kind of softness and has an offbeat sense of humour, so I’ve really enjoyed discovering his true emotion and what’s actually underneath the surface.
How is it performing Kenickie’s song Greased Lightnin’ and what was the choreography like to learn?
The process of learning and setting Greased Lightnin’ has been so much fun, as well as getting the chance to perform such an iconic song. It’s so inspiring learning the choreography from Arlene Phillips and Richard Roe and everything planned to the last detail to create an electrifying number.
What do you enjoy most about being part of Grease and was there anything that originally drew you to the musical?
One of my favourite things from last year was simply getting to perform this iconic show every night to thousands of people who know and love the songs. However, I loved being able to deliver our version of the production which people might not be familiar with. This for me is what makes the show so successful, fresh, and relevant today!! Which is why I wanted to be a part of it once again and make a statement with a brand new cast.
You played Sonny in the West End last year, how was it getting into character and how did the West End run go?
I had such an amazing experience last year working alongside the loveliest and most talented bunch of people. Every single person on stage and off made my time there so positive and memorable. Being able to perform at the Dominion was extra special to me as it was always a theatre I wanted to perform in. Getting into character as Sonny was a lot of fun as he’s always getting lost in his own world, so competitive, short fused, aggressive, inappropriate and believes he can do a better job than everyone else. As you can imagine from the way I’ve just described him, there were no limits as to how far I could take him as a character which allowed me so much creative freedom as an actor.
Who do you think will enjoy watching Grease and why would you recommend booking tickets to see the show on tour?
This iconic show is loved by all ages, each generation from the 70s when it first came out until today. Being the youngest cast member as well, I can say that personally in my family, Grease has always been a musical that I’ve been able to discuss and share with my parents and grandparents. This is a show for everybody so make sure you check on the Grease website and come watch us in a theatre near you.
In 2022, you played Romeo in the original London cast of NEWSIES, what are some of your favourite memories from your time in the musical?
Being a part of this show was already so special, but some stand-out moments were the very first standing ovation on opening night, performing at the Olivier Awards and winning Best Choreography, Royal Variety, Big Night of Musicals, and, of course, all the amazing love and support that we received at the stage door every night.
How was it working on the brand-new production at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre?
Being part of an original cast was a dream come true. NEWSIES was also a dream show of mine growing up and one of the main reasons that inspired me to dance. I feel like it’s one of those shows that every young male dancer aspires to do. I feel so grateful and proud to have been a part of this production. It was perfectly brought to life in its home at the Troubadour – the set truly was one of a kind.
You’ve performed at the Big Night of Musicals, This Morning, Olivier Awards and West End Live, how did you find the experience?
Working in TV is so different to working in theatre. All the tiny details are picked up on camera so it’s important to be able to adapt and fit both settings appropriately, for example, spatially, choreographic details and facial expression etc. I’m so fortunate to have been given multiple experiences to perform on TV.
At the end of last year, you were touring with AljaĹľ and Janette: Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, and you performed with Here Come The Boys at The London Palladium in 2021 and on the 2022 UK Tour, what were both shows like to be part of?
Working with the Strictly stars was a very different experience to working in musical theatre. There’s a variety of styles throughout the show that are very dance heavy due to the lack of scenes, dialogue and tend to be more of a collection of choreographic pieces. Overall, Strictly shows tend to be shorter contracts due to performing in different cities every night, staying in hotels and travelling as a cast on the tour bus. I was lucky enough to make my West End debut at 17 with Here Come the Boys at The London Palladium – I’ll always be thankful to Gareth Walker for giving me my first job and for his continual support.
Can you tell us about filming for the Netflix release of Christmas on Mistletoe Farm as Abel?
Christmas on Mistletoe Farm was an opportunity that presented itself while I was at college and I remember just having so much fun being on set, surrounded by amazing people and witnessing the team create this magical Christmas film.
How did you get into acting and what was it like graduating from Laine Theatre Arts in 2022?
My mum was in the industry but moved to Cyprus when she was young to marry my dad. I’d always hear her stories growing up about the amazing things she did, plus singing and dancing was always a given in our household. When I decided at 10 years old this is what I wanted to do, she opened up her own school Young Stars and Performing Arts. My mum trained me until I was 16 before I moved to England to start Laine Theatre Arts. I’d say during my time at Laine is where I found my passion for acting and wanted to focus and pursue all three disciplines. Laine massively helped me hone my skills and develop me into the performer I am now. I had such an amazing time with the best faculty to push me all the way, and I’m very grateful for my time there.
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch?
My absolute favourite show is Jersey Boys and has been since I can remember – it’s the show I’ve gone to watch the most! However, there are so many other shows that I adore which have all been so inspiring to me growing up.
How do you like to spend your time away from performing?
I always just try to spend as much time with the people I love as I know I won’t get to see them much on tour due to our busy schedules. Another thing I love to do is watch football – I’m a huge Arsenal fan!
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