Currently, Jack Danson is playing Romeo in the UK & Ireland Tour of & Juliet, working opposite Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, and closely with a cast including Lara Denning (Anne Hathaway) and Kyle Cox (Francois). & Juliet is open at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton until 12th October, before heading to Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on the 14th, continuing around the UK, and Jack is directed by Luke Sheppard for the Max Martin musical. Last year, Jack played Dick Whittington at the Richmond Theatre for their pantomime, and he has previously toured South Korea and Taiwan as Rum Tum Tugger in CATS, and made his West End and professional debut in 2021 playing Sky in MAMMA MIA!, performing at West End Live during his run. We chatted to Jack about touring as Romeo in & Juliet, his time as Rum Tum Tugger in CATS and making his West End and professional debut as Sky in MAMMA MIA!.
Was there anything that drew you to the role of Romeo in & Juliet and how does it feel to be part of the UK & Ireland Tour?
I watched it in 2019, felt the part was incredible, and was inspired by Jordan Luke Gage‘s performance. It’s great to be part of the tour and visiting all of the UK that hasn’t yet experienced this genius musical.
What is Romeo like to play?
He’s intense, extremely fun and a pleasure to play.
What is it like working alongside Gerardine Sacdalan (who plays Juliet) and the rest of the cast, and being directed by Luke Sheppard?
Great! The cast is amazing, from all different areas of the industry and Luke Sheppard is an absolute genius, the best there is. It’s been an honour to work with someone of that standard.
Do you have a favourite song in & Juliet and how has it been learning the Max Martin music?
Favourite song is One More Try, it’s beautifully written and so satisfying to sing and it really makes sense with the story. Again, it’s another honour to perform these songs, by such an expert in the music industry.
How has the tour been going so far?
It’s been busy, enjoyable and fun.
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see the UK & Ireland Tour of & Juliet?
It’s an inclusive musical, for everyone – a Shakespearean story with a modern musical twist. Buy your tickets now!
Over Christmas last year, you starred as Dick Whittington in Richmond Theatre’s pantomime Dick Whittington, what did you enjoy most about working on a pantomime?
Freedom, improvisation, and getting to work with all people on different sides of the entertainment industry.
How did you find the experience touring with CATS in South Korea and Taiwan as Rum Tum Tugger?
Absolutely incredible. One of the best experiences of my life! CATS is an extremely unique musical and Rum Tum Tugger was my spirit animal.
You made your West End debut in 2021 as Sky in MAMMA MIA!, what are some of your favourite memories from your time in the production?
Singing ABBA every night was very fun! It was my introduction into professional theatre and it was a great learning experience for me.
Whilst in the show, you performed twice at West End Live, how was this?
A mind-blowing experience performing to such a crowd of talented industry folk. Great fun!
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
I joined my local drama group as a little boy and experienced what performing in front of an audience felt like then and I was hooked.
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
Favourites: The Book of Mormon and Les MisĂ©rables. I haven’t seen Cabaret yet, I’d like to catch that next time I’m in London.
How do you like to spend your time away from performing?
Creating social media content, practicing martial arts, and sleeping!!!
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