On Tuesday 17th March, Connor Carson will be in the cast of the one-night-only, semi-staged, gala performance of ROSIE: A New Musical at the Adelphi Theatre as James Walker. The musical is based on the true story of Miss Rosie Boote, and Connor will work alongside a cast including Lucy Thomas, Will Callan, Desmonda Cathabel and Madalena Alberto for the musical’s West End premiere. Connor starred as Brad Majors in Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show both in the West End and on the UK Tour opposite Lauren Chia as Janet, also performing with Jason Donovan as Dr. Frank-N-Furter during the run, and he played Lee in Closer to Heaven at the Turbine Theatre. Further projects for Connor include the workshop of Romy & Michele: The Musical for MTFestUK, making his West End musical debut as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, touring with Footloose as Chuck, and he originated the role of Randall in Bring It On. Speaking with Connor, he told us about the one-night-only, semi-staged, gala performance of ROSIE: A New Musical, starring as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show and his West End musical debut in The Phantom of the Opera.

With ROSIE: A New Musical open for a one-night-only, semi-staged, gala performance at the Adelphi Theatre on Tuesday 17th March, can you tell us about the musical and your character James Walker?

ROSIE is set in Victorian times and tells the story of Rosie Boote, who grows up in a convent in Ireland following the death of her father. Growing up, she dreams of being a singer and, with the blessing of the nuns, eventually travels to London to pursue this dream when she’s old enough.

Once there, she’s befriended by a London local, Lily, and manages to get an audition for a new musical at a theatre. She is also introduced to Geoffrey and James, two members of the Household Cavalry, on a night out in a local restaurant.

The story mainly follows the unfolding love story between Rosie and Geoffrey, and the significance of an upper-class Marquis (Geoffrey) falling in love with a ‘nobody’ in those times. It highlights the value of unity and non-judgment of people’s backgrounds.

James is Geoffrey’s friend from the cavalry – a bit more of a wind-up merchant than Geoffrey’s calmer demeanour. He also develops a romance of his own in the second act – but I won’t spoil it!

How does it feel to be part of telling the true story of Miss Rosie Boote and how has it been learning about her through the script and preparation?

It always adds depth and responsibility to performing a story, knowing these were real people and their real experiences. I’ve read some accounts describing Geoffrey and Rosie as the original Will and Kate! It’s encouraging to see that stories of love transcending class or family status seem to continue to strike a chord with people, from those times right through to the present day. It’s nice to be reminded of the important things in life. Rosie sounded like an intriguing woman.

What are you looking forward to for performing alongside Lucy Thomas (Rosie Boote), Will Callan (Geoffrey Taylour Marquis of Headfirst), Desmonda Cathabel (Lily Turner), Madalena Alberto (Annie Boote) and the rest of the cast, and have you worked with any of them previously?

I haven’t worked with any of them before, but I listened to Madalena’s I Dreamed a Dream countless times in my teens, and have eaten a kebab in Soho with Will a few months ago. London’s a small place! The team have put together a real all-star cast for ROSIE, and I’m equally humbled and excited to be part of it. And I’m looking forward to singing with Desmonda after seeing her as Jasmine in Aladdin when we were both on tour in Liverpool last year (in different shows!).

How different are you finding being involved with ROSIE as a semi-staged gala performance opposed to fully-staged musicals and workshops, and was there anything that originally drew you to the show?

I think the main difference will be the rehearsal period – a couple of weeks isn’t long to get a show on its feet. We’ve been sent a lot of the material to learn ahead of time, so hopefully the homework will pay off. I’ve had my highlighters out.

I think one of the main draws is the stunning score; it’s one of the best sets of songs in a new musical that I’ve heard in a long time.

Who do you think the musical will appeal to and why would you recommend booking tickets (subject to availability) for the show’s West End debut?

As someone who grew up in rural Ireland dreaming of performing in the West End – me! But I think ROSIE will be relatable for anyone who has grown up dreaming of more for themselves, and for anyone who believes in the power of love. All the softies?!

In 2024, you starred as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show at the Dominion Theatre in the West End, before taking the show on a UK Tour later that year and throughout 2025; what are some of your favourite highlights from performing in The Rocky Horror Show in London and around the UK?

Playing Brad has definitely been a career highlight for me. I’ve never experienced anything like the audiences we had over the course of the tour (Glasgow, I’m looking at you!), and I’m not sure my eardrums will ever recover.

Some highlights were rocking the Dominion Theatre in the West End, where we sang on stage with Richard O’Brien at the gala night curtain call, and our various narrators throughout the course of the year – each bringing their own style and jokes to the show, which kept it thoroughly entertaining for cast and audiences alike. And not forgetting working with the legend Jason Donovan! Never a dull moment.

Had you seen a previous live production of the musical or the 1975 film adaptation before auditioning and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the starring role?

I booked the job completely cold on Rocky Horror – I had never seen the film or the show. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! What a pleasant, bonkers surprise it all turned out to be.

How was it getting into character as Brad Majors, and what was it like seeing the audience response to The Rocky Horror Show?

Luckily, there wasn’t much acting required in order to be daunted at being shoved into a pair of heels unexpectedly – I was able to channel our first day of rehearsals pretty easily. I loved playing Brad, particularly opposite my Janet, who was played by Lauren Chia. I’ve never laughed so much on a job! And our audiences were basically our final cast member each night, but one with no self-control and a wicked sense of humour. Some of the shout outs will stay with me for the rest of my life.

You played Lee in Closer to Heaven at the Turbine Theatre, how was this?

This show was a hedonistic fever dream. I got to work with some crazy, talented people, and have Frances Ruffelle (original West End Éponine) straddle my half-naked body. Wasn’t on my bingo card. And Boy George came to watch!

What was it like workshopping Romy & Michele: The Musical as Billy Christianson as part of MTFestUK?

Working on Romy & Michele was a joy – the original movie is such a cult classic, and the creative team and writers have really managed to capture the humour and heart of the film, along with some really catchy tunes! We all had a blast together, and it’s been great to see it finally get a fully-fledged production off-Broadway with Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay. Hopefully, it continues to have more life.

What did you enjoy most about being in the cast of The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre for your West End musical debut and how was it covering the role of Raoul?

Raoul was my dream role since I was a teen, so getting to cover it in London was an absolute dream come true – and a full-circle moment for sure. My final-year primary school teacher wrote me a certificate that said, ‘Person most likely to play The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway’. I consider Raoul in the West End close enough!

I was lucky enough to have a brilliant team in Matt Blaker (full-time Raoul) and Ralph Watts (second cover Raoul), who are both mega talented and supportive, as well as a host of incredible Phantoms and Christines that I got to play opposite across the course of the year. And the best dressing room buddies. Fond memories!

How did you find the experience performing on the 2022 UK Tour of Footloose as Chuck and making your debut after joining the show and learning the role in three days?

This was a complete whirlwind – and luckily so, as it was so bonkers that I don’t think stopping to think about it would have been helpful! But the show must go on, and the Footloose cast and team were mega supportive in getting me rehearsed in what minuscule time we had! I had never even heard the music or watched the film two days before playing Chuck to a paying audience. Hopefully, no one asked for a refund!

Do you have any stand-out memories from originating the character of Randall in the UK premiere of Bring It On in 2021 that you can share?

This was still probably my favourite job to date. It was such an exciting time, and there was a huge buzz around putting on the show in the UK for the first time. I will never stop being in awe of what the dancers and gymnasts achieved in that show. Truly humbling!

This was my first lead role in a full-blown London production, so it will always be super special to me. There are some really tender moments in the show that really reminded me why I wanted to be an actor in theatre. Loved it.

Where does your love of acting come from and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I actually wanted to be a doctor the whole way through school, but as I did more and more singing and theatre in my teens, my academic interest magically seemed to evaporate, particularly during my A-levels. I was drawn to the creativity, the music, and the connection that you only really get from live theatre; I just don’t think it can be replicated. And there’s nothing like being on stage to make you feel alive.

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?

Hadestown has been one of my favourite shows I’ve seen in London in a long time. I was floored. I wish I’d managed to catch Desmonda as Eurydice. Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National also hit me like a ton of bricks a few years ago. One I’m looking forward to is Pride at the National later in the year, not least because I’ve got a couple of mates in it. ‘Pride’ is very fitting!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Most of my free time is spent shooting portraits of other actors (@carsonfairleyportraits on Instagram), eating pastries, and going to the gym. All with an oat flat white in hand!