Interview with Joshua Mumby
Joshua is spending his summer at the Hippodrome Casino in the Blues Brothers Summer Special. So I caught up with him before they open to discuss The Blues Brothers, the era and who would be at his special dinner party table Andy more?
But first here is Josh’s Bio.
JOSHUA MUMBY BIOGRAPHY
Training: Joshua trained at Liverpool Theatre School
Theatre credits
An Idle World (Trafalgar Studios); The Blues Brothers – Live & Xmas Special (Arts Theatre, Lowry Theatre and Edinburgh Festival); The Rat Pack Live (Edinburgh Festival); Oliver! (Southport Theatre); Hansel and Gretel (UK Tour); Beauty and the Beast (Brindley Theatre & Grimsby Auditorium); Rastamouse and The Gruffalo (Unit 10); An Apple A Day (UK Tour); Boeing, Boeing (International Cruise); Girls With Balls (UK Tour); Jack and the Beanstalk (Southport Theatre and Brindley Theatre); Snow White (Grimsby Auditorium); Treasure Island (UK Tour).
Films
Nowhere Boy (Ecosse Films/Film 4); Cronicles of Caiden (Rice Pictures); The Games (Nuffield Films); Perfect Trip (Metal Ferret Productions); Just A Cuppa (Simons Films)
Radio
The Rat Pack Live (BBC Radio 2); The Weekend Warm Up (LIPA Radio)
Directing and creative work
The Blues Brothers: Xmas Special, Director (Arts Theatre); The Rat Pack Live, Director (Edinburgh Festival); The Blues Brothers – Live, Director (Lowry Theatre & Edinburgh Festival); Beauty and the Beast, Assistant Director (Brindley Theatre); Snow White, Peter Pan, Dick Whittington, Creative Director (Showtime Productions); Friend Like Me, Swing Into Christmas and The Hollywood Experience, Creative Director (J.A.M. Entertainments); Let’s Face The Music, Creator (Cabaret).
What is your favourite number in the show?
It’s really difficult to say, there’s 33 numbers in the show. But I think probably it’s a new one that’s been added – Martha and The Vandella’s Dancing In The Streets. I sing it with my on stage brother (David Kristopher-Brown) who plays Jake and it’s just great fun.
There’s an authenticity to the show because there is additional material which has come from the original star Dan Ayckroyd and Judith Belushi widow of John Belushi. (For those that don’t know the story of The Blues Brothers they were originally created by Ayckroyd and Belushi as a sketch for Saturday Night Live in 1978)
When did you first realise you wanted to perform?
I started on stage at the age of 3, I had two older sisters who were already on stage and it just happened. I remember having singing lessons at 7 and it’s just always been part of my life.
What’s your aspirational role?
Just to keep working really, it’s a tough job and you have periods of time not working so you really appreciate it when you are. But probably if had to choose one I’d choose Javert in Les Mis it’s a great role.
Who would you love to work with?
I really admire Judi Dench. I love that generation of actors who worked their way up the ladder through repertory. Their work ethos to work hard is what I admire.
What’s next after this residency?
A holiday and then I’ll be doing pantomime in Bradford which is Aladdin. There might be something in between but we’ll see.
Best job so far?
Probably this one. We did West End live a few weeks ago and we had an incredible response, probably introducing the music to a new generation. That was always Dan Ayckroyd and John Belushi’s vision for it. We’re involved with John Belushi’s widow and so there’s a real authenticity to the show.
If you could go back in time when would you go back to?
My mum has always said I was born in the wrong era so I would go back to the start of 1960’s. The music I really love and the people like Frank Sinatra. That was just a great time.
If you could be a super hero or have a super power what would you choose?
To be able to get anywhere by the click of your fingers and to fly.
Choose Three guests for a special dinner party?
Judi Dench
Frank Sinatra
My grandmother because she passed away when I was really young and my mum says she was always singing and they’d always try to go to London when they could afford it and see a show. So she was probably a lot of the reason why I’m doing this.
And finally……
You can see Josh donning his shades at The Hippodrome Casino for The Blues Brothers Summer Special until 26th August. If this interview was anything to go by it’s going to be a huge amount of fun! Thanks for your time Josh and as always thanks for reading everyone. Booking details below!
LISTINGS
Title
BLUES BROTHERS – SUMMER SPECIAL
Where?
THE HIPPODROME
When?
Tuesday 18 July – Saturday 26 August
Over 18’s Only
Performance Times
Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Saturday Matinee 2.30pm
Sunday 5pm
Press Night: Friday 21 July 2017
Ticket Prices
From £15
Address
London Hippodrome, Cranbourn St, London, WC2H 7JH
Box Office
020 7769 8888
Website
https://artstickets.co.uk/blues-brothers/
Get Social
Facebook: /TheHippodromeCasino
@BluesBrosSummer
@hippodromeLDN
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