Actor, singer and director Michael D’Cruze sat down with fairypowered to have a lovely chat and answer 20 questions. Michael is currently starring as Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on tour. Tour details and tickets can be purchase here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Evita, which I directed as part of Youth Theatre and Sweeney Todd. I’d love to star in either of them professionally
Favourite book?
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It was one of the first shows I was in as a teen. I don’t read much but I’ve read that a few times and I own a few copies
Favourite theatre?
Brighton Theatre Royal. It’s the first theatre I appeared in, an amateur production of Hello Dolly when I was 14
Favourite song?
I’m a big fan of Birdy, I think she’s incredibly talented and Adele. I like both of them
Favourite music?
Anything chilled and with a tune. And again, I’m a huge fan of Birdy
Favourite food?
Well, I’m half Indian so I love a curry, but I’m also half Irish so I love fish and chips
Favourite drink?
Coffee! Brandy in coffee but mainly coffee. I’m touring with a coffee machine. I do like coffee
What is your favourite role?
Grandpa Joe, I can’t wait to get out on stage every night, I’m really enjoying it
What was your first role?
My first professional role was Chino in West Side Story. There were all these talented people at Guildford (Guildford School of Music and Drama) and I didnt think I was that good. But then I got the role, so somebody saw something in me
And what role would you really like to play?
Teviot in Fiddler on the Roof or Malvolio in Twelfth Night the Musical
If you weren’t a performer what would you be?
Ten years ago I would have said a Chef, but now I think I would be a Gardener
What made you decide to be a performer?
I was an awkward and shy child. But I went to a drama group and it was good and I enjoyed it. Then I appeared in a show and found I was popular and it helped me to overcome the shyness
Do you enjoy touring?
I love being there but I don’t enjoy packing up and leaving home. Once I’m there, I love it
What advice would you give 16 year old you?
Don’t be an actor, it’s hard work facing rejection and fighting bias. But if you do want to do it, enjoy it but find something else you are good at so you have something else to do in between roles
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
I have directed but I find it stressful and I want to avoid stress. I do enjoy teaching though
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell. Incredibly talented performers
Favourite line from any show?
In Charlie, Mrs Beauregarde says “Mr Wonka, you’re crazy” and Wonka says “Thank you” – that makes me smile every night
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
A Formula One Racer or Fighter Pilot. Anything with adrenaline
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
I get some lovely letters and cards. And a six page epic poem about how lovely I am. But a little girl drew a picture during the show and wanted to give it to Grandpa Joe, I was really touched to receive that
Can you tell us what you will be up to next?
I’m in Charlie for the rest of the tour and I am really enjoy that