STEPHEN ASHFIELD
Stephen Ashfield Starring as Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre
Date of Birth
7 December 1979
Place of birth?
Glasgow, Scotland
Did you go to training school, if so which one?
I studied classical singing during my degree at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and then Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, London.
Briefly tell us how you became involved with Jersey Boys?
I was doing the try-out of a new musical "Imagine This" down in Plymouth when I heard that Jersey Boys was opening in London. I had heard a lot of buzz about the show on Broadway, but didn't know anything about it. I happened to be driving back from Plymouth with my friend (and West End superstar) Annette McLaughlin when my agent called to say that the American team on JBoys wanted to see me. During the same three hour car ride home to London, I discovered that Annette had the soundtrack on her iPod and a 60's anthology of songs on the back seat! Some things are just meant to be. I picked my audition songs and as soon as I heard the soundtrack I knew I had to be involved with this show.
Your first stage performance?
A church pantomime, aged 8, in which I performed a tribute to Scottish legend, Andy Stewart. I knew how to swing a kilt!!
Career highlight to date?
Performing at the Royal Albert Hall with Elton John is a stand-out moment.
What roles would you most like to play?
Raoul in Phantom, but as time goes on, The Phantom!
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"Let me do the talking" - my agent
What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
When I was playing Boy George in Taboo, the guitarist who was accompanying me made a mistake with his capo, and started playing in the wrong key, my vocal was excruciating!
What is the most annoying part about your job?
The 24.5 minutes in the first act of Jersey Boys before I make my entrance!
If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
There were quite a few things I was really interested in. Accounting, Business or teaching probably.
Favourite after-show haunts?
Ivy Club, Soho House
Who are your favourite actors/actresses?
Allison Janney, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, Johnny Depp
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?
I'd love to meet Celine Dion, to see if she was just as wacky in real life, I'm a huge fan and I'm not ashamed. I always wanted to meet Michael Jackson.
What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Currently reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (apparently it's Michael Caine's favourite). I love the Northern Lights Trilogy by Philip Pullman.
What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Last film I saw was Rendition on Blu Ray, and before that Avatar in 3D. I've got loads of favourites, Titanic, Snowball Express (an oldie), Sound of Music, Dave, Arlington Road, Alien.
Favourite TV programs?
The West Wing, Damages, Lost, Brothers and Sisters, Dexter, and at the moment Coach Trip (I'm addicted).
Favourite holiday destinations?
I love going to the US. California is my favourite.
Do you have any hobbies?
I'm getting into photography, and the gym (gritted teeth)
Do you have any superstitions?
Not really
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
My piano, my MacBook, solar power charger!
What are your future plans?
To do as many different things as possible. I love to challenge myself in different roles. I want to try some TV. But most of all, NOT to make plans...what will be will be.
Questions by Darren Dalglish
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