character

INTERVIEW: ANTONY LAWRENCE (SHREK THE MUSICAL)

Interview

Antony Lawrence stars as Shrek in the 2023-2024 UK tour of Shrek the Musical.

– Tell me about the prosthetics.

It is going to be a real challenge. I previously did The Lion King where I had a full face of makeup, and I had to spend a lot of time in the mirror to work out how moving my face affected the appearance of that makeup. It’ll be very much the same with this – when I’ve had all the prosthetics on, I’ve looked at myself, and considered how I’ll make myself look friendly, or happy, or scared, or worried. So much of it is going to probably come through the voice.

– What about the costume?

During the rehearsals, I’ll want to be in the costume where possible, because it completely changes the physicality. Every time I’ve had the costume on, I figure out new ways to be in it, thinking about how Shrek would stand, which is completely different to me. You need the framework of the costume during the rehearsal period.

– What attracted you the role of Shrek?

It’s so clichéd to say that it’s a dream role, but it really is. I’m a character actor; I love complex characters that go on a big journey, and Shrek is very much like that. Shrek the Musical was actually the very first show I saw on Broadway: we went to New York for my sister’s eighteenth birthday, and because we loved Shrek so much as a film, we went to see the musical. I remember being so excited when it was coming over to London. I was at drama school at the time, and remember thinking, gosh, I’d love to play this role. Shrek’s song, ‘Who I’d Be’, is one I’ve used at so many auditions.

– How was the audition for this?

I knew ‘Who I’d Be’ very well, but I didn’t know the other songs. I never like to copy other actors’ performances, so I presented my own take on it. I really wanted to show that vulnerable side of the character, and they liked that. For me, the story of Shrek is about not needing to change who you are to fit in in the world, you just need to be yourself.

Playing at select theatres across the UK, 21 July 2023 – 21 April 2024.

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INTERVIEW: SHAUN ESCOFFERY & GEORGE ASPREY (THE LION KING) | London, Lyceum Theatre

Interview

Shaun Escoffery (Mufasa) and George Asprey (Scar) are celebrating fifteen years in Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London this April. They are now the longest serving actors for these roles in any production of The Lion King ever.

– It’s an incredible achievement to be the longest serving actors in the roles of Mufasa and Scar in any production of The Lion King. How does that accolade feel?

George Asprey: Slightly surreal. It’s more like an accumulation because you’re only ever as good as your last show. It’s taking it one show at a time.

Shaun Escoffery: I feel extremely lucky to be able to do something we love.

– How do you keep things interesting and varied?

Escoffery: This might be our five thousandth time, but it is the audience’s first time, and we always keep that at the forefront of our minds.

Asprey: Also, having the freedom of knowing the character so well, it’s easy to change little things and nuances. Occasionally, you’ll come up with something, after fifteen years, and ask yourself why it’s taken all this time to explore that.

– What are the advantages of having worked together for fifteen years? Imagine if you hated each other.

Asprey: I always tell people that I have four sisters, and I always wanted a brother. I never realised that it would turn out to be this six foot brute from East London.

Escoffery: He’s my best friend.

Asprey: Because we know the roles and each other so well, if something does go wrong, nothing phases us.

– What are some of your fondest memories from the past fifteen years?

Asprey: Seeing Shaun again after COVID. That was a hug! That first show back was extraordinary. The bond created between those on stage and those in the auditorium was just immense. And it was a physical manifestation of reality coming back to normal.

– What’s your favourite song from The Lion King?

Escoffery: “Circle of Life”, every time.

Asprey: “They Live in You”, which Shaun sings: it’s extraordinary. And, I have to say, “Be Prepared”.

Shaun Escoffery and George Asprey are roaring in The Lion King in London’s West End.

The Prickle - About transp