Interview - Shayne Ward

Free from the grip of Simon Cowell, X Factor winner Shayne Ward is now donning his glittering stetson and air guitar to tread the boards in new West End musical Rock of Ages (reviewed by So So Gay) at the Shaftsbury Theatre, London.

We caught up with him on a bright and early morning, and he was quick to tell us how he felt about the show. ‘I absolutely love it! The show has been getting a great response and the crowd are amazing. Every night they are up dancing and singing along.’

It’s hard to believe Ward won X Factor six years ago with ‘That’s My Goal’ storming into the charts as Christmas number one. The Manchester-born singer has grown up a lot since then and has now left Syco Records and begun carving a new career. ’When I was touring I had backing dancers and a band with me, but being in a show like this is different. Being in Rock of Ages is great; I’ve made some great friends. We spend so long together we’ve gotten so close. I love being part of a cast and having a team around me. I’m having the best fun in the world.’

The Broadway smash hit – which is soon to be made into a feature film starring Tom Cruise – opened up in London last month. Ward plays Stacee Jaxx, the libido-led front-man of an Eighties rock band Arsenal. The wild rock star attitude, vanity and ego Ward portrays on stage is far from the behaviour of the slightly shy and very genuine man himself. ‘Stacee is a great character to play, I’ve always been into role-playing and when I read the script I kept laughing at the jokes and knew this was a part I’d like to play.’

Ward undergoes a dramatic make over for his part in the show – flowing blonde locks, eyeliner, blusher and lots of diamantes. ‘I watched videos on YouTube of the Broadway version and got so excited by the part.’ And it shows – Ward oozes confidence on stage and is a natural performer. The rock songs suit his voice brilliantly, especially his cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’, a favourite of Ward’s. His wide range of Eighties outfits are mesmerising – as are the numerous scenes where he struts the stage in just his underwear. This boy has been keeping in shape!

For the meantime Ward is focusing on the show. The cast are taking part in a special charity gala performance of Rock of Ages for Children in Need on 16 November. But Ward doesn’t rule out perusing the acting bug further: ‘I’ve always been in plays growing up, and I’d like to one day move into gritty dramas and films. Rock of Ages is a great way to develop my acting and keep being musical.’

Shayne Ward is appearing in Rock of Ages at the Shaftsbury Theatre – visithttp://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/ for more information and to book tickets

Credit;_- http://sosogay.org

SHAYNE WARD STRIKES A CHORD IN ROCK OF AGES

WOW. I’ll say it again – WOW! Justin Lee Collins’ and Shayne Ward’s show has absolutely got it all.

Sexy women in skimpy clothing, immense rock songs, stars with stellar voices and comedy moments guaranteed to get laughs.

I was grinning from ear to ear all the way through. And I have a big face.

It will soon be a Hollywood film but “proper” theatre critics have been less than kind.

What a bloody stupid lot they are.

I have no training in theatrical appreciation but I do have years of experience in going out and being entertained.

If you want to rock out to songs including We Built This City and Don’t Stop Believin’ and marvel at how much weight Justin Lee Collins has lost, while ogling women and waving a glowing lighter (supplied by the theatre), look no further.

The plot is certainly a bit on the thin side but that’s more than made up for by the songs and the talent of the cast.
Small town girl Sherrie moves to LA where she meets wannabe rocker Drew.

Before their love affair can get going, Sherrie has a knee-trembler with rock star Stacee Jaxx and becomes a stripper.

Somehow everyone manages to save LA from being bulldozed by Germans before Sherrie and Drew...it ends well, as you can imagine.

Justin plays club owner Dennis with gusto and Essex native Simon Lipkin is narrator Lonnie – their duet is a masterpiece.

Lipkin is surely destined for big things, showing just the right level of cockiness, self- awareness and frankly, X factor, to make him impossible not to look at.

Now for the question you all want answered ...is Shayne Ward any good?

Pants is the word...as in he’s in ’em for most of the show, which will keep the ladies happy. Shayne is a revelation. 

Of course he can sing, we knew that, but his comedy timing was utterly unexpected. Based on ROA, I could see him taking a lead role in any big West End production, such is his confidence and stage charisma.

A sexy smasher that will have you laughing and rocking in equal measure.