Take That musical in swift return to Newcastle

By Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle

FORMER Brookside actor Philip Olivier reprises his role in the hit Take That musical Never Forget. GORDON BARR has the details.

THERE are probably few shows that could do two one-week stints in Newcastle in the space of six months.

But never underestimate the power of Take That – or at least their music.

Never Forget is at The Journal Tyne Theatre from tonight until Saturday and once again stars former Brookside actor Philip Olivier.

He wowed audiences when it first played the Toon last September and, five months on, he’s looking forward to returning.

Philip strips off for his entrance in the musical based around the songs of Take That.

“I play a stripper called Dirty Harry,” he tells me. “He’s not the sharpest and
he’s always two steps behind everyone else.

“In the first five minutes I have to do a strip for everyone – that’s my entrance.

“It’s good for the old confidence when you get the wolf whistles and stuff, but at first it was daunting. Now I think I am going to use it as a party piece!”

Never Forget tells the tale of a group of young lads who form a Take That tribute band.

In the show, Philip goes for the part of Howard Donald. It is the 29-year-old’s first proper foray into theatre.

“They approached me a whole year back and I initially rejected it as I told my agent I couldn’t sing or dance,” the Liverpudlian says.

“They were adamant they could teach me and wanted to meet me to see if I could hold a tune. I went down to the auditions and they said they could work with me. I thought it was a Jeremy Beadle episode or something.

“But I’m so glad I did it. I’m just loving it and so proud to be a part of this production as it’s had great audiences, sell-out crowds, and it’s just a great feeling to be on that stage every night. I had to put more effort into this than I have ever had to with any other job before, including The Games.

“It was three weeks’ rehearsals. I was pulling my hair out because I wasn’t getting it right.

“We opened in Manchester and God help anyone who went to see it. I’m still apologising for it now.

“I was getting the choreography wrong, I was singing at the wrong times, it was just a nightmare.

“I think I can take on anything now. I don’t think it can get any more petrifying than it was in Manchester.

“The show is just a great concept. I class it as a comedy. Then it turns into a concert at the end with everyone on their feet, clapping and dancing away.

“We’re paying homage to some of Take That’s great work over the years.”

Philip is happy these days to admit to being a bona fide Take That fan!

“When I was 14 I remember Could It Be Magic came on the radio and I thought it was a great song. I put my cassette in the radio player and recorded it and sang away, but being a lad you had to be a Take That fan on the quiet!”

Never Forget plays until Saturday.