• Review For Us
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • VAULT Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • VAULT Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Interviews
Andy Barke

Andy Barke

Interview: Andy Barke on Pretty Woman: The Musical

“It’s very much in keeping with the film, even to point that some of the biggest lines from the film are in the show. The music really does lend itself to the story and adds more personal touches to each character”

by Greg Stewart
December 7, 2022
Reading Time: 4 mins read

Andy Barke plays the role of Happy Man/Mr Thompson in Pretty Woman: The Musical, recently taking over the role at the Savoy Theatre, having previously covered it as part of the company.

Andy stars alongside Aimie Atkinson as Vivian Ward and Danny Mac as Edward Lewis in the production which is currently booking until April 2023.

Pretty Woman: The Musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and features Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time.

       

You’ve just taken over the role of Happy Man/Mr Thompson in Pretty Woman: The Musical. Can you tell us a little about the characters and what you’re enjoying most about playing them?

I’m so lucky to be playing all these characters. Happy man is so much fun to play around with – I see him as a type of street performer handing out maps to make people have their dreams come true. He is the Fairy Godfather of the Boulevard. I get to interact with everyone, and I also love dancing this part.

He takes on the roles of other characters within the production to make sure that people’s dreams are coming true by steering them in the right direction. His main persona is Mr Thompson, the hotel manager of the Beverly Wilshire.

You mightalso like

Writers Peter Fellows Helen Kingston David Mumeni Isaac Tomiczek Manjinder Virk and director Oliver Chris

The fifth annual Platform Presents West End Gala is a night of ‘Theatrical Consequences’

Jack Whitehall to perform at Savoy Theatre

Jack Whitehall And Friends to Raise Funds in Aid of Diabetes UK at Savoy Theatre

He helps Vivian throughout her time at the hotel from teaching her to dance and advising her how to dress for dinner. He’s like a teacher that takes her under his wing. Then there is Mr Hollister who is the flamboyant shop manager of Nelly’s. He again helps Vivian’s dream through styling, but he has a secret crush on Edward. It’s so much fun to act – sightly over the top, but great fun. Then finally the Conductor in the opera scene. I just love how the audience react to this part as I get to be silly and try and conduct the orchestra.

You covered the roles previously, how does it now feel to be taking them over?

It feels amazing to be given the opportunity to take over the role! We had a few weeks of rehearsals beforehand, so I got to play around with each character and be able to put my own little stamp on it. Even though I have played this part a lot it just feels so new and fresh.

How would you describe the show in relation to the movie, what are the similarities and differences?

It’s very much in keeping with the film, even to point that some of the biggest lines from the film are in the show. The music really does lend itself to the story and adds more personal touches to each character.

How would you describe the music in the show?

It’s really fun and enjoyable. There are some standout songs which add more details to the story – ‘This is my life,’ the song that Vivian sings to Edward about where she has come from, is beautiful.

       

What’s been your favourite experience of working on Pretty Woman so far?

It has to be the family we have made in the company, from every department. It is such a joyous place to work. Also taking over as Happy Man has been the most amazing thing!

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Pretty Woman the musical?

BOOK NOW! You won’t be disappointed. It’s fun, upbeat, true to the original film and you will leave the show beaming from ear to ear!

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

Writers Peter Fellows Helen Kingston David Mumeni Isaac Tomiczek Manjinder Virk and director Oliver Chris
News

The fifth annual Platform Presents West End Gala is a night of ‘Theatrical Consequences’

Jack Whitehall to perform at Savoy Theatre
News

Jack Whitehall And Friends to Raise Funds in Aid of Diabetes UK at Savoy Theatre

Courtney Bowman and Andy Barke Pretty Woman The Musical
News

Courtney Bowman Joins The Cast of Pretty Woman The Musical

PRETTY WOMAN. Gala Night. Elly Jay and Danny Mac. Photo by Craig Sugden
First Look

Images: Pretty Woman The Musical Gala Night

Six Hampton Court Palace Pamela Raith Photography
First Look

First Look: Original Cast of SIX Performing at Hampton Court Palace

Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac will extend their runs in Pretty Woman
News

Pretty Woman The Musical Extends and Announces New Cast

Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

the album

the album, an explosive collision of the ultimate music gig and dance show tours the UK

Akhnaten credit Eduardo Armbrust

Phelim McDermott’s Olivier Award-winning production of Akhnaten returns to the ENO with Anthony Roth Costanzo in the title role

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • Vault Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly