Paul Wilkins, known for playing Marius in Les Misérables in London’s West End and Claude Bukowski in the UK Tour of Hair took to the stage in the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals last week as part of The Frontline Singers.
Founded by James Beeny and Gina Georgio during the COVID-19 Pandemic, The Frontline Singers is made up of key workers and professional performers who have worked on the frontline during this difficult time.
As theatres across the UK closed due to the pandemic, Paul became a keyworker himself, stocking shelves on the nightshift at a local supermarket. More information about The Frontline Singers can be found here.
Congratulations on reaching the Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals with The Frontline Singers, how did you get involved with the group?
Thanks! – It really is bizarre to think I was in the Live Semi Finals on Britain’s Got Talent…completely bizarre really! So I became involved with The Frontline Singers during the 1st Wave of Covid-19 in the UK.
Musical Theatre writers and close friends, James Beeny & Gina Georgio, produced a stunning song called ‘Strange Old World’ that was to be recorded remotely with key workers in aid of NHS charities. As I had taken on night shifts at my local supermarket, they asked if I would be on board. It felt appropriate to be involved in order to represent the theatre community and those of us taking on key worker roles during the difficult time we were in.
What was it about James Beeny and Gina Georgio’s song that impressed you the most?
The thing that impressed me about James and Gina’s song, and quite frankly what always impresses me with their writing, is their ability to tap into a very wholesome and rooted emotion that resonates fittingly with their exquisite piano and guitar skills. Every moment within their writing lands perfectly and as though it is meant to be there – I couldn’t rate their abilities more highly.
You became a frontline worker yourself during the pandemic, tell us a little about the experience and what it taught you about yourself?
So I would wake up about 5pm, go for a run, dinner, then another sleep. Up at 9pm, get ready and head to my local supermarket to start at 10pm. From here, I would work on the pets and household aisles restocking shelves till 7am. Then I’d head home for some food, sleep….and do it all over again –
I learnt that I am absolutely unable to do night shifts! HA! No in all seriousness, it taught me just how important it is for these roles to be performed in everyday regular life AND that it is a very hard job to do.
I was always brought up to appreciate those that perform very physically demanding tasks, and having been very fortunate the four years prior to this role, this opportunity allowed me the chance to ground myself.
You weren’t the only West End or National Performer to join The Frontline Singers, how did it feel having people like Devon Elise Johnson, Sam O’Rourke and Thérèse O’Sullivan up there with you, and how similar were their experiences of the pandemic?
It has felt excellent to perform alongside Therese, Devon and Sam – All of whom shared similar experiences during the pandemic and took on key worker roles throughout. Therese and I worked the same shifts at my local supermarket, Devon at a pharmacy, and Sam at his local food back – All of which were integral during the pandemic and hugely demanding roles. Having these three by my side has been reassuring especially as we headed towards something as surreal as BGT – I am grateful to have been a part of this experience with them.
For the other key workers who make up the Frontline Singers, this will have been their first time performing to such a large audience, how did you support them through that?
I offered support to the other key workers in terms of stagecraft, vocal technique and acting through song technique. I also felt it was important to offer a reassuring voice of reason if ever there was anxiety or nerves amongst the group. By offering this to the group and individuals, my professional background hopefully allowed for them to rest easy that it came from a place of experience and knowledge.
And what was it like for you getting back on stage?
Being back on a stage felt fantastic and it is amazing to find everything flooding back – I love being on stage and fingers crossed I’ll have plenty more opportunities to come in the near future.
Do you think we’ll hear more from The Frontline Singers, and do you hope to be part of their future?
Most definitely – We’ll definitely hear more from The Frontline Singers and I’m certain you’ll find me as part of the group again.
