one to one
REVELLING IN HIS NEW ROLE Strictly judge and actor CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD, who is starring in the musical Annie, talks to Sally Land about how the show’s message has a deep relevance to his own life and his love for the ‘song birds’ of Cardiff
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raig Revel Horwood, the Australian born dancer, choreographer, and theatre director, found UK fame in 2004 when he became a judge on a BBC1 show called Strictly Come Dancing. The celebrity dance competition series fox trotted its way up the ratings to become one of the country’s best-loved shows, and that’s in no small part, thanks to the sharp wit, insightful observations, and extraordinary dance knowledge, that Craig brings with him. Now the performer has taken up the role of another caustic-tongued ‘baddie’ – Annie’s cruel orphanage owner – Miss Hannigan, in the musical coming to the Donald Gordon Theatre from 19 to 31 August. It’s a part Craig is clearly relishing. He says: “She is fantastic. I love her character so much. Playing her is an absolute dream. She’s a tyrant and villain – and of course those characters are always the most fun to play.” Miss Hannigan openly despises her young charges and tries to make their lives as pitiful as possible. And while, in the past, Craig has professed to never wanting children, since meeting his partner Jonathan Myring in Feb 2018, there has been a seismic shift in his attitude. For Craig and horticulturist Jonathan, have discussed adopting their own child. He says, “It is something we have talked about. It’s certainly not something we are dismissing, but we need to see how our relationship develops. “I think it is a good thing to do. I encourage people to adopt. There are so many people out there – just like in Annie, who are orphaned for whatever reason and they just need a loving family. And that is why Annie as a production and storyline resonates in modern times now.”
Annie, which is set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, follows courageous young Annie, who is forced to live in misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck changes when she’s chosen to spend a dream Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile the vindictive Miss Hannigan is dead set on destroying any chance of happiness in her life – including her search for her true family. Craig continues, “Thankfully orphans aren’t kept in workhouses now – Miss Hannigan had them working at midnight making dresses. One of the central themes of the story is about finding love. And for Annie, of course, when she discovers her family is dead – then she really is an orphan. Then it’s that four-letter word that is so important – hope. Annie provides the hope which is so crucial.” Talking about the possibility of sharing his own home with a child, Craig says, “You have to be very mindful that it is the right environment for people to adopt. You need to make sure the relationship is solid before you go into any of that. That is what a lot of married couples do unless they accidentally get pregnant. “So, it is not out of the question. And it certainly needs a lot of planning. You are under great scrutiny when you are adopting, more so than natural parents. There are plenty of interviews and screenings. Some good friends of mine who have adopted – it took two years of their lives to arrange everything.” And Craig hopes the production will appeal to children. He says, “It is a great show for kids to come and watch because they can associate with the children on the stage. The kids are fantastic actors and it’s amazing to see what can be achieved even at six years old – they are incredible. I really hope the show can inspire other children to join the theatre or frequent the theatre more often.” After all, Craig grew up on musicals and fell in love with theatre after seeing Jesus
“You have to be brave and follow your heart. You have to do what you love”
24 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk