Harry Francis – A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line is one of the world’s most successful original musicals. The show first opened on Broadway in 1975 and ran for a record-breaking fifteen years as well opening shows across many different countries, including a long run at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Since the 70’s, A Chorus Line has toured the world with many successful revival shows. In 2013 A Chorus Line returned to the West End for the first time since the show opened in 1976. A Chorus Line is the story of the difficult lives of Broadway dancers who are striving to fulfill their onstage dreams. In fact for the 2013 West End production, life imitated art as hundreds of hopefuls lined the streets outside the London Palladium for their chance to audition for the show. I met up with Harry Francis who plays Mark, the youngest of the hopeful dancers in A Chorus Line. Harry has previously been seen in other big West End shows such as Wicked, where he understudied the role of Boq, The King and I and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as successful tours of Hairspray and West Side Story. Harry chatted to me about all things theatre and even taught me some dance moves from A Chorus Line (as you will see below I am a terrible dancer!) Check out what Harry has to say about being in the show and be sure to see how he does under pressure in my “Lightening Round” challenge!
Harry Discusses A Chorus Line
In the first video, Harry talks to me about his young character Mark, his favourite moments in the show as well as about life as a young actor and about what he would do if he wasn’t on stage.
Harry Teaches Us How To Dance!
Ever dreamed of dancing like the performers on a West End stage? I have! Sadly when I was young I was the malcoordinated dancer in ballet class who was always one step behind everyone else. Sadly from the looks of the video below, nothing has changed! In the video below Harry demonstrates the choreography to “One” watch and learn at home! I can guarantee you will be better at it than me!
Five Facts About Harry
- Harry is no stranger to the London Palladium! He made his West End debut at the theatre as Louis in The King and I when he was just nine years old. Harry then went on to take the role of Jeremy Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
- Harry had done 200 shows at the London Palladium before the age of 11!
- Harry used to watch his co-star John Partridge as Rum Tum Tugger in the Cats video (yes, anyone else remember videos?) when he was a child.
- If Harry wasn’t able to perform any more he would consider training as a set designer.
- Harry is an AMAZING artist and film maker! Check out the picture on the right and the section below on Harry’s art work! To see some of Harry’s films, check out his YouTube channel!
Harry The Artist
I am always very interested in what actors do when they are not on stage and what other talents they may be hiding! From my a past interview with Jersey Boy David McGranaghan I discovered he invented a game! On asking Harry Francis if he had any hidden skills it turns out he is actually an excellent artist! Coincidentally the picture he has provided us with (see here on the right) is of the Jersey Boys! Harry began drawing when he was young and often makes good luck first night cards for other actors. Harry’s art tends to reflect his love of theatrics and draws inspiration from American Characturist Al Hirschfeld.
The Lightening Round!
I try to crack Harry’s sweet exterior by putting him under the pressure of my very own Lightening Round! Check out the video below to find out whether Harry can handle the challenge! Ahhh!
A Chorus Line is running at the London Palladium and is booking until January 2014. Shows run from Monday – Saturday evenings at 7.45pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3pm.
