Seamus is making his Marx as Che (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Seamus is making his Marx as Che

1:21pm Friday 13th March 2009

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HE CAME to public notice because of one musical, but now Any Dream Will Do contestant Seamus Cullen is really making his mark in another West End hit.

The young singer, best known for reaching the final ten of the BBC television contest, is ecstatic that he has landed the part of Che Guevara in Evita which is coming to The Mayflower in Southampton.

He said: “The production has been applauded very widely, so to be part of something that’s getting such incredible plaudits is amazing.”

The musical – another Andrew Lloyd Webber/ Tim Rice collaboration – tells the story of ambitious Eva Peron who acquires enormous wealth and power as the wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

The drama is narrated by Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, a meaty role for Seamus.

He said: “I think every actor has to find something they can relate to in any character they play, and for Che, it’s easy to identify with someone who calls a spade a spade.

“He’s a complicated character and despises people who exploit power and wealth.”

Seamus has been playing Che for nine months but said he is still learning and updating his performance.

“I watch the understudy in rehearsals so I see it from the audience’s perspective, and I’m still discovering new things and new meanings,” he said.

Seamus has acted against three different Evas. Speaking about his current leading lady, Rachael Wooding, he said: “The dynamics are completely different with Rachael – she is a very feisty Eva.”

Harking back to his 2007 appearance on Any Dream Will Do, he said he did not know anything about Joseph before the show.

“I grew up listening to the Bee Gees and Barbra Streisand,” said Seamus. “The first musical I heard was Jesus Christ Superstar because I saw the film. I would love to take on a role like Judas or Jesus, rather than Joseph.

“I’ve always said there’s a sense of drama that tends to get lost in Joseph because it’s more family-oriented.

“I would love to see his low point when he is banged up in prison.

“If I directed it, I would have the kids screaming!”

Evita is running at The Mayflower between April 14 and 25, and tickets can be booked at the box office, on 023 8071 1811, or at mayflower.org.uk.

-Lucie Richards

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