Am Dram Star of the Week talks about his role in Hairspray at Netherton Arts Centre
It takes a very special young performer to dress up as a member of the opposite sex, play a character who is clearly much older than yourself and have the comedy gene required to make audiences laugh out loud and roll in the aisles and our Am Dram Star of the Week has everything and more!
Thirteen-year-old Owen Bradley from Lower Gornal in Dudley will be appearing as Edna Turnblad, a wonderful character in the Broadway and West End smash hit musical Hairspray, with a local company called The Young Ones, at Netherton Arts Centre from February 14-17.
The Young Ones have been around for decades. They began as a mixed adult and youth group performing pantomimes and today consist of performers aged 10-22 years old. Owen joined for their pantomime, Ali Baba, and has never looked back.
His enthusiasm and energy are second to none and it is obvious that he loves to perform. I asked him why.
“I’ve always loved to perform, whether it has been karaoke, in school plays or just in our living room!” he laughs. “When I am on stage, I feel totally comfortable and at home. I thrive off the audience’s reaction,” he said.
Owen went on to tell me about his character, Edna.
“Edna is a very self-conscious person who is obese and has therefore not been out of her house for years. That is until her daughter Tracy opens her eyes to the real world.”
Despite her size, Edna is a very funny, witty character.
“I identify with her,” says Owen. “I know I will be able to pull her off with no problem!” he laughs.
Obviously playing a woman has its problems for a young man, so how did Owen go about preparing for his role?
“I learnt my audition piece to a tee,” says Owen. On the day of the audition, I walked in wearing my high heels and a tea towel over my arm, to prove that I could walk and dance in heels. I think I scarred my fellow performer, Sam, who is playing my husband Wilbur in the show, for life!”
The music in Hairspray is challenging. It is non-stop, high-energy and totally uplifting. I ask Owen which is his favourite song from the show.
“You Can’t Stop the Beat, when I make my grand finale entrance from a giant can of hairspray centre stage!” he laughs.
Having reviewed the professional version of Hairspray on a couple of occasions and also interviewed the cast, I was once told by master comedian Brian Conley that that song is referred to in the business as ‘You Can’t Stop to Breathe’ which I can well believe, so good luck Owen!
I expect Edna is a dream role for Owen and it seems I am right. “It’s a privilege to play Edna alongside my theatre family,” he says. Well I am sure they would say it’s a privilege to play alongside you too Owen.
l Catch Hairspray at Netherton Arts Centre from February 14-17. Call 01384 895266 or visit the group’s Facebook page.
