In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This week we chatted to John Cameron Mitchell, who will be wowing us with his one-night-only self-titled spectacular – John Cameron Mitchell: Live In London on 8 July at the Adelphi Theatre.
Marking 25 years since the London premiere of Hedwig And The Andry Inch, the two time Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen will be joined by a host of incredible special guests including Boy George, Divina de Campo, Michael Cerveris, Nakhane, Charlotte Hatherley, Martin Tomlinson and Mason Alexander Park. Plus, this special performance will feature the beloved Hedwig anthems as well as selections from Mitchell’s former and upcoming projects. Expect the unexpected and dress to express!
1. My route into theatre was…
My debut at age 10 as the Virgin Mary at Carlekemp Priory School For Boys in North Berwick, Scotland.
2. My West End idol is*…
*Was…Dame Edna!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Seriously cheeky.
4. My favourite show is…
On Broadway, “Maybe Happy Ending”
5. The career moment* I’m most proud of is…
*Moments. Creating Hedwig and the Angry Inch and my musical podcast series Anthem: Homunculus starring Glenn Close and Cynthia Erivo, and playing Joe Exotic in the series Joe vs. Carole.
6. The hardest part about my job is…
I used to be a tour de force, now I’m forced to tour.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Well, a writer, which I am. Barring that, a gently cloistered monk tending his bees.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
We are doomed/blessed to forever love whatever came out when we were 13. For me it was Barry Manilow. And somehow I sensed he might be gay. When I met him after a concert in 2013 he said “I really wanted to meet you because I loved Hedwig Off-Broadway” I introduced him to my frequent collaborator Amber Martin (now touring with Scissor Sisters) and he said, “Is this your little lady?” I thought, but didn’t reply, “Oh Barry, do we really have to do this?” He came out 4 years later. Listen to the lyrics to my favorite song of his, “All the Time,” and you’ll see it was inevitable.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
As lesbian folk singer Ferron tells us: “Don’t follow money.” I say, “Let it follow you.”
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Relax. You’re cute enough. And remember to document your ass before it falls.
Book now to see John Cameron Mitchell – Live in London!
