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Jonathan Wilkes

IT'S not often that a performer has the chance to play a stage role for the first time in the UK, putting his stamp on the part and becoming part of its legacy.

But that's the opportunity which has been given to the cast of the musical treatment of the 1998 Adam Sandler film The Wedding Singer, led by Jonathan Wilkes and Natalie Casey as key couple Robbie and Julia.

And locally, audiences can see it when it comes to The Mayflower, in Southampton, from July 21 to 26.

"I've done a lot of shows, but I have never been so excited," Jonathan enthuses when I catch up with him in Manchester during the first week of the run.

"We've got to make this a brand because I'm such a strong believer in this show. People will have a lovely time and a great fun night out.

"I think that's what's missing in today's world - being able to go out and have a laugh.

"That's why I did it. I wasn't going to do stage this year - I was going to try to get my face back on TV a bit. It was all signed, sealed and delivered. That's when this came along.

"I saw it on Broadway and I remember coming back to my manager and saying I've just seen this show and if it ever comes to the UK, I've gotta do it'. If there's ever been a part written for me, this was the one.

Natalie and Jonathan on stage

"We're doing a brand-new musical with new songs. It's not a jukebox musical. It's good to hear something fresh, something original."

The 29-year-old Stoke-on-Trent native is an old hand at musical theatre, having, in addition to a pop career, played the leads in Godspell, Grease, Tommy, Guys & Dolls and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

He's known to the public because of his childhood best friend, Robbie Williams, with whom he has collaborated on a number of projects.

When asked "What attracted you to Robbie?", as in the role of Robbie Hart, he laughs and quips "That name haunts me - which one?!", before replying, more seriously: "I am him. I am a wedding singer.

"I never claimed to be a cool person because I'm not. I just like people, making people laugh, and I love old-fashioned entertainment. I have sung at four weddings!

"The director said to me, What I want in this role is that cheeky charming lad from Stoke-on-Trent. I want you'. But I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to play yourself with an American accent. When you do Danny or Skye Masterson, you put the stuff on and become the character. With this, you've gotta be yourself. And it's really hard to be a cheeky, charming American."

Does having someone like Natalie, who's an experienced actress, best-known for Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps, as an opposite number help?

"It's such a strong cast because it's an original production. Most of them have been in the West End. She's fabulous, Nat, and luckily we get on incredibly well - too well. We're making each other laugh every night on stage.

"What I have to do in the show is remain the anchor with all these zany characters around me - the Boy George character, the granny - and let them do the comedy. You remain the base, and hopefully the audience will fall in love with me and Natalie. That's what we have to do."

Having seen the show, I can report that it is just what Jonathan says - a brilliantly fun night out full of new songs and wonderful 1980s costumes and paraphernalia.

And that's before we even mention the hair! Despite him clearly having had a mullet on stage the night before, Jonathan today looks much more trendy. Can he explain?

"It's a hair piece, but I'm trying to grow it."

So can we promise Southampton audiences it'll be a real mullet by the time he comes to this area?

"By then, it'll be out of control. I'll be like a member of Starship."

*Tickets for The Wedding Singer are available from the box office on 02380 711811, online at www.mayflower.org.uk or in person from Mayflower ticket south, at WestQuay Shopping Centre, Southampton.

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