Eighties heart-throb takes charge in legendary musical role

Pauline Rea speaks to Michael Praed

He sent pulses racing in the '80s as Robin of Sherwood, and again as Prince Michael in Dynasty, and now the engaging Michael Praed stars as Captain Von Trapp in the smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, at the Grand Opera House next week.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group bring this West End show to the stage of the Opera House for a four week run. Starring alongside Michael as Maria, is Lisburn-born Connie Fisher, winner of the BBCs How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? Connie played the role at the London Palladium for 15 months and has extended her contact by four weeks so she is able to perform in Belfast.

I was lucky enough to chat with Michael earlier this week prior to his arrival in Belfast, to talk about his exciting and varied career on stage and screen.

Performing with The Sound of Music since the tour began in June last year, Michael admits it was not a role he had ever pictured himself in: "I hadn't really ever though about myself in this role admittedly, until I was offered it. But I am so delighted to be part of this production. Most actors will enthuse about the show that they are in and say that it is a wonderful show, but this is one of those rare shows that I can say hand on heart, is 100% amazing and worth coming to see - it is just fantastic," he said.

"The creative team behind it - and I mean everyone from production to lighting to set, was involved in the West End production, so it really is a West End production that you will be seeing in Belfast."

Michael added he was delighted to be working alongside Connie and a very talented young cast: "We tour with three sets of kids and they each do about a weeks run and then we change again," he explained." Whoever said 'never work with children' was wrong. They are fantastic. I am so pleased to be a part of their lives forever. No matter what they go on to do in later life they will always remember being a part of The Sound of Music and will have made memories they will never forget.

"Its a wonderful family show and its ideal for kids who have never been to the theatre before - they can't fail to enjoy it."

Michael is clearly passionate about acting and admits he feels comfortable in any genre of the profession: "I feel at home in whichever medium I am working in. I do enjoy the musical aspect of this show, and I love to sing. There is something about a musical music emotionally disarms you, and goes straight to your heart. I occasionally look out at certain points in the show and see someone wiping a tear away and then you know that you have done your job right. It means a great deal to know that you have moved someone, and music is so emotive."

It is probably his role as Robin Of Sherwood in the hugely successful 1980s TV series that Michael is best known for. However, it is not the one that stands out most in Michaels mind: "To be honest, I wasn't particularly keen on doing it! It didnt really appeal to me. I don't tend to gauge how successful something is by how much it was talked about on TV or whatever. But I also think, when you are in something like that you never have an idea of how popular it really is.

"As for being a sex symbol" Michael paused, and then laughed. "I'm not really sure how to answer that. I think I was a little nave which was probably a good thing at the time. I never really took that idea or myself that seriously, which again I think is a good thing."

Michael moved to the bright lights of LA for his next major show the most glamorous series to hit our screens in the 1980s Dynasty. He reflected on his time as Prince Michael where he acted alongside stars such as Joan Collins: "At the time, Dynasty was the number one show in the US. Looking at it now, it has dated, yes, but at the time it was really in fashion. I am guilty of saying working on it was really great fun but in actually fact, it's a job and it's bloody hard work. It's like working on any film set, you have to shoot in an allocated space of time and they make you work incredibly hard.

"I love LA. I think its a great place. I dont agree with people who put down Americans and are disparaging. There are some amazing writers in the States Friends, Fraiser, The Simpsons, Seinfield they are some of the best comedy scripts ever written."

But Michael will be adopting his stiff upper lip again in the role of Captain Von Trapp when The Sound of Music opens next week at the Grand Opera House.

The lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family's flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd and the title song The Sound of Music.

To book tickets, please call the Box Office on 02890 241919, book online at www.goh.co.uk or in person in the theatre foyer on Great Victoria Street. Tickets range from £16 - £45.50. Please note there is a captioned performance on Tuesday March 9 at 7.30 pm and an Audio Described performance on Monday 15 March at 7 pm.