Q&A WITH Nathaniel Currie PLAYING SHREK IN SHREK THE MUSICAL
Congratulations on being cast in "Shrek the Musical"! How does it feel to be part of this production?
Thanks! I’m chuffed about playing Mr big and green. Especially now with the cast and production team involved. Just talent everywhere I look! Its very exciting (and maybe a little daunting) but mostly just awesome!
Can you share a bit about your previous acting and theatre experience? What roles have you played in the past that have been memorable for you?
Wow. I feel like I’ve just been at it for a really long time. But I didn’t really find theatre until high school, so I always felt a step behind the other theatre kids growing up. But I found myself quickly enthralled with the industry.
I was lucky enough to be a part of the NSW state drama co and get my first taste of touring a show during my final school years, and then perhaps even more fortunate to then gain a place to study my craft at UWS Nepean. Form there I’ve just continuously tried to keep theatre making is core part of my life and persona.
I’ve played a few roles over the years. A few of my personal favourite roles include EVITA (Che), AIDA(Radames), LEGALLY BLOND (Professor Callahan), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Captain Von Trapp), SPAMALOT (Lancelot), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Benedict), ANNIE (Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks).
I may have even played SHREK before! But other than the big green guy, the roles I’ve really felt a connection to have been NEXT TO NORMAL (Dan). This was a role challenged me as a performer in all ways possible but challenged my perception on a great many things. Things that I still have questions about now. But my absolute favourite role was in BIG FISH ( Edward Bloom). There is just so much to adore about that production and role, and I connected with it in a way that made that story feel like it was/is part of my story.
I’ve had a few cracks as a director as well. But a few stand out in particular - THE PRODUCERS, OKALHOMA, OLIVER, CATS, FAME, BREAKER MORANT. I’m not ready to leave the stage completely just yet, but I believe ill eventually be doing my best work off it.
"Shrek the Musical" is known for its unique characters and storyline. What drew you to audition for this particular show?
Firstly, the show is an absolute cracker. Amazing songs, great storylines for all the characters and so much heart. Its full of inspiration.
Secondly, I’ve been keen to do a Savoyards production for years and this was a great opportunity to throw my hat in the ring on a show I adore.
What's been the most exciting or challenging aspect of preparing for your role in the production?
Well, I have played the role before, so pushing aside preconceived ideas and assumptions so that we can look at it with fresh eyes has been difficult. But it has been nice to find new things that I hadn’t fully appreciated previously. Sort of maturing or growing as a person and as an artist in tandem is always exciting.
The character of Shrek has a lot of depth and emotion. How are you approaching bringing this beloved character to life on stage?
We’ve been working those moments where the character gets to really open up. He’s so shunned and isolated, yet longs for connection and has only ever been met with rejection. I feel like that’s a universal experience. So the focus on that side of the character has been to find that, and let the audience feel the genuine sensation of what it takes to find the courage to be yourself and allow others to be a part of that.
The other side of the character is all puns, farts, burps, grossness, and general shenanigans. So that’s really just about having a really good time!
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are looking to pursue a career in musical theatre?
This is such a broad question. So, here’s a few broad strokes.
There is no right or wrong way to become the best artist you can be. For some it’s a university or tertiary institute. For some its just the continuous act of creating that defines and refines them. Your path is yours and no one else’s.
Take lessons from everywhere and everyone you can. There is always something on offer. Every class you take, every show you do, every audition, every success and every failure is an opportunity become more than you were a moment ago.
Don’t wait for the work to come your way. It never will. You have to go out and get it. And if there’s nothing to chase, create the work yourself.
I know these probably sound a little generic, and I could really harp on for hours, but in the end its just about passion, perseverance and understanding what success looks like to you.