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West End actor Dean Elliott, already well known for his portrayal of Buddy Holly, spoke to Yorkshire Coast Gigs ahead of his upcoming appearance in The Simon and Garfunkel story, which has been receiving rave reviews and has been selling out theatres across the UK.  The show, visiting Scarborough Spa on Thursday, March 5th, tells the compelling story of one the greatest music duos of all time.

You’ve portrayed Buddy Holly previously, and now Paul Simon – how does preparing for a role as a ‘real life’ character differ from a fictional character? Is there a different sense of responsibility to not only that person but their own fans?

Absolutely, it is very important to not make a mockery of real people! I found that out after performing Buddy Holly in his hometown of Lubbock in front of his wife, brothers, friends and family. I met people he had loved, lived and hung out with. You have to make a fitting performance to compliment their loved one. It’s important and audiences don’t get fooled!

And unlike playing Buddy Holly, here it is not just about portraying one legendary character but a relationship between two musicians. Jonny who plays Art Garfunkel is appearing in his first role out of Drama school; you’ve both been receiving great reviews for your portrayals. Did you attempt anything special to try and help establish that same sort of rapport or did it come naturally once you were singing those famous songs together?

We read in a biography that they would spend hours practising whilst watching each others mouths form shapes to make sure every consonant and vowel was in perfect timing and harmony. So we did just that! Both our voices are similar to theirs so it really was just a case of doing our homework.

How did the role come about for you? You’re one of the show directors so presumably it is a project you were with right from the initial stages – perhaps you can tell us a little about where one begins with creating a biographical show like this.

It was my idea – I wanted to create a show I was passionate about and also something no-one had done before. I have always been a massive fan of the duo and wanted to tell their fascinating story.

Have you yourself visited Scarborough before, and are you hoping the crowd will respond especially well to ‘Scarborough Fair’?

Yes, I love Scarborough. I am from the middle of England and never get to see the sea, and think the coastline of Scarborough is absolutely beautiful. Never been to the fair before though…. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme…

The show has been described as a ‘must see’ for fans and ‘an education for the uninitiated’ – what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned whilst performing in The Simon and Garfunkel Story?

That Paul Simon is a genius! I am very lucky to have been able to look at his body of work through a microscope and as a singer, guitarist and songwriter myself, I am in awe of just how incredible and talented that man is.

 

Catch Dean in The Simon and Garfunkel Story at Scarborough Spa – click here for more info.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Thursday 5th March, Scarborough Spa, www.scarboroughspa.co.uk

For more info on the show, its cast and reviews from the tour, visit www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com