Interview – Philip Pellow, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Ahead of the legendary Showstopper! The Improvised Musical performing for two nights only at the Crucible (6th and 7th June) as part of it’s nationwide tour, we were delighted to interview one of the show’s performers Philip Pellows.

Q. Tell us more about Showstoppers and what audiences can expect?

A. A full theatrical musical of two halves, with narrative, songs, dancing and drama, created spontaneously before their very eyes, and based on their suggestions. Madness !!!!

Q. How did you get involved and what is your role within the show?

A. As an actor I had been involved in musical improvisation and I joined up with the Showstopper company when it was started. All of 18 years ago. I came from a physical theatre background so I tend to clown about and fall over. So think of the Magnificent Seven *, where they put together a team of gun men to save a Mexican village. But with songs! (*I see myself as James Coburn. This is a dated reference, look him up.).

Q. What is the appeal for you of improv and musical theatre?

A. It is a moment of alchemy when anything can happen. The chance to be collaboratively creative with brilliant colleagues and make up songs together. Also fall over.

Q. You’re only here for a couple of days but what are you looking forward to most about coming to Sheffield?

A. I love getting up to the Peaks, and I will try to get to the Miners Arms in Eyam. It’s the pub that commemorates the village that isolated itself during the great plague. 14 century. Also some lovely ales which of course leads to….more falling over. There is a theme beginning.

Q. The Crucible is a great but different to the standard theatre stage. Do you approach it differently and if so how?

A. It is always fun to play different spaces, and playing in the round as we will do at the Crucible, is a joy. You can be really connected to the audience. Of course you have to be aware of your back much more, so you don’t exclude any one. I will do my best not to fall over any snooker tables. See what I did there…

Q. What have been your favourite / least favourite Showstoppers improv moments so far?

A. A few weeks back I had to do a Lady Gaga number. It was not my finest hour. Thank goodness for my colleagues who saved my ‘bacon’. Catch that,… I am on fire today.

Q. I have previously had the joy of meeting and interviewing my improv icon the late Tony Slattery. If you could meet your improv / musical theatre icon who would it be and what would you ask them?

A. Robin Williams. ‘Let’s play’. He used to just turn up at small pub impro gigs and bring the house down.

Q. And finally what’s coming up for you and Showstoppers next?

A. For me, a cup of tea and probably a biscuit. I have some organic digestives that are great with a cup of rosey lee. For Showstoppers, well we are on tour, so check out our website for venues and dates. I can guarantee a great time, and some falling over.

To book for Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at The Crucible on 6th and 7th June visit Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | Sheffield Theatres.

For further information on Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and their nationwide tour visit Home – The Showstoppers