Wellington actor Tom Knowles says he is made for the function of inexperienced, grumpy ogre Shrek
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Actor and musician Tom Knowles can spend as much as two hours placing on his costume and make-up every time he performs grumpy inexperienced ogre Shrek.
Actor and musician Tom Knowles says he’s made for the lead function of the grumpy inexperienced ogre in Shrek The Musical.
“It’s good for me. I’m a giant man, 6 foot 2 (187cm) with out the heels and I’ve acquired a giant, booming voice.”
All through his profession Knowles has carried out in a who’s who of basic musicals resembling Grease, West Facet Story, Cats and Guys, and Dolls however he admits he’s not often solid because the basic main man.
“I don’t have a tendency to suit into the standard theatre roles however the pleasure of Shrek is he’s unashamedly him. He will get to characterize distinction on the planet, being pleased with who he’s and celebrating uniqueness.”
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Knowles goes via practically two hours of make-up in preparation for every efficiency. Shrek’s distinctive look requires a prosthetic nostril, cheeks and cowl and two layers of a fats go well with which have to be stored cool by a specifically designed ice vest beneath his costume.
“We wouldn’t need to be doing it on the peak of summer time in Australia but it surely actually helps to get into character.”
The method makes for a protracted day, particularly when matinees can imply two reveals in a row.
“I turn into Shrek at seven within the morning and I cease once I get residence at night time. It’s onerous to shake the accent, although,” Knowles mentioned.
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Knowles says ‘‘it’s an honour’’ to be in one of many first reveals lined up for the newly reopened St James Theatre.
Shrek The Musical has toured the world because it was first carried out in 2008. The New Zealand production used the same set that was used in the United Kingdom and Australia and included a dragon that needed to be shipped in its personal 40-foot container.
“This present makes us really feel like rock stars. The children go loopy, the set is a multimillion-dollar set and the lighting is unbelievable,” Knowles mentioned.
The set could also be imported however Covid-19 journey restrictions had created a novel alternative to mix the high-end manufacturing of the worldwide present with a solid of Kiwi expertise.
“It’s an ideal instance of what’s doable with a New Zealand solid and a giant present.”
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Tom Knowles belts out a music in Shrek The Musical.
Blenheim born and raised, Knowles studied at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama College and had made the capital his residence and base.
He mentioned he was thrilled that Shrek the Musical could be one of many first to run within the St James Theatre, only recently reopened after a $42 million facelift.
“It’s been closed for thus lengthy. Within the bulk of my profession it’s by no means been an possibility. It’s an honour to get to go there and be part of the magic that’s the St James Theatre.”
Knowles is conscious that he’s standing on the shoulders of the “creme de la creme” of New Zealand theatre, dance and music on the St James Theatre stage. However that doesn’t cease him from revelling within the irreverent enjoyable of being Shrek.
“I attempt very onerous to not snicker on stage. It’s onerous to not snicker at fart jokes and there are rather a lot.”
- Shrek The Musical opens at The Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch on October 4 and the St James Theatre, Wellington, on October 12.
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