Up Close with Carlos Tseng

John Owen-Jones: West End Leading Man

July 30, 2023 John Owen-Jones Season 6 Episode 10
John Owen-Jones: West End Leading Man
Up Close with Carlos Tseng
More Info
Up Close with Carlos Tseng
John Owen-Jones: West End Leading Man
Jul 30, 2023 Season 6 Episode 10
John Owen-Jones

Although most Musical Theatre fans would associate John Owen-Jones as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables or the title character in The Phantom of the Opera, John has also performed Shakespeare, Sondheim and regularly performs in concerts around the world. His latest role sees him returning to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, 23 years after first performing there in The Pirates of Penzance and Much Ado About Nothing. He will be playing Edward Dindon in the eagerly anticipated revival of Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles. The role will see him playing opposite Carl Mullaney and Billy Carter who take on the leads of Albin and George who must try to persuade his Edward to allow his daughter to marry their son. The production will also be Timothy Sheader's last as Artistic Director following an 18 year stint at the much beloved theatre.

In our interview, John Owen-Jones discusses his love for the venue and his excitement at being able to perform there again in the Broadway classic. Although he admits there's very little for him to relate to in his character, he shares that he now only chooses to work in shows that make him feel good. Perhaps this explains why he took on the role of Phil Hollinghurst in The Great British Bake Off Musical which won the hearts of audiences in Cheltenham and in the West End. In our interview, John also discusses his Welsh roots and why he thinks so many Welsh people end up going into the Arts. As he now prepares to open La Cage aux Folles, he hopes that the show will provide grounds for why it's more important now than ever to show love and empathy to all those around us.

La Cage aux Folles runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until16 September with tickets available now!

Show Notes

Although most Musical Theatre fans would associate John Owen-Jones as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables or the title character in The Phantom of the Opera, John has also performed Shakespeare, Sondheim and regularly performs in concerts around the world. His latest role sees him returning to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, 23 years after first performing there in The Pirates of Penzance and Much Ado About Nothing. He will be playing Edward Dindon in the eagerly anticipated revival of Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles. The role will see him playing opposite Carl Mullaney and Billy Carter who take on the leads of Albin and George who must try to persuade his Edward to allow his daughter to marry their son. The production will also be Timothy Sheader's last as Artistic Director following an 18 year stint at the much beloved theatre.

In our interview, John Owen-Jones discusses his love for the venue and his excitement at being able to perform there again in the Broadway classic. Although he admits there's very little for him to relate to in his character, he shares that he now only chooses to work in shows that make him feel good. Perhaps this explains why he took on the role of Phil Hollinghurst in The Great British Bake Off Musical which won the hearts of audiences in Cheltenham and in the West End. In our interview, John also discusses his Welsh roots and why he thinks so many Welsh people end up going into the Arts. As he now prepares to open La Cage aux Folles, he hopes that the show will provide grounds for why it's more important now than ever to show love and empathy to all those around us.

La Cage aux Folles runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until16 September with tickets available now!