Owen Johnston trained at Italia Conti and whilst studying at the school, he landed a number of leading roles, including Sweeney Todd in the bloodthirsty musical. Since graduating Owen appeared on the ITV reality programme MAMMA MIA! I Have A Dream! Where he battled it out against other contestants to play the part of Sky in Mamma Mia in the West End.
Owen has just opened in the brand new musical ‘Stiletto’ which is now playing at Charing Cross Theatre. Owen was kind enough to spend some time answering some of our questions, giving us an insight into his life and telling us more about the show.
Q1) Please can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and how you got into Musical Theatre ?
I’m from Ireland, Belfast and I sorta fell into MT by going to see Phantom of the opera in London at age 13. I don’t think I wanted to even see it beforehand, but I was hit with feeling for acting and theatre. I just knew it was what I wanted to do, I remember telling my mum after the show. So I started doing some singing lessons and listening to all the old classics, I loved learning about all of it which helped wanting to do it. So I auditioned for drama schools in my last year of school and got in nowhere. But I took 3 gap years after school and have been very grateful for it learnt a lot. At 22 I went to Italia conti and had a great 3 years. I was then fortunate enough to be selected to be a contestant on ITV’s Mamma Mia I have a dream, and had an amazing adventure, meeting loads of new people. After that into the big aul industry.
Q2) You are currently in the world premiere of ‘Stiletto’ which has just opening at Charing Cross Theatre later this month. Can you tell us what the show is about?
Set in Venice in the 18th century, the story follows Marco, who in his childhood was castrated to preserve his soprano voice. He meets Gioia a female soprano and he tries to introduce her into the opera world, in a time when women on stage was not permitted. With the help from his teacher Faustino, he has the luck of gaining patronage from a wealthy contessa. Marco then faces the trials of high society’s twisted and corrupt ways in trying to bring Gioias voice to the stage.
Q3) How does it feel to be part of an original cast? What has the rehearsal process been like?
Being a part of an original cast is always something that I’ve wanted to do. It feels like a bucket list moment ticked off! Rehearsals have been very interesting for me, especially my first time being a part of something new, seeing it being built up from an idea to something that we put on stage. It’s been fun and challenging!
Q4) What is your favourite song in the show and why?
My favourite song would be “How do I get through to you” Marco and Faustino’s duet. It’s such a great song and so fun to act with someone else.
Q5) What is the most influential thing someone has ever said to you in your performing career so far?
To be honest there’s a lot that a kind of forget but I’m trying now to write them down lol. But the one I never forget is “What’s for you won’t go by you” which my family have always told me.
Q6) If you could send a message to your 2015 self what would you say?
Don’t worry school it’ll be over soon, and try not to worry about the next few years you’re gonna have fun
Q7) What advice would you give to someone wanting to go into the performing arts industry?
Work hard, but make sure you’re enjoying it. It’s a tough industry and you have to love doing it to make it work.
Q8) Why should our readers book tickets to see Stiletto
Book tickets because you’re going to hear sensational original music from Matthew Wilder performed by terrific singers and actors, set in an intriguing original pilot full of luxury poverty and sexual license.
