TIM DRIESEN, Herentals (Belgium) 1978

His professional debut was in a compilation show called ‘Thank You For The Music’ on a UK tour when he left college in 1999, but he wouldn’t call it a ‘musical’ as such. Straight after this show he played Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (UK tour) so he consider this to be her professional ‘musical theatre’ debut.

Other theatre credits include the role of Adrian Banks/Mark Owen in the musical NEVER FORGET, based on Take That songs. He originated this character and played him on both the 2007 and 2008 UK tours, before a stint at the Savoy Theatre in London´s West End in 2008. On March 2009 he played the role of Paul in JET SET GO, at the Jermyn Street Theatre of London; and he played the part of Mark Cohen in a Charity Gala performance of RENT on May 2009. Previously, Tim has also covered and played Rusty in STARLIGHT EXPRESS (UK tour), and covered and played Riff-Raff and Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (European Tour). Other theatre credits include BAT BOY-THE MUSICAL (covered and played the title role, Shaftesbury Theatre London) and MAMMA MIA! (Prince Edward Theatre, London).

Currently he is rehearsing for playing the role of Phoebus in NOTRE DAME THE PARIS in the Belgian cities of Ghent (18th to 28th February) and Antwerp (from 3rd April).


- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: The first musical I saw was THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Holland and I was so impressed by the grandeur, the music, set, and the incredible abilty of the performers to be able to sing and act and touch me so much! I think that’s the moment I thought: this is what I want to do!

- You would like to make a duet with: So many people I’d like to duet with. But my top 3 would have to be: Carrie Underwood, The Rascal Flatts or Michael Buble. Musical Theatre Wise, I’d love to play in a show with Patti Lupone, Louise Dearman or Aaron Tveit.

- Webber o Sondheim? Webber.

- London or New York? Oooh difficult one,  live in London, visit New York.

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? I used to but then they took up too much space in my drawers (I go and see a lot of shows) so now I only keep the ones that I have a special connection with.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was: (as a performer and/or as a spectator) In NEVER FORGET, the Take That musical, there was a scene where we have to strip down to our underwear. And although we were wearing  flesh coloured dance support underneath the boxer shorts, I had forgotten to put my boxer shorts on over the top, so when it came to it, I stood on stage in what looked like my bare bottom! Very embarrassing, but the crowd loved it!

- An unforgettable moment: (as a performer and/or as a spectator) Probably the first try-out performance of NEVER FORGET for a sold out theatre. The first time we had performed it after a 5 week rehearsal period and we had no idea whether people were going to love or hate it, thankfully the reaction was amazing! Such a great feeling!

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? No, thankfully not.

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Hmmm, I’m happy being who I am. Musical Characters are fun to play but don’t think I’d want to be one.

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: In 40 years time, Norma Desmond (SUNSET BOULEVARD).

- What do you like best/least about your work? The feeling of performing in front of people and making them think about life and raise issues or let them escape  from reality for a little while and giving something that affects people, is something you can’t desicibe! And searching inside yourself to put down a charchter that’s believable and with whom people can relate, is such a thrill!
The thing I like least is probably the fact that you’re usually unemployed for a while between jobs and you have to audition for every job you do, so you have to constantly prove yourself, which can be a challenge, especially if you’re not having a great day and you only get one chance!

- What is your favorite musical movie? OUR HOUSE (live in London), CHICAGO, DREAMGIRLS and BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: NEXT TO NORMAL.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: Too many to name!

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars: I’d agree with it IF they’d use more people with a musical theatre background. Musical Theatre isn’t as easy as people think. Everyone can sing a few songs unrelated to the show they’re auditioning for on a tv show when you’re playing to a camera, but acting on a big stage, in front of a full  audience, is still something else! So if they’re going to make a musical ‘star’, it should be someone who can handle the pressure of doing 8 shows a week.
   
- You feel proud of: My family and friends

- Of this moment you’re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: Continuing to get employed as an actor!

- Other projects you are working on: Currently playing Phoebus in NOTRE DAME DE PARIS in Belgium (Ghent and Antwerp) and also writing a musical about superheroes: www.superalicesmith.com.