SIMON GREIFF, London

His West End debut was in the world premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s SATURDAY NIGHT, in December 1997.

Other Theatre credits include the role of Bobby C in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1998) in London Palladium, the role of Scarecrow in WIZARD OF OZ (2001), standby of Prince Herbert/Patsy/Sir Robin/Sir Bedevere in MONTY PYTHON´S SPAMALOT, in Palace Theatre (2006-07) and the role of Neil Kellerman in DIRTY DANCING, Aldwych Theatre (2007-08).

Currently he is on holydays!

- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: In the West End I remember seeing 42nd STREET at Drury Lane (1984), PHANTOM (1985) and LES MISERABLES (1985) – all three were an inspiration to me at that age!

- You would like to make a duet with… singing the song… Apart from my wife Annalene Beechey, I’d love to sing with Stevie Wonder – maybe the song ‘Lately’ (although it’s clearly not a duet)!

- Webber or Sondheim? Sondheim!

- London or New York? New York, but not because it’s any better than London, just because it would be exciting at this stage of my life & career.  

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? Yes. I have hundreds of programmes & a lot of Original West End Souvenir Brochures from my childhood.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was: (as a performer and/or as a spectator) The worst moment is ALWAYS when I forget my lines. It’s only happened a few times in my career, but it is a terrible feeling.

- An unforgettable moment: (as a performer and/or as a spectator) Seeing ALL MY SONS and SWEENEY TODD productions at the Royal National Theatre.

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? No.

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Barnum, the consummate ‘entertainer’.

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: Juliet in ROMEO & JULIET. I’ve played Romeo & I think Juliet is a better part!

- What do you like best/least about your work? The best thing is when you know you have totally entertained an audience & they have either laughed or cried, or both!  The worst is the pain I feel when I don’t get a role I’ve dreamed of playing.

- What is your favorite musical movie? West Side Story

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: IN THE HEIGHTS (cd), GYPSY (dvd).

- What is your favorite line from a musical: “Alhough we are sitting, we are giving you a standing ovation!” – Max Bialystock in THE PRODUCERS.  

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars: DISAGREE !!!!!!!!!!!! Although the ‘voting public’ feel they are finding a new star, the entire West End business is suffering because of it! [Don’t get me started on this !!!]

- You feel proud of: Finding someone who wanted to marry ME! But in theatre, the moment I met & worked with Stephen Sondheim!

- Of this moment you’re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: The Health & Happiness of my wife & family.

- Other projects you are working on: I filmed a role in a British Film ‘K’ earlier in the year, and I will be Teaching & Audition Reading through November/December. I have no idea what I’ll be doing in 2009 … yet! For all my news please visit: www.simongreiff.com.