X Factor runner-up Rhydian returns to the Waterside in the new year, but this time he will be onstage playing the lead role in the 40th anniversary tour of The Rocky Horror Show.(writes Andrew Kay)
The last time the Welsh singer, who shot to fame on the ITV show in 2007. visited Aylesbury it was as an audience member watching Grease in 2011 – before he took over the role of Dream Angel.
The 29 year old said: “I sat there and watched the show before I went for a sing through of the part.
“It’s a nice theatre and a really great venue. People I speak to often say they like coming to Aylesbury as part of tours. There’s certain places, which I won’t name, where there’s bad digs or accommodation and you are really not looking forward to it.
“But Aylesbury, as I know it’s quite new, is getting well known as a good theatre to come to.
“I think its reputation is growing. The investment that was put into it was well worth it and it is somewhere the actors love coming to.
“I also have friends that have performed there and they all say they have had a great experience.”
Looking ahead to his role as Rocky, Rhydian promised the 40th anniversary production is different from previous shows – such as the one performed at the Waterside in 2010.
He said: “We have a new set, great cast and new costumes. The only thing that stays the same is the Time Warp as we believe the audience will be doing the Time Warp and it’s important to keep. But other than that its fresh.
“Rocky Horror is a show like no other. The audience are invited to interrupt the cast and we are prepared for that.
“Some audience members spend months planning out what they are going to wear. It’s a big night out and fun to be part of.
After finishing runner up in the 2007 X Factor, Rhydian was signed by Simon Cowell the next day. He has since released four studio albums and appeared on stage in We Will Rock You as well as Grease.
When asked if he expects to always be associated with the X Factor, he said: “Everybody has different ways of recognising me.
“I came to the public attention by the X Factor and I am proud to be associated with that show.
“It did wonders for my career. I’m not comparing myself to David Jason, but a lot of people know him from Only Fools And Horses but he has done a lot of other things as well. It is just the way it is.
“You have to look at how you came to the public attention and say I’m proud of it.
“Certainly at the time I did the X Factor it was at its best.”
Rocky Horror is directed by Christopher Luscombe and also stars Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett (pictured).
It runs at Aylesbury Waterside from February 4-9.
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