Peter Polycarpou Back In the West End!

I went to see the second preview of Imagine This at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane, with Steve last night. My old friend Peter Polycarpou was playing the leading role of Daniel. Peter had played the part of Topsy (William Morris) in the first showcase of Possessed at Greenwich Theatre in 2006. He was a complete joy to watch in this new musical! His energy drives the show and his gloriously rich singing voice envelopes you. The singing on the website for the show is not Peter.... you have to go to the show to hear him for yourself. Playing the father of a Jewish Theatrical family in Warsaw, Peter was in his element. Yes, he's Greek but ... Jewish, Greek, Italian - what does it matter, Peter, as Daniel, gave a masterly performance as a the father of a big family struggling to survive. A man who everyone looked to for the answers, even when he wasn't certain what they were, a man who was trying to do the right thing not only for his family but for his people, a man driven by the love of humanity. Peter's charismatic performance that night is something I will never forget.

Simon Gleeson as Adam and Leila Benn Harris as Rebecca, the young leads, were electric to watch and listen to as well and I particularly loved their soaring harmonies. Little ten year old Nathan Attard was a fabulous Leon, totally focused and believable for a boy so young. Sevan Stephan, who played Gimli, one of my favourite characters from Lord of The Rings film, gave a sensitive performance as Max. The music and lyrics were very good and it was wonderful to have a 14 piece orchestra.

It was so lovely to sit drinking scotch with Steve and Peter in his dressing room, talking about the show and life, Obama and the world and everything!

Imagine This is not open to the press until 19th November, but you must go and see it right now!!