Craig Revel Horwood interview

TV’s most fab-u-lous judge sat down with YM as he prepares to bring Strictly Ballroom The Musical to Liverpool this autumn

Words | Olivia Barkley-Quinn

You’ve just finished your debut solo tour ‘All Balls And Glitter’. What was the inspiration behind the show?

I have wanted to do a one-man show for a while – something more than a slideshow. I wanted audiences to learn something true about me. So in the first act, I had a woman named ‘Lavish’ take the stage who played Craig’s best friend, liberally informing the audience of all the stories he wouldn’t want to tell. Then in the second act, I took the stage as myself, telling the story of how I got on Strictly Come Dancing.

I’d never been on stage for two hours alone, so that was something new, and I played some duets with my good friend on the piano. There were 40 shows, and time flew by because it was just non-stop but really worth it. I think it gave the audience a chance to see me in a different light rather than the two-dimensional nasty judge they like to perceive me as.

You’ve succeeded in most areas of the creative industry – theatre, dance, choreography and writing – is there a particular area you enjoy working in the most?

Musical theatre is definitely my favourite area because it involves singing, dancing and acting – which is a real challenge. I’ve been fortunate to have done opera and ballet which are highly skilful areas but they’re one-trick ponies.

Actor and musician shows like Sunset Boulevard are my favourite because the actors have to play five instruments each so it’s a challenge for me too. There is a huge demand on the actors involved, especially when compared to other productions where people will complain about having to do one thing like dancing.

Away from television and theatre, you’ve written three autobiographies and one novel. Which one did you enjoy writing the most and which was the most difficult to finish?

The first book I ever wrote was definitely the hardest because it was very personally revealing. I had just started on Strictly and the media were attempting to create wild stories so I produced that book to shut down the rumours. I enjoyed writing Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street the most because it is fictional and I could create fake stories as the press do!

My aim was to try and convey what it was like for me trying to make a career in London. I was able to use real-life inspiration and situations but embellish the story with different names and infuse some drama. It was a great way to stay creatively busy during lockdown, and with no other work coming in I had to find ways to make the time worthwhile.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical, which you direct and co-choreograph, is heading out on a new UK and Ireland tour this autumn – landing in Liverpool in October. What can audiences expect from the show?

We have singing, dancing and acting infused with the Spanish guitar and Flamenco – I’m really looking forward to getting that running. It’s a stark difference to Strictly on TV as there are dark, backstabbing characters who have ugly personalities.

I’m delighted that the super talented Maisie Smith is joining Kevin Clifton on the tour as well. I can’t wait to see them dance together again. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!

Speaking of Strictly, is there a contestant from over the years who is particularly memorable?

It has to be Jill Halfpenny – the first person I awarded a score of 10 to at the end of the second series. She always stayed in my mind because she set the bar for the future contestants.

It’s your 20th anniversary of being on Strictly this year, congrats! Should we expect something special to mark the occasion?

There will definitely be something special in the opening show, at least that’s what Jason Gilkison tells me! He’s our lead choreographer on Strictly and my co-choreographer for Strictly Ballroom, so he will likely concoct something spectacular for us judges.

Finally, what’s next for Craig Revel Horwood? Another book in the works or another creative area you would like to conquer?

I would love to take my solo tour to Scotland and also televise it to let people meet Lavish through the TV. I’d also like to direct a film as it’s one of the few things I haven’t tackled yet – that would be interesting.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical visits the Liverpool Empire from 17-22 October. For tickets: strictlyballroomtour.co.uk

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