Music On Stage - The Spotlight

has many volunteers, actors and actresses who have contributed to make Music on Stage the success it is today. Here is just one of them

Photos of Richard

Richard Frazer Interviewed for the Pied Piper II

Actor:  Richard Frazer

Role in Pied Piper II: Writer and Producer. I also have the role of 'Roland'. The meanest, most stupid rat in Hamelin!

Age: 31

Years Acting: 14 Years

Where you initially learnt your skills?     I have spend most my acting career with Music on Stage and started with a group called the Highfield Players who are sadly no longer a group in their own right having scatter amongst the many groups that make up local theatre in Birmingham.

What are the most memorable moments in your acting career to date?     I really enjoyed the original Pied Piper 8 years ago and think that some of the many roles played with Shire Productions have been amongst my most enjoyable. I have to say working with the youth group (www.moskeetos.co.uk) and directing the Sci-fi night was perhaps my most rewarding theatre event to date. I look forward to bigger and better things

What made you decide to be in the Pied Piper II?      Having wrote a chunk of the story with another writer Andrew Rowley and based on the success of the original (Pied Piper of Hamelin by Vivienne Wilkes) performed 8 years ago. I knew I had to be a part of the shows actors as well. I always wrote the parts with myself in mind to play Roland. So really and selfishly no one else had a chance.

Give a short but complete description of your character:     Roland is forever loyal to Chief and the ratty cause. Although how much of the cause he is aware of is up for much debate. He was born on the wrong side of the sewer and had a poor start in life, but has made the best of a bad lot. He is now a leading henchman in Chief's gang and the other rats look up to him (because he is bigger). The most important stupid rat in Hamelin.

Who or what inspired you to work in your field?     Vivienne Wilkes and her son Stephen Wilkes are the two people who kept be interested when I was trying very hard to find other hobbies apart from acting. Then it suddenly l hit me I actually enjoyed acting and performing.

Who were your heroes when you were young?     Transformers and action man! (possibly snoopy - don't tell anyone)

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?     I think staging the Moskeetoes sci-fi night for the youth theatre as their yearly showcase. I changed the style and concept of the things they had done before and really offered a totally different style to what they had done in the past, which I am so glad they took to 100% Thank you guys!

When did you know that you wanted to be an actor?     Not really until the last few years. I have for years been involved but distracted. I suddenly realized it was a really enjoyable choice and it was something which I could help other with.

Funniest joke you can think of on the spot?      Two fish in a tank. One says to the other. 'How do we drive this thing?'