Dunedin performer chases bright lights of London

Sizzling on the heels of profitable the excellent efficiency — lead male position award at Monday’s Dunedin Theatre Awards, well-known Dunedin actor/singer Max Beal is embarking on the lengthy journey to London.

The award, given for his spectacular portrayal of The Poet in difficult one-man present (with music) An Iliad, capped off an epic 12 months for Beal in 2025.

An Iliad, carried out with musician Sam Meikle throughout Dunedin Fringe Pageant, was Beal’s first present for the 12 months.

He adopted it up by singing the lead position of Russian grand grasp Anatoly Sergievsky in Musical Theatre Dunedin’s manufacturing of Chess, after which the much more demanding position of Judas in Taieri Musical Society’s manufacturing of Jesus Christ Famous person.

“It definitely was a busy 12 months, there have been a whole lot of totally different parts to be taught for these three reveals,” Beal stated.

Famend for his musical theatre work in Dunedin and round New Zealand over the previous eight years, Beal had seen the Michael Hurst/Shayne P Carter model of An Iliad when it was carried out on the Fortune Theatre in 2019.

“It caught with me, so after I determined to attempt my hand at some [non musical] theatre, it needed to be An Iliad,” he stated.

“In fact, I had Sam on stage with me creating music, and likewise there’s a musical ingredient to The Poet’s phrases, which I like.”

Engaged on the musicals Chess and Jesus Christ Famous person had been a labour of affection for Beal, who has lengthy been a fixture of musical theatre within the south.

Audiences throughout the nation have additionally skilled his abilities within the lead position of Frankie Valli in Musical Theatre Dunedin’s manufacturing of Jersey Boys, which toured New Zealand.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have had so many great alternatives to carry out in musical theatre reveals, relationship again to Into the Woods in 2017,” he stated.

Happening, he carried out in Spamalot, Les Miserables, That Bloody Girls, Blood Brothers, and Chicago, amongst others.

Like many arts practitioners in Dunedin, Beal has principally pursued his efficiency profession “for the love of it” on prime of working — for the previous 4 years he has labored in an administration position at ACC.

“I’ve been lucky to have had the assist of my managers over that point, which I’m grateful for.”

It has been a terrific run, however now the time has come for Beal and companion Ben Johnson, himself an completed native performer, musician and director, to move for the intense lights and busy efficiency scene of London.

As Beal has household in Nottingham, the pair plan to remain there whereas they search for lodging and work in London to assist themselves whereas they pursue their efficiency goals.

“It’s unchartered territory for us, however we’re hopeful of discovering our ft over there — we’re going with open minds and can attempt our hand at something, from pantomime to musical theatre.

“There may be tons taking place within the arts in the UK and Europe, so will probably be actually fascinating to see the way it all goes.

“It is going to be an actual journey, and the nice factor is that we’re in it collectively.”

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz