Interview: Actor Alex Frost on MARVELLOUS at @sohoplace

Marvellous is the first show to open in the brand-new state of the art theatre @sohoplace, which tells the inspiring true-life story of local Stoke legend Neil Baldwin (AKA Nello). We spoke to actor Alex Frost about playing Neil, representing a real person’s story on stage and being part of @sohoplace’s opening production.

Marvellous tells the story of Neil Baldwin. For those who may not know, can you tell us a little about him? 

Growing up in 1950s Newcastle Under Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent, in less enlightened times, a lad with learning difficulties throughout his childhood, Neil was not expected to be a success. But Neil decided his life was going to be marvellous and it is. He hitchhiked across the country and became a famous clown – Nello. Received an honorary degree from Keele University, was appointed Stoke City’s legendary Kit Man and Mascot by Lou Macari, appeared on the Queens New Year’s Honours list and accepted a BAFTA award on the film made about his life, starring Toby Jones. Not bad for a man who is 77 on his next birthday! A friend to anyone he meets, Neil has become a local hero and an inspiration to the world. 

What is it like to be telling a real life story on stage? Does that bring any extra pressure? 

I am a Stoke lad so to be telling a Stoke story of the life of a local legend and then taking that story to London’s glittery West End is a real pinch me moment. One I am incredibly proud of.  But then when that person is watching, every single performance, that could bring its own set of challenges, but the thing with Neil is, he is always so positive, he finds the whole thing, in his words “truly marvellous”, which has to be the best compliment of them all.

How does it feel to be in the first ever show at @sohoplace, the West End's newest theatre?

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To say you are one of the first actors to appear in the opening production of the first brand-new purpose-built theatre in the West End in 50 years is very special. But for me the most incredible thing, as a Neurodiverse actor with an unseen disability – in my case - Asperger’s Syndrome, to be in a leading role in an inclusive cast with three neurodivergent actors, including an actor who has down's syndrome, I don’t think that has ever been shown on a West End stage before, which is a huge step forward.  We must celebrate diversity, not tolerate, and that must be worth fighting for. 

What is it like to perform in-the-round?

Theatre in the round is bold and it’s exciting. It’s real. It’s basically theatre in 3D. It demands fast action, movement, vocal attack and commands sincere performances from its actors.

What do you hope the new London audiences will take away from the show with them?

When disability is featured on the stage or in mainstream media, it is often vulnerability, tragedy or naivety that is emphasised. Marvellous does not do that. It gloriously subverts these expectations with humour, self determination and victory. It will show you that if you have dreams, even if society has given you a label, anything is possible. 

What can audiences expect from the show and why should they come and pay a visit to London's new theatre? 

Marvellous will inspire and entertain, the kind that will give you goosebumps and bring tears to your eyes. The kind that will make your hands clap until you feel like they are going to hurt and feel like your heart is going to burst. You will leave the theatre on a wave of happiness and it will give you a huge spring in your step on the way home. 

@sohoplace is bold and thrilling, the first brand new purpose built theatre in the West End in 50 years and it will have the first new street name in Soho in 72 years! It’s a historic moment. And the theatre is the newest in the round configuration! The first in the West End I believe. Theatre in the round is where people talk with added intimacy, unlike proscenium arch theatres. @sohoplace has disability access - with lifts on every level, something that is very important to me, excellent acoustics, perfect sight lines, lots of leg room, there’s air con, a restaurant, bars and lots more toilets for the ladies! It’s going to be marvellous!

Marvellous runs at @sohoplace until 26 November, with tickets available here.