Interview: Ellis Kirk on playing alternate Frankie Valli in JERSEY BOYS UK & Ireland tour

Photo credit: Matt Crockett

The boys are back! The original Tony®-winning musical sensation JERSEY BOYS returns to the UK and Ireland for its 20th Anniversary tour, opening in Wimbledon this week. During rehearsals, we spoke to Ellis Kirk who plays the alternate Frankie Valli in this much loved musical.

What was your first encounter with the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons?

I feel like I’ve always known their music so I can’t remember one specific moment! One of my core memories, though, is hearing ‘Beggin’’ in Step Up 3D – I thought that dance number was incredible and it definitely stuck with me.

When did you first discover you could sing and wanted to pursue musical theatre as a career?

Music was always a big part of family life, and we were constantly singing, usually in the car, so I’ve kind of always sung. It was only when I joined a drama club at primary school that I realised not everyone could naturally do it. We performed musicals, explored a bit of Shakespeare, and I completely fell in love with storytelling and performing.

From there, I joined a Saturday school called Rebel, where I was lucky enough to do some television work alongside having great fun in classes. I continued training throughout high school and around the age of 14 or 15, I had to decide whether to pursue Taekwondo or acting more seriously. Thankfully, I think I made the right choice!

What appealed to you about performing in Jersey Boys?

It was a mixture of things really – the music, its reputation and hearing how much people have loved working on the show. But above all, it was the story and the writing. It’s an actor’s dream. The piece is so well crafted, with such a distinctive style and a genuinely gripping story.

How are you approaching playing such a well-known real person without simply doing an impression?

For me, it’s about understanding the essence of the person – their values, beliefs and personality – and then playing the truth of the story. You want to capture the spirit and energy of who they were, rather than simply imitate them.

This tour celebrates Jersey Boys' 20th anniversary. Why do you think this particular jukebox musical has remained so popular?

I think it’s because everything works together so beautifully. The music is incredible, and the story is equally compelling, but then you add the set, costumes, sound and all the small details that make the world feel so authentic.

Nothing feels separate or unnecessary – everything serves the story. And of course, the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more fascinating.

You have led musicals as well as alternated leading roles. How do the experiences compare?

Leading a show is an incredible honour. You get to immerse yourself in the role, discover all the intricacies of the character and tell that story night after night, which is a real privilege.

At the same time, it’s incredibly demanding, and inevitably there are aspects of a performance that have to be carefully managed when you’re doing eight shows a week. One of the luxuries of being an alternate is that you can often preserve a certain freshness and perhaps take fewer compromises physically and vocally.

On the other hand, you don’t have the same amount of time in front of audiences to continue exploring and refining the performance, so both experiences bring their own unique challenges and rewards.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and what are some of your future aspirations?

Ahh, that’s such a difficult question because I’ve been lucky enough to have so many highlights, all for different reasons.

Dear Evan Hansen will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was both my West End debut and my professional debut. Heathers taught me so much, not only about myself and what I was capable of, but also about stagecraft and making the most of my strengths. Two Strangers was an incredible experience, particularly in exploring comedy, being part of a project that was still evolving, and experiencing a two-hander for the first time. Back to the Future pushed me in so many ways, both as an alternate and as part of an ensemble, which I absolutely loved.

Now Jersey Boys marks the start of another exciting chapter, with new challenges and a story that I’m really excited to tell.

Looking ahead, I’d love to keep exploring as many different avenues as possible. I’m really passionate about new work and would love to be involved in creating original productions and originating roles. I’d also love to do more television and screen work, record cast albums and eventually release some of my own music. More than anything, I hope to spend my career creating things that are truthful, beautiful and that people can genuinely connect with.

To book tickets for Jersey Boys at select touring venues, please click here.