Interview: West End star HADLEY FRASER on first solo concert at Cadogan Hall

For one night only this June, West End and Broadway star Hadley Fraser will take to the stage at Cadogan Hall for his first-ever solo concert. We spoke to him to find out more about his upcoming show and the launch of his new album, Things That Come and Go.

Congratulations on your first solo concert! How are you feeling about performing at Cadogan Hall?

Thank you! I’m so excited! I’ve seen so many great concerts and gigs at Cadogan Hall that I can’t wait to get up there and perform my own material and launch the album there. It’s a wondrous space - this big bold open space but the feel of intimacy and proximity pervades. I remember seeing Jose Gonzalez there a few years ago - just him and his guitar for about two hours - mesmerising. I’ve performed there in musical concerts a couple of times (The Light Princess and Carousel), but to have a solo gig there is really special.

What can audiences expect from your concert?

Audiences will hear all the songs from my recently released album (Things That Come And Go), with a few select songs from other albums of mine - and some surprises thrown in. Jazz, folk, standards, musical theatre - solos, duets. I’m so lucky that Maiya Quansah-Breed, Natalie May Paris and Rosalie Craig are all joining me on the night. Powerhouses, the three of them. And I’m joined by arranger and collaborator Sam Young who will be heading up the band (all of whom played on the album - I haven’t scared them off yet!)

How did you decide which songs to include on your new album?

Well, I guess that was something of a roundabout process, given the album was originally going to be part of a bigger project including some spoken word material too. Producer and all-round-legend Donald Anderson from the US contacted me about it - and within a short while, we were in the studio. A lot of the material was chosen to reflect or enhance the spoken word material - but with that still in the oven, we decided to go ahead and release the music as a stand-alone cut. The songs are all standards (vintage and modern) and ones that I had been singing or wanting to sing for a while. Sam Young came on board and weaved his magic to turn them songs into something contemporary. I’m so pleased with how it all came out.

You've got an impressive list of theatre credits. Are there any shows that you'd like to return to in the future, perhaps in a different role?

Never say never with anything I guess. I’m returning to a play I did 6 years ago (The Deep Blue Sea) right now - and it’s a real joy to find new things and reimagine a character. Age is a great educator and reframer…

What's next for you in the world of theatre and beyond?

The Deep Blue Sea runs at The Haymarket until 21 June. The album launch is 15 June at Cadogan Hall. Then I’m over to Tokyo for a short run of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in August. There are a few things hovering around after that - but that’s it for now. Come and join us!

Hadley Fraser performs at Cadogan Hall on 15 June, with further info here.