You’ve probably seen his face before, but just how much do you know about actor Danny Mac? Natasha Mckim goes behind the hotness and discovers the actor within.
Some may know him better as Dodger Savage, one of the Hollyoaks Hunks. Others will remember him swirling around the Strictly dance floor with professional partner Oti. But now a whole new group of people will know Danny Mac as Joe Gillis.
Danny is no stranger to the stage, and is very passionate about his craft. Born in London, he trained in performing arts from a young age and has been in productions such as Wicked, Les Misérables and Legally Blonde. Currently in Aberdeen with the Sunset Boulevard tour, Danny is putting on the character of Joe to stun Scottish audiences.
Have you ever been to Aberdeen before?
I’m not actually sure. We did a lot of travelling in Hollyoaks so there is every chance I might have been.
How did you get the role of Joe in Sunset Boulevard?
It came off the back of Strictly Come Dancing when I was getting a lot of inquiries. I was recently in a production of the classic musical On The Town in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
I had been away from theatre for five or six years and it was scary to go back, The Regent is a very prestigious place and I was terrified at first, but I honestly had the time of my life. Then I was offered the part in Sunset Boulevard and I thought, if I pulled the wool over people’s eyes one time before, then can I do it again? I did resist it initially, but I was given all of the information and some time to think about it.
Once I read the script and heard the soundtrack, I was completely hooked. I had to do it. I would kick myself if I didn’t. Everything stacked up, with Ria Jones playing Norma and Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s book and lyrics. The production also has a 16-piece orchestra – it is the real full shebang. It is a Les Mis level of production tour.
How have you found going back into theatre after working on television for several years?
I actually feel very proud that I still belong to the theatre even though I have spent so much time out. It is nice to come back and be so welcomed. I came into it having a strong opinion of what I thought the character should be and what motivated him. I am a lot older now and more aware of my capabilities. What we produce has been a success and everyone involved has a feeling of ownership.
Has your experience on screen enhanced your skills on the stage?
It is my biggest role and I am proud of it. My time on screen has enhanced my acting in every way. You develop a filter and the right frame of mind – if you don’t like reviews then don’t read them. You learn what helps you to grow and develop. Right now, I am in the peak of my confidence and producing the material I am most proud of.
This piece is so real. People think you need to separate acting from musical theatre but you still always have to be an actor. Even on Strictly Come Dancing you act your way through a dance. Acting is the backbone.
Are you able to connect with your character?
Joe is a real character and so intricate, so he needs to be treated with respect. I connect with him and then I also don’t. I had to do a greater exploration to try and empathise and understand him. He is so flawed and so wrong in so many ways you have to discover why he does that and why he does what he does.
But I also understand him. I lived in LA for a while and it is a venomous and also amazing place. LA hasn’t changed since the era the show is set in. It is still as terrible a place and twisted. The story explores the human condition and celebrity and fame. The movie is so fantastic and the writers and creators of the production have respected the original movie. Some parts are scene for scene and word for word and the music and 16-piece orchestra are so incredible.
You have a diverse fan base of different ages. How do you think people who are used to you playing flirtatious Dodger will react?
I am quite proud of the varied and diverse fans from my jobs. There are a wide range of ages and backgrounds. The show resonates with a current audience as it deals with fame and celebrity and depression. It is really dark but brought into the 21st century and is very visually stimulating and fast paced.
It is two hours long but moves quickly. From the first line it is captivating and the show itself keeps you interested. It is for all ages and I am proud that it might bring in people who have never been to the theatre and keep them coming back. It is a part of culture and society and opened my mind to people, that is how I got involved in theatre. It doesn’t discriminate and we welcome everyone into our world.
Do you have a warm-up or pre-show ritual before you go on stage?
The show is very demanding physically. We do a physical warm up with everyone but I have been very lucky and have had some great coaches in my time so I do my own warm up too.
Sunset Boulevard plays at HMT in Aberdeen until November 11 before touring to Birmingham and Dublin on the UK tour. See www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/sunset-boulevard-397784 or https://uktour.sunsetboulevardthemusical.com/tickets/
