Actor Sam Ferriday, who stars as the Four Seasons legend Bob Gaudio in the UK tour of Jersey Boys, talks about playing his dream role
WHAT DID YOU KNOW ABOUT FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS, PLUS THE STAGE SHOW, BEFORE YOU GOT THE PART?
I was introduced to the Four Seasons
when I was nine. My nan put one of their cassettes on in the car and the first song was Sherry. I was hooked from then.
And when I saw the show when it first opened in Broadway, I was blown away. I said to my dad: ‘One day, I’ll be in that show.’ So this really is a dream job.
THIS IS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER JUKEBOX MUSICALS, ISN’T IT?
Not putting any of the jukebox musicals down, but they often have fake stories, whereas this is a true story with timeless classic songs to back it up. And most people love the play itself. For instance, I’m an actor first and foremost and it was the play I was drawn to. It’s a good acting journey to go on.
DID YOU KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE REAL STORY BEFORE?
Before I had seen the show, I wasn’t aware of the real story.
The reason for that is because, yes, I was a fan, but it’s a story that has never been documented. Until the show, that is. I think that’s why sometimes you come off stage and feel like you’re in an actual band. The audience almost believe you are the actual guys. It’s such a great performing
experience.
YOU MET BOB GAUDIO HIMSELF RECENTLY. WHAT DID HE SAY?
He said: ‘Go knock them dead.’
HA HA. SO HOW MUCH OF THE REAL BOB DO WE SEE
IN YOUR PERFORMANCE?
I can look at his mannerisms for some guidance, but equally the show’s creators say this isn’t about imitating. Fifty percent is the character, and 50% comes from you. They want you to bring yourself to it.
WHAT IS THE CAMARADERIE LIKE BETWEEN THE FOUR
MAIN ACTORS ON STAGE?
We’re a band of brothers on tour. It’s just like the line in the show, ‘you have your real family, and your road family’. And this is our road family. We’ll be there for each other during the highs and lows of the tour, because we’ll be on that journey together.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT DOING THIS SHOW?
To get this great acting role and to play a guy I admire the most, that’s the most special thing to me. And I’m a huge fan of the music. I’m not the kind of guy who
will listen to the radio for new music, but these songs really could come out whenever and be hits. I mean, look at Begging – that came out a few years ago and look how big it went? This is timeless music at its best.
Jersey Boys will be at HM Theatre, Aberdeen, from Tuesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 14. Tickets and show times, including matinees, are available from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com or by calling 01224 641122.