Take Five
Victoria Kingston quizzes Barnes-based actor Dean Chisnall about his role in the Take That-inspired musical Never Forget
Above: Dean Chisnell
Dean Chisnall is lean, blonde, charming – and a really nice chap. At only 25, he has a most coveted role in the stage musical Never Forget as it’s launched on a UK tour. It’s set in Manchester and is about Ash Sherwood and his close chums, members of a Take That tribute band. They have their ups and downs, loves and disappointments – but they doggedly pursue their dreams against the odds. The theme being that pretending to be someone else can sometimes help you find out who you really are – a rite of passage we can all identify with.
Never Forget is a catalogue musical, using the songs of the phenomenally successful pop group Take That, but not about them and not starring them. Having met Dean, I don’t mind! However, good news for fans – it’s brimming over with Take That hits – and even if you’re a bit over the hill, you’ll know some of them: Relight My Fire, Back for Good, Pray, Babe – and of course Never Forget.
Ash (Dean) takes on the mantle of Gary Barlow. Is it too much of a stretch to call him a legend, I ask – and if so, is that a bit daunting? “Well, legend is the word I use,” he says. “He’s a musical genius, one of our best singer-songwriters. I’m privileged to be playing Ash. But yes, it is a bit daunting. It was the longest audition process I’ve ever had. Normally you get four or five in all, but I had eight. Take That are so massive and there’s so much hype about them, they had to really cast it carefully. I was lucky to be chosen as the lead.”
Dean has been involved in the show since it originated a year ago. “I got the call last year to say I’d got the part and we went on tour. The audiences went nuts about it – better than anyone could have expected. It is terrifying to be creating a role from scratch – to be the first person to play Ash – but it’s wonderful. It’s what actors dream of. This show didn’t exist until Danny Brocklehurst wrote it and we were cast in it. It’s gone from strength to strength in a short time.”
The same could be said about Dean’s career. A Lancashire lad, he did Performing Arts A levels and then came to London to study at the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre. “My parents were very supportive. That was a great help. And I really wanted to make a go of it.” He graduated in 2005 and immediately joined the cast of the successful The Woman in White. This was followed by the recent revival of Evita. That’s an impressive cv at only 25. Where’s the suffering he’s supposed to do? Shivering in a cold attic. Washing dishes in a sleazy diner. He laughs. “I know, I have been so lucky. I couldn’t believe that for my first job I was working with Simon Callow, Sir Trevor Nunn, Anthony Andrews and Ruthie Henshall. I pinched myself and still am. Some seem to take success for granted but I never will.”
Dean has lived in Barnes for nearly three years and it feels like home. “I love it. I’m near to the pond so it’s really peaceful. My job is a bit manic so it’s lovely to go home to Barnes. My girlfriend – Pip Jordan – and I walk round the area on Sundays. She’s busy too – she’s a dancer in Joseph so we really value our free time.”
Dean is sporty in his spare time. He loves football – and is a lifelong supporter of Blackpool FC. But he’s also very active. He’s Captain of the London Theatres Cricket Club – and for two years, he’s been a member of The Stage Golfing society, in Richmond. I point out that Battersea-based actor Ross Kemp is a member too – and Dean is impressed that I’ve interviewed him for SW: “I’ve seen him on the course. He’s a good player. But I’ve never spoken to him because I don’t know him personally.”
Both cricket and golf are serious passions. “Second only to theatre,” says Dean. “It’s great exercise and a wonderful way to unwind.” In the very nicest way, he is obviously a very competitive guy. Tongue firmly in cheek, he confirms. “Yes, I am, very. Very ambitious. Whether it’s an audition or a cricket match, I get my head down and make my mind up to win at all costs. Those who say – oh well, it doesn’t matter if you win, it’s the taking part that counts. I’m sorry. I just don’t agree.”
Never Forget is at New Wimbledon Theatre from 8-12 April
Box office 0870 060 6646 or visit www.neverforgetthemusical.com
WIN! For your chance to win tickets to the press launch of Never Forget on 8 April, click on competitions.