Whether it’s via his acerbic comments as a Strictly judge or by playing a menacing character in panto, Craig Revel Horwood certainly knows how to make himself the villain of the piece. Craig’s currently, er, revelling in the rave reviews he’s getting for starring as the emotionally challenged Miss Hannigan in a new touring production of Annie. 

Recently catching up with him to talk about this latest role, What’s On was pleased to discover that, in direct contrast to his well-managed public persona, Craig is really rather nice..

 

What appeals to you most about the role of Miss Hannigan, Craig?        

I like the fact she’s a villain. I love playing villains because they’re just a lot more fun. There’s a lot of depth to the character, which is good too. I also find the fact she’s a gin-swigging woman who lusts after men and hates children attractive.

 

So what qualities do you have that make you ideal for the role?

I play her just as any actor would play her. I’ve invested in the character and hopefully the audience will believe in me. It’s not a drag role, it’s just me playing Miss Hannigan, that’s all. There’s no sight of Craig Revel Horwood in the show at all.

 

So how did the chance to play the part come about? Were you surprised to be approached? Was it an instant yes from you or did you need some time to think about it?

When I was first approached, my initial thought was that they were going to ask me to direct and choreograph. I’d done panto but hadn’t done any serious acting for a long time, because I love directing and I love choreographing. I took a week to think it over. I read the script and really did love the character, so I thought, ‘Yeah, why not, let’s give it a bash and see how we get on’. That’s how it came about and it’s been a huge success.

 

Where did your research for Miss Hannigan take you?

I have an alcoholic father, so I’m quite ‘in the know’ about alcoholism. I know how alcoholics react because I lived with it as a child and grew up with it. I guess I’m a fountain of knowledge when it comes to that sort of thing. I’ve played women before. I once created a character called Lavish, but that was just for clubs so is slightly different to what I’m doing here. For Miss Hannigan, I studied the New York accent and visited an accent coach for guidance.

 

How’re you finding the heels and make-up?

I’ve danced in heels before. I was doing a show where I first learned to dance as a woman, because it’s very different to dancing as a man. Heels, of course, are a very big part of that, so I had a lot of blisters to begin with. They’ve subsided now and I’ve got used to it. Quite frankly, it’s like putting on a pair of slippers now. I apply all my make-up myself. It took me a while initially but with practice it becomes faster. I arrive ninety minutes before the show as it takes that long to get ready.

 

They say you should never work with children or animals. How’re you finding the experience?

Yes, they would be right! They’re unpredictable, but the kids in the show are absolutely incredible and are really, really talented. There are three different Annies and three groups of orphans who play three days each. Each group then has a week off, so it works out perfectly well. They’re tutored on the road as well, so that’s pretty cool. They’re actors and aspiring actors who’ve been selected from all over the UK and who want to go on and do this as a career, so they’ve been trained very, very well.

 

Do you have a pre-show routine that you go through to get into character?

Miss Hannigan opens the show at four o’clock in the morning, absolutely slaughtered out of her head - so I can’t completely get into character until I’m at the door, otherwise I’d be falling all over the place! Mainly I just concentrate. I have a bit of quiet time before getting into character and going on stage.

 

Miss Hannigan loves gin. What’s your favourite tipple away from the stage?

I like vodka. Vodka and anything diet so that it’s not as many calories, because I have to watch my weight. That or Sauvignon Blanc. 

 

Do you suffer pre-show nerves?

I always do because it’s a live crowd and you never know what’s going to happen. Each audience is different and the show itself is a little bit different every day, but I do think it’s good to be nervous. It’s my job to get up there, to play the character and play the part well, so I do get nervous.

 

You’ve got a proven record when it comes to dancing, choreography and directing, but how’s your singing?

I think it’s fantastic! I love it because it’s right in my key and all the keys were specifically chosen for my vocal ability. It’s something I used to do way back when anyway. I was in Miss Saigon for a long time, and I was also in Cats. At the end of the day, though, it’s up to the person who’s listening, not me, to make a decision on my vocal ability, but I do enjoy it.

 

You’re used to directing. How are you adapting to taking instructions from others?

It did take some getting used to, but I go back to being professional and listening to the director and the choreographer and doing what I’m told. They criticise me and give me notes, but that’s what it’s all about. They do it to make me better. I suppose that’s why I’m so harsh on Strictly, because I’m hard on myself in that way.

 

Where are you most comfortable - in front of or behind the stage?

I prefer being in the dark, making people better, than performing, but that’s because I’ve had such a long step off the stage - apart from with panto, of course. It’s been great and I’ve loved being on tour. Every week is different. We get to go to another place and discover these lovely cities all over again. I’m enjoying that side of it.

 

As you mentioned earlier, you enjoy playing the villain. You played the Wicked Queen in Snow White, now Miss Hannigan in Annie, and later this year you’ll be playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Do you ever yearn to play someone who’s nice?

No, not at all. I like the villains. They get the best lines and the best parts. Being dark, sometimes sinister, is much more fun; far better than playing some boring old love interest.

 

Do you ever get tired of being called ‘Craig Revel Horrid’?

No, I don’t care. It’s like water off a duck’s back.

 

Has being back on the stage given you a taste for more in the future?

Yeah, definitely, I would most certainly consider doing it again, as I’ve enjoyed it enormously. It would be great to do a West End run, but we’ll see what happens in the future. That’s the beauty of this business and why I like it so much. You never know what you’re going to be doing or what opportunities there will be. As one door closes, another one opens and vice versa, so it’s all very good.

 

What’s the worst criticism you’ve received as a performer?

The worst criticism was about my first performance. It was by a newspaper and in bad taste. They said I had varicose veins, that I couldn’t dance, I couldn’t sing, I couldn’t act and was too fat. It really was just a two-page blast off, but they had thousands of complaints from readers.

 

What are your initial thoughts about the quality of this year’s Strictly contestants?

Well, some of them can actually dance, which is a delight. I’m seeing some really lovely lines, some lovely arms and some lovely feet, so that’s good. A couple of them got in a few high kicks too, which is wonderful. Then, equally, there are people who don’t have much rhythm - so it should be fun seeing the dancers teaching them. Peter Andre looks like he’ll be good. I suppose he could become a finalist because of his popularity - as well as the fact he can move quite well. He certainly looks like a front runner.

 

Which previous dancer and/or routine still gives you a chuckle?

Ann Widdecombe. She’s funny. I just think of her and it makes me laugh. She’s actually 
become a friend now, because we did panto for two years after she was on Strictly and we danced together on the tour. We did forty-two shows dancing together on the tour and forty-two panto shows.

We’ve sort of become a double act - and an unlikely one at that, which I think is quite good. She makes me laugh because she’s just out there having fun and having a laugh with it. That’s a great approach.

 

Who would be your ideal contestant on a future show?

Simon Cowell. He would be fantastic. That would be excellent.

 

There’s been a call for same-sex couples to be featured on the show. What’s your opinion?

I think it’s a good idea. I have no problem with it because there are same-sex competitions, and Strictly Come Dancing isn’t entirely a dance competition. The winners aren’t going to become world champions and do dance tours around the world, are they? I can’t see any reason why it should be an issue on the show, although I can professionally. At that level it raises points about lifts and stuff like that, and certain things they do in the rule book. As for Strictly, I say bring it on.

 

Post-Annie, what’s next for Craig Revel Horrid, er, Horwood?

I go into panto in High Wycombe, where I’ll be doing two shows a day, every day - except Saturdays because I’ll be doing Strictly. Then, when Strictly finishes at Christmas, I continue in panto until the beginning of January. Then there’s Strictly Come Dancing Live, which tours arenas across the country up until February. I’ll then be off to Berlin to choreograph a dance show. After that I’m doing Hood The Musical, a new show all about Robin Hood which opens in June. In July/August I’m directing and choreographing a new version of Sister Act The Musical. Then we’re back into Strictly, panto and the Strictly tour again. Talking through my diary with you makes me realise I need to sort a holiday. Phew!

 

The part of Miss Hannigan will be played by Lesley Joseph (Birds Of A Feather) when Annie stops at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 4 - Saturday 9 April 2016