By Lauren Cox

La Cage aux Folles is coming to Birmingham and Wolverhampton as part of it’s first ever tour of the UK. Presented by Bill Kenwright, the lavish new production of the award-winning musical extravaganza stars John Partridge as Albin/Zaza, Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb as Jacqueline.

What’s On caught up with John in rehearsals to talk about his role as the lead in the highly anticipated hit Broadway musical.

You’ve starred in La Cage aux Folles since early January. How has it been going and what has the crowd reaction been like?
It’s been going fantastically. Even though it’s never toured before, we’ve had the most amazing response to the show and it just feels so wonderful.

With the current rise of right-wing conservatism and extremism in both Europe and the United States, do you think the story of La Cage is particularly relevant right now. There’s a strong comparison to be made between Anne’s father in the show, a right-wing politician, and Donald Trump? 
Yes, it’s definitely very topical. The story of La Cage aux Folles is just as relevant as it was when it was first performed on Broadway in the 80s as it is now, if not more so. We haven't had one show where there hasn't been a standing ovation and that’s because they’re applauding the message and the essence of the show. That’s why it is just so heartwarming for us.

What would you say the true message of the show is?
That you can be whoever you want to be no matter what race, religion, or sexuality you are. We all have to learn to accept, celebrate, acknowledge and respect each other’s differences. We need to realise that we are all individuals living together so we have to all get along.

What is it like singing the iconic song ‘I Am What I Am’?
For an actor like me, getting to stand up on stage and share that moment with the audience is completely life-affirming and the response that I’ve had has been absolutely wonderful.

There must be quite a lot of preparation involved for your role as a drag queen. What is it like playing Albin/Zaza?
It’s exhausting for want of a better word! I have to get to the theatre a good two hours before the show starts to start putting on my make up. After a song called ‘A Little More Mascara’ I transform from a man into a woman which is all done by illusion really because I already have all of the make up on from the start. I just unveil myself more and more as the show goes on. I have to shave everywhere because, as a lady, you cant have any of the unwanted hair that seems to be all over my body. This is a real female illusion so I have three pairs of tights, spanks, padding and gaffer tape for tucking. In the first half alone I have 14 costume changes, some of which are only 90 seconds long. The costumes are completely out of this world - it’s such an opulent and fabulous show. 

Have you always been a fan of the show?
I first saw the show in 1987 at the London Palladium when I was 14 and it became the soundtrack to my youth. I never thought in a million years that I’d be able to be a part of this wonderful show. It’s an honour to sing these songs and bring this show to life. When we took the show to Wimbledon, 10 of the original cast members came to watch us which was just wonderful. It felt like a real La Cage aux Folles family and it’s great to be a part of that. 

You did a lot of musical theatre before you starred as the lovable Christian in Eastenders. Does it feel good to really be getting back in to it?
Yes, it’s all about progression for me. It’s about learning and continuing to grow and develop as an actor whether that be on television, in musical theatre, performing in a one man band, singing in concerts or through any other medium within the arts. Right now I’m learning a lot about being a lady! That’s not something I ever thought I’d say. 

Do you have a preference between television and theatre?
They’re both very different. With theatre you get an instant reaction from an audience so you know straight away whether or not they’re enjoying it. There’s nothing better than holding an audience in the palm of your hand and being able to hear a pin drop followed by an applause. It’s an instant buzz. Television is different because you’re not necessarily sure how it’s going to be received and sometimes you have to wait as long as eight months before you even see it, but I like and respect both platforms and mediums. 

Musical theatre must get pretty exhausting doing up to eight shows a week for months on end. How do you make each show as exciting as the first? 
You have to be disciplined. It’s very tiring to give your all that many times a week but your training and professionalism guide you through. I trained at the Royal Ballet School from the age of nine to 16 and that really helps. You also have to work a little bit harder for some audiences because they all vary from city to city. So, in a way, you have to adjust your performance to fit those venues and cultures.

You’ve performed in Birmingham a number of times with CATS, Miss Saigon and in panto. What is the Birmingham audience like?
The audience in Birmingham is always great, warm, and very much up for it. I absolutely can not wait to get Zaza into the Hippodrome to have some fun with the Brummie crowd because I know they will be really receptive to it. 

You were also in Birmingham over Christmas performing in Chicago. How do the roles differ?
They are very different shows but in some ways they aren't that dissimilar. Billy Flynn and Zaza are both showmen, or rather one showman and one showgirl. Billy is quite the consummate showman so I’m sure if anyone could give Zaza a run for her money it would be Billy. In fact, I think they're a match made in heaven. Zaza Flynn, who knows?   

Are you looking forward to coming back to Brum in May?
Yes, I love being in Birmingham. I’m from the North West so it’s close enough to my home that I get to see my family and my mum, who is suffering with dementia. I have lots of friends in and around Birmingham now too so it’s great that I can catch up with them, even though with eight shows a week I barely get any time off. I love performing at the Hippodrome because it’s a great venue to play. It's a beautiful theatre so I'm really looking forward to getting back and performing there again. 

La Cage aux Folles plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 May and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 27 June to Saturday 1 July.