Am dram stars of the week: Harry Simkin, from Great Wyrley, and Fiona Winning, from Tettenhall, in South Staffs Musical Theatre Company’s production of Top Hat at the Wolverhampton Grand
I’ve recently had the pleasure of working with two of the most talented young performers I’ve met in my career – they are my am dram stars of the week.
Seventeen-year-old Harry Simkin, from Great Wyrley, and 16-year-old Fiona Winning, from Tettenhall, have just appeared as Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, in South Staffs Musical Theatre Company’s production of Top Hat at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
I spoke to them about their experience.
Fiona says: “Having seen Top Hat in the West End and on tour at the Grand Theatre, I fell in love with the glamour 1930s Hollywood, especially the iconic style of music and dance. The role of Dale was an absolute dream to play, as her character not only has substance and depth, but also performs diverse dance routines and sings classics from the Irving Berlin score.”
For Harry, it was more about pushing himself. “I wanted to test myself,” he says. “When we auditioned together the chemistry was there, but I didn’t think the company would risk such young casting. But, I am so glad they gave us with the parts and even happier that we filled the large shoes required.”
The pair spent hours studying Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ dancing techniques and Fiona told me that at first learning the ballroom style, which was new to both of them, was a challenge.
“Our real breakthrough moment was when we learnt to move as one,” she says. Harry adds: “We became very close and comfortable with each other and in fact best friends over the course of the show. This enhanced the rehearsal process because we love dancing together and spending time together.”
But its not just about the dancing. “Vocally I have seen significant improvements,” says Harry.
Fiona adds: “This role required so many different elements. I tried to ensure my interactions made the relationships with the other characters believable.”
Opening night was a mixture of nerves and adrenaline for them both and the closing night was sad, but Fiona felt a sense of pride of what they had achieved together. Harry says: “I felt emotional in the end because Top Hat had been part of my life for nine months and I realised that I couldn’t do it again.”
But time marches on and Fiona and Harry have dream roles they want to play. Fiona would like to play Eva Peron in Evita, while Harry would love to play Mickey in Blood Brothers.
Anyone who saw Top Hat would have been impressed by these two stars. As company chairperson, no one more than me. You are amazing!
