An interview with Daniel Boys, who recently joined the cast of Avenue Q
Daniel Boys, finalist in BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do, tells us about his new role in the musical Avenue Q, currently running in the West End and what it is like to get to grips with becoming a puppeteer!
What was the Any Dream Will Do experience like?
It was the most surreal yet exciting experience of my life. A very strange audition process and letting the public decide is very nerve wracking.
Had you had any previous acting or singing experience before you did the show?
Yes, I trained at Guilford School of Acting and have been in various musicals in London, the UK and Europe.
What opportunities has the show led to?
It has given me a new found confidence which I was certainly lacking. But not only that, I’ve now got a certain profile around me which obviously helps in this tricky business.
What made you decide to appear in Avenue Q?
I didn’t decide to be in it. My agent put me up for an audition and it went from there. I was a fan of the show anyway and it was a part I really wanted to do.
What is the show actually about?
The show has a real heart to it, which I love. It is a very real and honest piece of writing, dealing with everyday issues such as sex, racism, love, growing up and desire.
Is it strange to work with puppets and how is this actually done?
It was strange at first but I’m used to it now. It’s weird that not one person looks at me throughout the evening (except the audience) and took a long time to get used to. We had a week of puppet training in rehearsals, but I’m still learning now. I find myself trying out new things all the time.
Who do you play?
I play two characters, Princeton and Rod.
What is are the characters like?
Princeton is a wide eyed naïve kid who moves to New York looking for his purpose in life. Rod is an adorable frustrated little character who is finding it hard to be himself.
How do you find playing more than one character?
It’s fun playing two characters. It’s more challenging and that to me is great. I like a challenge and this show is certainly that. It’s quite difficult at the end of the show when I have two puppets on my arms!
What do you hope to do next?
I just hope to keep working. I love singing and musical theatre but would really like to do some TV or film. I’d also like to do an album at some point.