Julian Ovenden chats Sondheim, going full-frontal on stage, and his new brand album
By Ben Kelly
Singer of Sondheim, star of musicals from Annie Get Your Gun to The Sound Of Music Live, supporting player in the sadly now finished Downton Abbey… What’s not to love about Julian Ovenden? Throw in full-frontal nudity in the gay-themed play My Night With Reg and it’s no wonder he’s a favourite with Attitude readers. As the guy with the wonderful voice releases his new album, he chats about his career, getting naked on stage and why he avoids Speedos.
How would you sum up the new album?
It’s a passion project – a collection of my favourite American songs done my way. Hopefully it’s a transportation to a world of romance and mystery and listening pleasure. [Laughs] That sounds very Alan Partridge of me, doesn’t it?
What’s the perfect way to listen to it?
With a large glass of Chianti. Run a bath. Put oneself in bath. Drink wine. Listen to record. Preferably with someone else in there with you.
It’s going to go down well with the gays… How do you account for your gay following?
I’ve done a few musicals, which is a big gay thing, isn’t it? I’ve done those pretty much throughout my career and also I did a big gay play My Night With Reg a few years ago.
And also you took all your clothes off in the play, which always helps…
I did take all my clothes off, yes. [Laughs] Thanks for reminding me! I don’t know whether I’m still popular after doing that.
Believe us Julian, you certainly are! Speaking of Reg, how was the experience?
It was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done. Certain projects align themselves nicely and with Reg the cast was just so fantastic, the writing was amazing and for a certain generation of people – both gay and straight – it’s a very important piece.
Did you get any saucy fanmail from doing the show?
No, but I got some odd looks in the bar afterwards as if they were thinking ‘Oh God, I’ve just seen you with no clothes on and I don’t know what to say’. They seemed flustered, especially at the Donmar where you’re basically in someone’s front room standing there naked.
Would you have done the full-frontal scene if you weren’t in such spectacular shape?
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t cut out a lot of pizza and Stella Artois for weeks before, especially as the guy I was doing the naked scene with was like 21 and whippet thin – which was annoying. I exercised more and watched what I ate, but it’s all downhill now. I do yoga and I go running and I like swimming in Brockwell Lido in summer, but I don’t do many weights.
And are you a Speedos or a shorts man?
[Laughs] I’m more of a shorts man. You have to be very confident to wear Speedos.
What’s the campest thing you’ve ever done? Have you ever done drag?
I haven’t actually. I’m leaving that for my late 40s. There has to be a drag role when you’ve exhausted everything else. I’m sure I’ve done many camp things but I’m not the one to judge, but there have been lots of musicals with lots of campery – like Annie Get Your Gun with the cowboy gear, the leather chaps and all that.
You’ve done your fair share of Sondheim…
I’m very proud of the association I have with him. He’s one of the great geniuses alive today. His work is tough to sing but once you get the lyrics down it gets easier. That’s what I’ve enjoyed about making the new album because it’s music where the words are as important as the melodies. In popular music nowadays, generally speaking, the words are completely inane and inaudible but in the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s the words are fantastically crafted. Sondheim’s words are as brilliant as his music. That’s what makes him a unique figure.
Have you met the great man himself?
I have, yes, and I’ve always had good experiences with him. He can be a bit grumpy and truculent and he doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but then he is Stephen Sondheim! But I’ve always had a fantastic time working with him and I think he’s thrilled that his music is still out there and people are reinterpreting it and are still interested in it. He’s been very supportive with me and I’m grateful I’ve gotten to work with him.
Who’s your man crush?
Clooney. Love Clooney! He’s funny and still looks good at whatever age he is. He says he’s 50 or something like that but I think he’s older.
He’s 54, apparently. Anyway, who’d be your dream duet?
There’s so many. Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald, although she’s no longer around of course.
When you look in the mirror do you see what the rest of us see – i.e. a very handsome man?
God no! I’m 40 now and I see too much grey but if you start dying your hair it’s a slippery slope. But I’m happy to be the age I am and to be earning a living.
Julian Ovenden’s new album Be My Love is out on April 22.
Words: Simon Button
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