Carnaby Street memories

“Bring your dancing shoes and come ready for a party” is the message from actor Paul Hazel, who plays an outrageous cross-dressing couturier in new musical Carnaby Street.
Carnaby Street - Carnaby Street Promotions Ltd and The Hackney Empire - 6th April 2013cast includes Verity Rushworth and Aaron SidwellDirector - Bob ThomsonDesigner - Matthew WrightLighting - Nick RichingsCarnaby Street - Carnaby Street Promotions Ltd and The Hackney Empire - 6th April 2013cast includes Verity Rushworth and Aaron SidwellDirector - Bob ThomsonDesigner - Matthew WrightLighting - Nick Richings
Carnaby Street - Carnaby Street Promotions Ltd and The Hackney Empire - 6th April 2013cast includes Verity Rushworth and Aaron SidwellDirector - Bob ThomsonDesigner - Matthew WrightLighting - Nick Richings

Based loosely on the life of music industry legend Carl Leighton Pope, the sensational show is the tale of one young man’s quest for fame and fortune in London’s West End in the Swinging Sixties.

Filled with classic Sixties songs and original numbers, the show is a trip down memory lane and a chance for a new generation to experience the magic of Carnaby Street.

Paul said: “My character Lily The Pink helps the two lead characters to stardom by designing their clothes for them. I’m the heart of the show, I call myself the pantomime dame, and every time I go on stage I’m in a new costume –it’s fun.

“It’s great to do a brand new show as it means I’m the first person to play this character and I’m creating the role. That’s what every actor strives to do.

“There is an added pressure because it’s a role you don’t know how the audience are going to react to. I walk on to sing the first big number of the show in full lashes, tights, 1960s clothes. It’s nerve-wracking not knowing how they will take me.”

Carl has been onhand to advise the cast, and told Paul he really knew someone like Lily, which would have been controversial at the time.

Paul said: “It’s been amazing to have Carl there. It shows he is really passionate about the show. I’ve never had a producer so hands-on, it’s great.”

Paul said his favourite solo in the show is Son Of A Preacherman as he gets to have some fun with the audience.

Don’t miss Carnaby Street at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Carnaby Street is at Milton Keynes Theatre from September 3 - 7. For tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7652.