UK actors get a chance to Razzle Dazzle ’em in the best shows at sea

The West End musical shows on three of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships are some of the best entertainment to be found at sea.
Almost full length, and with top production values, they are a world away from the 30 or 40-minute singing-by-numbers shows built around a theme or a composer which are the staple theatre diet on many ships, and which have done much to foster Simon Cowell’s contempt for cruise ship singers.
When I saw the premieres of Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas, and Chicago a year later on Allure of the Seas, I was delighted to discover that three of the lead roles were filled by British performers (Genevieve Nicole as Velma Kelly, above centre; Helen Turner as Roxie Hart, right; and Linda John-Pierre as Mama Morton), and I was disappointed when I was on board Allure a year ago to find American actresses were taking their turn.
It should have come as no surprise – the casts change regularly and the performances benefit as a result. Now RCI are looking for new actors, and they are holding auditions in 12 cities around the world, including London.
General auditions for singers and dancers, and costume performers to take part in the ships’ DreamWorks character shows will be taking place over the next couple of months in Edmonton, Toronto and Alberta in Canada, Milan in Italy, and Tucson, Orlando and Hollywood, Florida.
The big ones will be held in Chicago, New York, and London, at Covent Garden’s Pineapple Dance Studios.
For Saturday Night Fever, which is performed on Liberty of the Seas, the principle roles up for grabs are Tony Manero (John Travolta in the film), Stephanie Mangano, Annette, Bobby C, Frank Jnr, Frank Snr, Flo Manero, Double j and Gus.
The 12 Hairspray roles available include Edna Turnblad (always performed by a male actor) and the lead, Tracy Turnblad. Sadly, there is no UK audition for Chicago – that will be held in New York.
All candidates must be 18 or older, and those hoping to be cast as a singer or actor must have previous experience on Broadway, in the West End, or in a touring production.
The producers are looking for dancers, who will also be required to perform in a “high-energy, aerial show” and “must possess well-developed, strong bodies to sustain rigorous demands of the programme.”
The London auditions for Saturday Night Fever take place from February 4-6, and for Hairspray from March 11-13. I only hope Pineapple’s notorious Louie Spence and Andrew Stone don’t get a look-in.
► Royal Caribbean are also looking for Olympic and professional standard synchronised swimmers and high divers to take part in shows in the Aqua Theatres on Oasis and Allure. None of the celebrity contestants from TV’s Splash! need apply.