Posted April 22, 200817 yr STAR INTERVIEW: Jon gets those wedding day blues http://i30.tinypic.com/11jw0ae.jpg Entertainer Jonathan Wilkes talks about The Wedding Singer Jonathan Wilkes in The Wedding Singer ""I know a lot of people you interview will say 'come and see our show, it's great'. Well I genuinely mean it. People will have a lovely time and have a great fun night out."" Entertainer Jonathan Wilkes By Anne Cox THE Wedding Singer is one of those slushy feel-good rom-coms that was required watching when it was released ten years ago. It featured a blistering soundtrack featuring some of the great songs of the 1980s and starred Adam Sandler as the eponymous hero and Drew Barrymore. Quite why it's taken so long to make it to the stage is anyone's business but finally The Wedding Singer is booked to appear at Milton Keynes Theatre next month starring one of Britain's most popular entertainers. Should the likes of Brucie decide to call it a day there could be no-one better to take over the mantle of Mr Entertainment than Jonathan Wilkes. The likeable Mr Wilkes started off his career being better known as the best pal and flat-mate of singer Robbie Williams but he's gone on to prove that he's no hanger-on. At just 29, he's already played Jesus in Godspell, Danny in Grease, wowed the West End in Guys and Dolls and strutted in stockings and suspenders as possibly the best Frank to appear in Rocky Horror, not to mention being a panto favourite in his home town of Stoke. On television he's fronted variety shows and indulged in his other great love, footie, by producing, with pal Robbie, Soccer Aid, a week-long celebrity tournament that raised more than £2.5m for the children's charity,UNICEF. But for the next few months he's playing Robbie Hart, a wedding singer from Ridgefield, New Jersey, complete with a 1985 mullet and a wardrobe full of fashion disasters. Robbie gets dumped at the altar by the sexy Linda and spends the next two hours of the musical on a roller-coaster of love with waitress Julia (Two Pints of Lager's Natalie Casey). Oddly, considering one of Robbie's backing band is dressed like Boy George, there isn't a single hit from Culture Club or any of the other 1985 songs referenced in the movie. Instead the producers have gone for a completely new score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. They've also written in a new final act, starring lookalikes of Billy Idol, Tina Turner, Margaret Thatcher, Mr T, Ronald Regan and Imeda Marcos which is far funnier that the film version. Said Jonny: "I know a lot of people you interview will say 'come and see our show, it's great'. Well I genuinely mean it. People will have a lovely time and have a great fun night out. "You're not going to watch Chekov or Shakespeare but you're going to have a bloody good night out. That's what's missing in today's world. Being able to go out and have a laugh." Jonny is the first performer in this country to play Robbie, after the musical scored a huge hit on Broadway. "I wasn't going to do theatre this year. I'd decided it was time to put my face back on TV a little bit. And I did - then this came along. I saw it on Broadway and I came back and told my manager that if it ever came to Britain I'd have to do it. If there is ever a part that has been written for me then this is the one. "Then it came through and I said I've got to do it. I'm so pleased with it. I've done a lot of shows now but this is the one I've never been so excited about." What attracted you to Robbie? I ask. "Christ, that name will haunt me forever!" he jokes. "Which one? Robbie Hart? I am him. I am a wedding singer. When I had my pop career I never claimed to be a cool person because I'm not cool. "I just like people and I love making people laugh and I love old fashioned entertainment. "I've actually done four weddings as a wedding singer. This is how sad I am. When I go to a mate's wedding I take my backing track with me because any chance to get up on mic and make people have a good night, that's me. "The director of this, Karen Bruce, said she wanted that cheeky, charming lad from Stoke-on-Trent. I want you as Robbie Hart. It's really hard to play yourself and be yourself each night with an American accent. "When you do Frank n Furter or Danny Zuko, or Sky Masterson, you get dressed up and become that character. With this I have to be a cheeky, charming American, which is hard, because there's not many of them out there. "If you watch any Adam Sandler film he plays the same role, the downtrodden lad who, hopefully, in the end, makes good. "What I have to do in this show is remain the anchor and, like Sandler, build these zany characters around him. You've got the Boy George character, his mate Sammy, his eccentric granny. Let them do the comedy while you let the audience fall in love with me and Julia. "Robbie's a born romantic and I like to think that I am too. My wife, Nicky, would say I am. I'm a people-pleaser, sometimes to my own detriment, but I don't want to change." The show is exhausting for Jonny, who is on stage the entire time, but he shuns the gym as part of his fitness routine, claiming his frequent outings on the pitch keep him in shape. "Just don't look at the love-handles!" he wails. He also has to wear a hair-piece – but is trying hard to grow a real mullet by May to complete the 1985 look. Jon was only seven in 1985 so does he remember anything of the era? "I remember my sister with big hair that contained so much mousse in it, and the big shoulder pads. My mum also had one of those all-in-one romper suits (favoured by Anneka Rice and threatening to make a come-back) and big hair. "One of my earliest memories, not surprisingly, was the 1986 World Cup and seeing Maradona and people like that, and Wham! "I loved the music from 1985. Every night before I go on I listen to Starship – We Built This City and my other favourite eighties song of all time is Dexys Midnight Runners, Come on Eileen. "Some of my favourite films, still, are Back To The Future and Karate Kid and I'm a massive Rocky fan. I know every word. I loved the 80s, I thought they were great. "I went to the cinema to see The Wedding Singer because I love Adam Sandler, seen all his films. I wish we could have used the meatball scene from the movie – when his granny puts two meatballs into his hands as payment for singing lessons. She's just this weird wacky old lady who steals the show. "Trish (Tricia Deighton) who plays her in our show is fab, she's such a darling. "We've been quite brave here. We're doing a brand new musical without any recognisable songs which is something of a risk. But we didn't want it to be a jukebox musical and I think the songs sit so well in this. It's good to hear something fresh. "It's such a strong cast but if you given them an inch they'll take a yard! Sometimes we'll do things on stage and, for example, Nat will make me laugh, and I have to think horrible thoughts to get back on track. "I think about my grandad dying, which then makes me depressed! It's horrible! But there is scope for corpsing sometimes." Jon got married in Los Angeles in 2004 in front of his celebrity pals. So did he have a wedding singer at his do? "No. My best man was Robbie but I wasn't having him sing at my wedding! I wanted a nice day!! "But we came down the aisle to Luther Van Dross Here And Now. I was there waiting and Nicky was coming down with her dad. "My friend, Lee, had one job, and that was to hit 'play' on track eight. He decided to hit the wrong track, hit track one which was the Janet Jackson/ Luther Van Dross, The Best Things In Life are Free which starts 'Are You Ready For This? "I stood there and all I could hear was 'Are You Ready For This!" Since then he's become a family man, with son Mickey born in 2006 and the family now live near Swindon. "I can't go more than a few days without seeing him but at the end of the day daddy has to go and earn some money to pay for his shoes. "Being a dad has changed my life. All of a sudden it's not about you any more. He is the best thing in my life.He's everything to me. Everything I do in life is about them, not me any more." Jon and Robbie are planning another round of Soccer Aid in June and perhaps after this I'd like to do a play or do a bit of drama but I do love the musicals. Every time I think I should go away it keeps bringing me back! "When I did Rocky Horror, I was this lad from Stoke that looked in the mirror the first day when I was dressed as a six foot seven transvestite thinking 'What do I look like? My mates are going to kill me'. Then I just became this super-hero. I was invincible. I don't think there will ever be another character like Frank. He is the ultimate role." The Wedding Singer runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from May 26 to 31. For ticketds and information contact the box office 0870 060 6652 or online www.miltonkeynestheatre.com The full article contains 1636 words and appears in Leighton Buzzard Observer newspaper.Last Updated: 22 April 2008 2:18 PM Source The Leighton Buzzard Observer
April 22, 200817 yr UFOs, Football...... :rolleyes: He'll need to shave that beard off for the football. He can't possibly run about with that attached. It'll weigh him down. Especially if it rains. -_-
April 22, 200817 yr Author UFOs, Football...... :rolleyes: He'll need to shave that beard off for the football. He can't possibly run about with that attached. It'll weigh him down. Especially if it rains. -_- He could always pull it out......http://i30.tinypic.com/20z7apt.gifhttp://i30.tinypic.com/20z7apt.gifhttp://i30.tinypic.com/20z7apt.gifhttp://i30.tinypic.com/20z7apt.gifhttp://i30.tinypic.com/20z7apt.gif :unsure: :unsure: :unsure: :unsure:
April 22, 200817 yr Then again, George Best had a beard :unsure: George's beard was sexy, though. :w00t: I could cope with a sexy beard. -_- http://i25.tinypic.com/123b7kp.jpg
April 23, 200817 yr I definitely think if Robbie is planning another Soccer Aid then the beard will be going. After all when have we ever known Robbie to keep a particular style going for a great length of time?
April 23, 200817 yr He'll probably grow it even longer. Like Methuselah. :( OFF TOPIC- Looking at the George Best photo reminded me what a gorgeous looking guy he was in his younger days. Before the booze caught up with him obviously. Very Hubba Hubba indeed. :wub: :wub: :wub:
April 23, 200817 yr Author Then again, George Best had a beard :unsure: George's beard was sexy, though. :w00t: I could cope with a sexy beard. -_- http://i25.tinypic.com/123b7kp.jpg He was just Yummy !!!!!!!! :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
July 16, 200817 yr Author This article was posted by Savanna Anka on myspace for Sharri at BBC Stoke ( pic provided by Sharri ).... Thank you Savvy ..... http://i34.tinypic.com/vxynpl.jpg Soccer Aid Is Back Good News! Robbie and Jonny's 'Soccer Aid' is back! Harry and Jamie Redknapp are fronting the promo press at the moment but the final players will be announced next week. It sounds like it will be quite diff in format this year than two years ago. This year, word has it it will be at Wembley, which, Robbie fans, is a massive stadium as you all know so I am afraid there will not be an awful lot of chance to MEET and GREET your Idols I am thinking. But as I type this I am wondering if I am maybe jumping to the wrong conclusions. Two years ago I went to see one of the matches at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground, which I believe is owned by Harrods Boss Mr Al Fayed. Anyway it was wonderful it was small and easy to see everything and a wonderful low-key atmosphere. Funnily enough the one man out of two whom I met or came close to my seat was Jamie Redknapp, who is the Captain of one of the teams this year as well. He was very sweet and so lovely and he took time to talk to us which impressed me a great deal. Also Gazza came over - he seemed very lovable and nice as well and very humble. I do wish Gazza well and hope he finds the right people to help him get over this bad time he is going through. About Soccer Aid in Sept this year… I was just thinking of everything being done at Wembley, but of course this could just be The Final (which was held at Manchester United last time). Maybe there will still be the prelim rounds played at the smaller clubs. Maybe even at my home town of B`mouth, where we have very strong connections to The Redknapp Family. Ever since Harry managed The Cherries (B`mouth FC), Harry has lived in B`mouth, has biz here and just travels up to Portsmouth, even now. And Jamie has a home in B`mouth as well but only lives there some times - for breaks. It would be nice if some games are played in the smaller grounds so everyday people can meet the players as well. It really annoys me when the People who spend their hard earned cash on gig tickets and music or whatever to give famous People their luxury life styles never get repaid for their loyalty; just a hello or a hand shake would make most fans’ day. Instead what you get will prob be: a massive stadium like Wembley; Robbie with his very glam also famous G`friend Ayda swamped by flash bulbs and fifty thick security entourages rushing them into some VIPs section where (never mind buying the music disc) the people in the selected Meet and Greet Areas could poss buy the whole music shop! Sorry for the rant Peeps. I sound like a real Power to the People Type but it’s a pet hate of mine, nepotism or abuse of one’s power. Oh well there goes my invite. Hey Ho. Just call me The Female Citizen Smith, (A very old Robert Lindsay comedy prog). PS… Some great news Robbie fans As we speak Robbie is working out every day, which means the chances of him playing are good; he will be getting fit in LA during July and having a holiday with his Family and then they will all be coming back to England some time in August. So keep your ears and eyes as open as things are changing all the time but at least it looks like UK RW fans will be rewarded for their loyalty, and Robbie will at least be back in The Country for a while. Edited July 16, 200817 yr by Scorpio
July 16, 200817 yr Author :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: See ...I knew I would give you something to make you speechless ....................... :P :P :P
July 16, 200817 yr Author when was the last time he was in the UK? :unsure: Last year...he mentioned he was back to renew his US Visa or something...... :o Gawd !!!! This thread still reminds me of the gorgeous Hunka Hunka.....http://i37.tinypic.com/14o827b.jpg...... :wub:
July 16, 200817 yr Author Goodnight everyone !!!!! Off to beddybyes for me as hols are over..... :cry: ...back to work tomorrow.... :huh: Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!!!!!
July 19, 200817 yr Author It seems that Soccer Aid is definately happening this year as confirmed by Jonny Wilkes on this radio interview...... Here is a link....http://rapidshare.com/files/130716732/Jonny_Radio_Trent_18_July_18-07-2008_21_16_44.mp3.html ( Try about 5 mins in to interviews ) Courtesy RWO forum ;) :w00t: Edited July 19, 200817 yr by Scorpio
July 21, 200817 yr Author http://i33.tinypic.com/28asvia.jpg 21 Jul 2008, 11:12 Courtesy...Robbie Williams Myspace Subject: Soccer Aid 2008 Announced & Tickets On Sale Body: Soccer Aid was the brainchild of Robbie Williams, a UNICEF ambassador, and Jonathan Wilkes and the all star match raised an impressive £2.6 million for UNICEF's work with partners for children around the world. It last held at Old Trafford in 2006 and attracted a host of world class players and celebrities including Diego Maradona, David Ginola, Angus Deayton, Patrick Kielty, Gianfranco Zola, Alastair Campbell, Paul Gascoigne and Jamie Redknapp. Now Soccer Aid is back and set to take place at Wembley Stadium with Ant and Dec hosting the match where the crowd will be treated to a unique opportunity to see football legends take to the pitch alongside their celebrity counterparts. The event will also be broadcast on ITV1. Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is stepping up to manage England and his squad includes football legends Jamie Redknapp and Alan Shearer, as well as celebrities Kyran Bracken, Ben Shephard, Gareth Gates, Jamie Theakston, and Jonathan Wilkes. Meanwhile, legendary Scot Kenny Dalglish will take charge of the Rest of the World and players hoping to make it into his starting line up include Westlife's Nicky Byrne, Alastair Campbell, Patrick Kielty, Brian Lara, Jesse Metcalfe and Peter Schmeichel. Gordon Ramsay returns to captain Rest of the World, but team England have a new skipper. Robbie Williams is passing on his captain's armband, and the responsibility of deciding who will take his place is in the capable hands of manager Harry Redknapp. Robbie is confident that again the match will be of huge benefit to UNICEF's work around the world. "Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life," he said. "I'm gutted that this time round my knee isn't up to it so unfortunately I'm out of the game. But I hope that everyone involved has the time of their life like I did, raises loads of money for UNICEF and that the best side wins. Tim Lovejoy and Louise Redknapp will bring all the action from the sidelines while pundits and special studio guests will deliver their live analysis of the beautiful game. Each squad comprises eleven celebrities and five world cup greats. With less than a week for the players to train and bond before the big game, the pressure is on to get match fit and performance ready. Tickets to Soccer Aid are available now. To book yours call the ticket line on 0871 230 7148* or go to ITV. com/socceraid. Show your support for UNICEF and don't miss out on what is sure to be a day to remember at the new Wembley Stadium. *(Calls are charged 10p a minute from a BT landline. Costs from other networks may be higher. And calls from mobiles will be considerably higher ) Sponsored Links The Hospital Group UK plastic surgery specialists. Excellent care & value for money. www.thehospitalgroup.org
July 21, 200817 yr Author :( so no Robbie running around in his England kit then shame he won't be playing. It is a pity Spark but there is nothing either to indicate that he will not be playing any part at all in Soccer Aid...hopefully we will see him in the TV studio..I would be very surprised if he just let them get on with it as he knows his name alone draws a big crowd & it was his & Jonny's brainchild...I guess we will no more nearer the time....anyway Jonny is taking part & surely Robbie will be there to support him ( at least I hope so :unsure: ).... :P....it takes a lot of work & effort to ensure that thses things are a success especially the fact that it is being held at Wembley...that is a huge stadium to fill but I guess they know what they are doing.... <_< Gareth Gates though :unsure: :unsure: ...how the hell did they pick him....I always think he has really weird hair..... :wacko: can you tell I am not a mad fan..... ;) Edited July 21, 200817 yr by Scorpio
