Actor Freddie Fox makes his musical theatre debut this month, starring as reporter Mike Connor in the Cole Porter musical High Society at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The production, which runs from October 20 to 24, marks a significant shift for the Slow Horses star, who auditioned three times to secure the role.
Stepping Out of the Sinatra Shadow
Fox acknowledged the weight of performing songs famously associated with Frank Sinatra, noting that the legendary singer’s influence is unavoidable. "You can’t really think about being in the shadow of Frank Sinatra because it’s such an enormous shadow. You’d never get out of it," Fox told RTÉ Entertainment.
Instead of mimicking his predecessors, Fox stated he is approaching the role as he would any dramatic part. He attributed his readiness to a decade of vocal training, aiming to deliver a performance that remains authentic to his own style. "I trust that the effort I’ve put into my singing voice over the past ten or so years is sufficient to convey, ‘Okay, he’s not Frank, but he’s Freddie,’" he said.
Returning to the Dublin Stage
The actor is well-acquainted with the Irish capital, having previously worked at the Gate Theatre and filmed the historical drama Black ‘47 on location. Fox described Dublin as one of his favorite cities globally, citing the "warmth" and "generosity of spirit" he has encountered there.
Regarding his transition from screen to stage, Fox observed that live performance offers a sense of relief compared to the pressures of filming. While he initially found singing for a large audience daunting, he now prefers the stage to the film set, where the pressure of limited takes creates "residual nervousness."
High Society Plays at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
The production of High Society brings the "golden age" sound of Cole Porter to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for a limited five-day engagement.
- Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin.
- Run Dates: October 20–24.
- Role: Mike Connor.
- Musical Score: Compositions by Cole Porter.
Freddie Fox Discusses Musical Role and Stage Pressure
What inspired Freddie Fox to take on this musical role?
Fox stated that the primary draw was the music itself, describing it as a "fantastically rich sound" characteristic of the golden age of musical theatre.
How does Fox manage the pressure of live musical performance?
He finds the stage environment less nerve-racking than film sets. He noted that the necessity of capturing a performance in a limited number of takes while filming creates a level of anxiety that he does not experience during live stage runs.
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