Interview: 'There's Nothing Better Than Being Part of a Talented Company': Jamie Bogyo and Laura Pitt - Pulford on Creativity and Complexity in ASPECTS OF LOVE

In this first major West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Aspects of Love is a sweeping romantic story of passion, love, betrayal and heartbreak across three generations.

Currently starring as Alex and Rose in the new revival, Jamie Bogyo and Laura Pitt -Pulford talk to us about complex characters, the joy of singing a Lloyd Webber score, and the delightful company that make up Aspects of Love.

Jamie, you play Alex and Laura, you play Rose. Can you tell us a bit about your characters and their arc through the show?

Jamie: Alex is a young American who falls in love with Rose after seeing her perform in the village of Montpellier. Over the course of the show his life spans 18 years in which he confronts love in its many form and guises.

Laura: When Rose walks into a room everyone knows about it. She’s full of passion, heart, and fire. But most importantly carries a hidden vulnerability which she chooses very wisely who to share it with and when.

Aspects of Love first premiered in the West End in 1989, and has enjoyed various iterations over the years. Is that exciting as a company and for you as actors, or are there nerves there?

Jamie: It’s an honour to be a part of this new production. Working alongside theatre legends Michael Ball, Jonathan Kent and indeed Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. There are always nerves, but I think that is a healthy part of what we do. Mostly it’s just been a joy!

Laura:  There are no nerves connected to the fact it’s been done before because thanks to Jonathan Kent our director it’s truly felt we are creating it for the first time. Changes have been made since the original which have allowed us to make different choices and find our own version of this piece. And that is always very exciting as an actress.

Jamie-this is your first big role after your West End debut in Moulin Rouge-how do you think that role prepared you for the one of Alex?

Moulin Rouge was my first professional role out of drama school. So more than anything it prepared me for the stamina and discipline required to perform eight shows a week. At the start of the show Alex is similar to Christian in they’re both Americans abroad who both fall in love with a glamourous French actress. From that point on their stories diverge so it’s been really exciting for me to go on this exciting journey with Alex after the wonderful ride I had in Moulin Rouge.

Laura-after your work as Carol in Emmerdale, what’s it like coming back to the stage for such a big show?

To be honest I never really left the stage. But it’s always nice as an actress to work in both TV and theatre and to make that crossover. Nothing will ever compare to being part of a company though. Especially this company who are an absolute delight in every way!

Your co-stars are Michael Ball and Danielle De Niese. What’s it like being part of such a talented group and, in Michael’s case, with someone who knows this piece very well?

Jamie: It’s been such an incredible resource to have seasoned professionals such as Michael, Danni and Laura to act alongside with. Michael in particular, because he played the role has been a pheromonal help and mentor. He and Jonathan, our director have helped make this whole experience full of laughter and creativity.

Laura: There’s nothing being better than being part of a talented company as it only pushes you to work harder and match them. Working with Michael Ball on a piece that he originated all those years ago in the role of Alex I find incredibly moving. I think of how much must have happened in his life from then until now. And how profound that must be for Michael. He’s glorious in the role of George. As is everyone in this company.

Of course, it’s Lord Webber’s music and Don Black and Charles Hart’s lyrics. Have you a favourite song/moment in the score, and has that changed or developed since you began working on the show?

Jamie: The whole score is so stunning but if I had to choose a favourite song it would have to be Laura’s "Anything But Lonely" which I think is one of the lesser known masterpieces in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s canon of work.

Laura: I adore singing "Seeing is Believing" with the wonderful Jamie. It happens right at the beginning of the show and is what springboards us into the complex story.

Aspects of Love has been much more warmly received in the UK compared to when it originally ran on Broadway; what is it about this piece that makes it worth revisiting and you think draws audiences in?

Jamie: I think it’s a very mature musical that is part play, part opera in that it is an intimate study of these characters’ intertwined lives and is entirely sung through. I think the piece has a lot of soul and is a really moving and bold look at the many shapes that love can take at various points in our lives.

Laura:  I believe everyone will see a part of themselves in one or more of these characters. The music transforms you to what feels like another world.

Is there a scene or a song that you’re most looking forward to sharing with your audiences? (One you’re in, or otherwise?)

Jamie: Reprising "Love Changes Everything" at the end of Act I is always a major thrill. As it the early duet with Laura "Seeing Is Believing”.

Laura: We both love "Seeing Is Believing" which is at the top of the show, which then ends with my next favourite number: "Anything But Lonely"- when the mask finally drops from Rose.

The show, by nature of its title explores different kinds of love: romantic, fan and artist, parental. What does it say about love for you, or has working on it given you a change of perspective?

Jamie: To me it says that love is difficult to pin down and defies easy categorisation but is inexorably a part of how we exist and live our lives. This piece doesn’t shy away from the darker affects love can have on us as well of course as the wonderful highs. And getting to live through both is really exciting to play on stage every night.

Laura: This show is a story of very complex individuals who we observe over two hours as their lives entangle and fundamentally shows you human beings at their best and their worst. Love is not straightforward and we certainly do not shy away from that.

If you had one sentence to convince someone to come and see the show, what would it be?

Jamie: It’s a sweeping tale of romance set in some of the most beautiful locations across Europe to some of the most glorious music Andrew Lloyd Webber has written. And I get my top off!

Laura:  I don’t think we have anything like this currently on in the West End. The productions looks and sounds beautiful!

Aspects of Love is at the Lyric Theatre until 11 November

Photo Credit: Johan Persson