For fans of the entertainment world Musicals, Marigolds & Me is a deliciously detailed, enlightening and frank revelation of the trials and tribulations of one man’s passionate rise to fame and his sustained longevity in a complex industry of egos, opinions, creativity, success, madness, rejection and failure. With a career spanning six decades in the entertainment industry and public eye, Paul Nicholas has a myriad of insights, anecdotes and stories of his over half century of Musical Theatre, Pop stardom, Producer and Film and TV career. The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary since he emerged on stage as the premier Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and according to the show’s co-writer Sir Tim Rice, the best ever.
Paul Nicholas and the word Premier sit synonymously with his illustrious career of firsts from the workshop stages of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats to the West End Premier as Rum Tum Tugger. He originated the role of Blondel and the lead role in the smash hit 1968 Musical – Hair. Alongside Elaine Paige, the pair were the first Sandy and Danny in the UK production of Grease. He is widely regarded as an accomplished theatrical performer. Who can forget his effervescent film performance of Cousin Kevin in the rock opera Tommy and alongside David Essex in the film Stardust.
As a Musical producer his accomplishments include Singing in the Rain, Grease and Saturday Night Fever in both the UK and Broadway. He has worked with David Bowie, Tommy Steele and the Bee Gees and even played keyboard for Screaming Lord Sutch! His TV career saw him play roles ranging from the lovable Vince Pinner in the BBC’s Bafta winning series of Just Good Friends, to Kathy Beale’s despicably evil husband Gavin in EastEnders amongst others. More recently he could be seen exploring his exotic retirement options in The Real Marigold Hotel alongside other celebrities.
So, what sustains a career of such length and notoriety? Once quoted as saying that he has no other hobby – entertaining is his hobby, Nicholas lifts the lid on his lengthy experience of back stage antics, the risk taking and determination with all its highs and lows and also, the sheer pleasures and the deep disappointments when starting out and remaining at the forefront of entertainment industry. Paul Nicholas remains firmly in the limelight, as entertaining is who he is, who he was and who he will be.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 18th November 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★