Calling all Take That Fans! Gary Barlow and Mark Owen from Take That discuss the stage musical based on the bands songs Greatest Days, pep talks and pin ups.
The show is NOT about Take That. It uses your music as a soundtrack to an original story about a group of 16 year-old friends and a non-specified pop group and how, 25 years on, the girls reunite and try to meet their heroes. Why is the show so successful, do you think?
Gary: I think that friendship really resonates with people. Even the idea of the friendship – if you sat us down then we’d all say that friendship is what is at the heart of Take That. It has kept our work strong; we’ve been a gang. Greatest Days is about the relationships really, not the music. You don’t need to be an avid fan, but Tim [Firth – writer] has so cleverly woven our music into a parallel universe. Whenever I see it, I leave happy.
Mark: Nostalgia. It brought me back to when I was a teenager knocking about with my mates and the dreams that I had then. It made me contact old friends after I saw it. People slip from us as we get busy with life, but the show made me reminisce. It was like a pause button. Oh yeah, and it’s got these amazing songs in it!
Greatest Days is a musical that uses Take That songs as a soundtrack. It has been such a hot ticket. Are you proud of it?
Mark: We are made up that people are connecting with the show and enjoying it so much.
How has the experience been for you?
Mark: The whole experience has been wonderful. To work with someone like Tim Firth who has such an incredible pedigree, and the whole crew – everyone on the show is so lovely. I have really enjoyed a sneak peek into the theatre world and feeling that energy. I was really glad that it was our music that was chosen to be the basis of the story.
It’s a show about growing up, too. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Gary: I’d say grab it and enjoy this moment right now. It sounds so corny, but this young cast are at such an amazing time in their lives, but they may have some tough years ahead. It’s so important to enjoy the here and now. We give ourselves a pep talk now and again, especially before tours. We really do appreciate all that we have.
Mark: A lot! I’d probably have a big sit-down with myself! But probably I’d say just embrace it all; the ups and downs and left and rights. Oh, and don’t have that first fag; don’t start smoking. My mum and dad smoked for forty-odd years and just stopped. I’m so made up for them and so proud of them. My thing is chocolate now. Don’t tell anyone, but I did eat some of my children’s Easter Eggs this year.
Who were your bedroom wall pin-ups when you were sixteen?
Gary: It was all about the music for me. Adam Ant, The Human League, Depeche Mode – I just loved trying out all that synthesized stuff on the piano.
Mark: I was quite into football, so Pelé, Maradona and Liverpool players were my pin-ups. Music-wise, it was Madonna and Elvis. I loved Elvis and grew up listening to him because Mum was a big fan. I used to put lard in my hair and sing Elvis songs. Mum went mad with me!
Greatest Days follows five boy band-obsessed best friends in the 1990s who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrob one last time. The musical features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love that will make your heart Shine.
For more information or to book head here or call the box office on 01603 630 000.
With thanks to our In Venue sponsor
