Q&A: Danyl James Turvey of YPPA on teapot gaffe, art as therapy and knocking himself out!

A formrer cruise ship singer and dancer, he founded YPPA after moving to Rotherham and has staged Cats, Annie, Hairspray, Fame and Sister Act at the Civic Theatre over the past five years.

This year's show, The Wedding Singer, has been postponed until next year, but Danyl said members were still keeping busy. He took a few minutes off to speak to Michael Upton about pranks, pratfalls and helping young peole unlock their potential.

1 How did you first get into musical theatre? Do you have any memories of your first rehearsals, roles or performances

I first delved into musical theatre at school! We did a musical version of Alice in Wonderland where I was cast as the Mad Hatter. Aged 12 or 13, it was my first venture as a vocalist and I had this giant paper mache teapot that I had to put on the mouse's head.

I got so into the role, I slammed the teapot on, which caused a cut to her forehead. Whilst singing my song, I turned around to see a little blood drip down her nose, so I pushed the teapot fully over her head to cover anything up.

As you can imagine, she wasn't too impressed!

2 Were you nervous as a young performer before curtain up or did you relish the spotlight?

It’s weird - I never suffered from nerves. This was not because I was 100% confident, but I felt like I was at home.

As soon as I felt the lights on my face and the music started, I had this sense of release. It’s still the same now.

3 When, how and why did you decide to make the leap from performer to director/tutor/producer? Was it tough going from taking instructions to giving them?

Very! I came off cruise ships and my other half ran an amateur dramatic society.

Whilst on ships, we had conversations about putting on "Cats" and he could see my passion for the creative process.

When I moved to Rotherham from Brighton, I ultimately became a choreographer/ director.

I think it's great for performers to get an insight into professional processes. It would be interesting now if I went back into performing and taking the direction of someone else. I think I would be OK, but it would frustrate me not getting my ideas heard.

4 Who have been your favourite people to work with over the years?

As a performer, I would have to say Mary Hammond, who was the head of music at the Royal Academy of Music. She was so inspiring to work with and taught me a lot as a singer.

As a director, I can think of loads of people, but I would have to say the one person who stole my heart was Ella Foxton, who played Deloris last year in Sister Act. She is full of soul and has a voice beyond her years but was so shy she couldn't even look up when singing. She went for a role and I asked her to come back as Deloris. It was a massive risk to put so much pressure on a then 13-year-old, but she blossomed like no-one I've ever seen.

5 Why are you passionate about theatre and especially youth theatre?

Development. Over the years I've seen individuals gain jobs, be rehabilitated back into school and conquer their mental health  The arts give people a voice and a reason. To see youths flourish into the amazing individuals they are today is incredible.

6 What have been your most memorable shows at the Civic and why?

All of them for different reasons but my heart was fully invested in this year's show, The Wedding Singer.

It's a musical very special to me, and the music and story are just incredible. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, it had to be postponed until May 2021, which has been hard  

7 What is your fondest memory on stage or in theatre?

For adrenaline, I would have to say when I performed at Kensington Olympia in London, in front of thousands of people but I also used to perform contemporary musical theatre cabarets in London. When you're standing behind a microphone and baring your soul for an audience to judge, there is nothing better in my eyes.

8 Have you had any particularly funny experiences or moments on stage or backstage?

People think theatre is so glamorous, but it's not! I've knocked myself out a couple of times by kicking myself in the head.

Me and my friend in training used to do anything to make each other laugh on stage. I once wrote a naughty word on my teeth in eyeliner, and when I passed him on stage in a very emotional scene, I smiled, revealing my word.

I also replaced one of his props for a wooden spoon with googly eyes and wool hair!

9 Coronavirus has caused huge disruption to theatre companies. How are you coping with this and keeping morale up?

It's a worrying time but the cast is truly incredible and so are their families, so that helps with morale.

I have been introducing the cast to new musicals each week, and we also do quizzes to cure our boredom. Rather than focusing on the negatives, were focusing on the future and knowing that once we unite, we will be stronger than ever.

10 What would be your message to someone who thinks they might like to be on the stage but isn't sure how to start.

Just do it! Sometimes you just have to jump in the deep end and take a risk. There are plenty of dance schools, theatre companies, and singing lessons where you can explore your talent. And whether you are as good as Leona Lewis or not, it still doesn't affect the feeling you get and your happiness doing it. Don't compare yourselves and take that step…. You won't regret it.

YPPA are on the lookout for new cast members aged ten to 25. Anyone interested should search forYPPA on social media, visit www.yppacademy.co.uk or email [email protected].