Jersey Boys star Lewis Griffiths tells Katherine MacAlister he’s found his dream job

For some, being on the road month after month touring Britain’s theatres can be taxing.

For Lewis Griffiths it’s a dream come true, because he’s landed one of the lead roles in Jersey Boys on it’s first ever tour.

Coming to the New Theatre next week, Lewis therefore can’t wait.

“It is intense and doing eight shows a week can take its toll mentally, physically, vocally and emotionally but I’m loving every minute of it.”

Playing Nick Massi, the Four Seasons bass player and singer, Lewis says Jersey Boys is a show with music rather than a musical.

“It’s not just a jukebox musical, it has a real storyline, it’s a play about four guys, how they got together, their sound, their success, their rags to riches story, and of course their music. So while people come for the songs, they get an education into the bargain.”

Getting right under the skin of his character, Lewis says: “Nick had his demons and while he initially seems like the strong, silent type, he has his moment in the sun because he leaves the group at the height of its fame and fortune to spend more time with his family.

He was never in it for the money, just the music,” Lewis concludes: “but that’s why Jersey Boys works, because it’s a true story seen through four very different guy’s eyes.”

The show’s longevity has of course already been proven with its continuing, award-winning West End run: “Jersey Boys has become a template for so many other shows,” Lewis tells me proudly. But Lewis is also delighted to be coming back to Oxford’s New Theatre for more altruistic reasons; because although he has starred in numerous shows there from Legally Blonde to Ghost, never as the lead.

So how is it? “When you’re on in the West End you can become a creature of habit,” the Essex lad tells me.

“So it’s good to be moving on with a fresh cast and I love my character – there is a bit of a bromance going on and I keep learning from Nick.

“It’s become a bit of an addiction. So while there are moments when art can imitate life on tour, essentially we are a strong team who rely on each other and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

SEE IT
Grammy Award-winning Best Musical Jersey Boys will be at the New Theatre Oxford from May 12-24. Call the box office on 0844 871 3020 or see atgtickets.com/oxford