INTERVIEW- ANDY MOSS FROM FRANK’S CLOSET

Posted on by Ellie Preston

Ellie chats to Andy Moss, currently starring in Frank’s Closet at the Union Theatre.

Firstly, how are you feeling ahead of opening at the Union Theatre this March?

I’m super excited – I’ve not been on stage for about 5 years,  since before covid.  It’s been amazing to dust off the cobwebs and get back out there and it’s a pleasure to do my first show back at the Union Theatre. 

Without spoiling much of the plot, can you tell us about the show Frank’s Closet?

Briefly, Frank’s Closet is a queer love story – a will-they-won’t-they-get-married? But there are lots of fantasy elements… without giving away too much of the plot, Frank is visited by several Divas of the past who offer him nuggets of advice about each dilemma he faces. It’s high camp, a lovely story steeped in gay culture… and BONKERS!

You play the lead role of Frank – what can you tell us about him?

The story is set in the 90s when queer culture was still repressed – hence the show’s title, Frank’s Closet. Frank was brought up in the north, so he has a lot of elements similar to me, he has a love of Divas of the past and their costumes and his record collection and that’s why he clings onto these Divas so much – they show him what life can be and that he doesn’t have to take the path of a normal lad from his town. He also has a secret side to him, the collecting of costumes, and he explores his identity by bringing these Divas to life, taking elements of them to make him into the man he is today. 

How have you found exploring the role?

The show was first done about 14 years ago, but has been ‘refreshed’ for this production by the writer, Stuart Wood. It has been really rewarding to create this character and hopefully it works. We’ve such a fantastic cast – they are all so talented –  and everyone has been open to exploring and trying out new ideas.

Frank’s Closet was an off-West End cult hit of 2009 – do you find it daunting working on a show with such an iconic reputation?

I was aware of it before but for me it was taking the role and putting my own spin on it, coming in with some fresh ideas. It’s been the most fun.

How have you found working with this cast?

They are really talented – triple threats all across the board. Luke, who plays the Divas, is absolutely amazing, insanely talented. He turns into these Divas right before our eyes and fully embodies them – his take on them is beguiling and mesmerising. I’m super lucky to be on stage with this cast.

This production has additional new material by writer and composer Stuart Wood. What can we expect to see in this adaptation?

Another Diva who has been added to the show, and I’ve been given another song for Frank, a solo that’s rather wonderful. 

You have had a brilliant career, having played Rhys Ashworth in Hollyoaks from 2005 to 2014, starring as Sam Wheat in a UK tour of Ghost the musical, and much more.  Are there any career highlights you are particularly proud of?

My biggest highlight was starting out – my first big break was in Cutting It, the Manchester hairdresser drama. It was one of the biggest things on TV at the time, a great BBC drama, shot in my hometown. I got to hone my craft working with people at the very top of their game. It made me realise that I wanted to be an actor forever.

Having worked in both stage and screen, do you have a preference? And what would you say are the main differences between working in theatre and television?

I love doing both but TV and film more because it’s fresher doing something different every take. You might be shooting out of sequence and the writers can change the dialogue the next day. I find that really exciting. But you don’t get the buzz from a live audience, immediate feedback like you do in theatre. Performers thrive on that audience feedback and response. And that’s why I will always come back to theatre if there is a chance.

Things in live theatre don’t always go to plan – do you have any funny or memorable onstage mishaps you could share with us?

I was doing Ghost and we were half way into the year-long tour and I got offered a Christmas show rather than rest during the show’s break.  I rehearsed Aladdin on my off days from Ghost but when we opened I stepped onto the stage and was about to say my first words from Ghost. I froze and had to turn round and look at the set and the other actors and take a moment to remember what show I was in and what my lines were  it was the scariest thing ever! It was delerium of the highest calibre.

Do you have any advice for young people wanting to start a career?

A few years ago I would just joke and say ‘Don’t!’ because it’s so hard. I now say always have a side hustle. Finish school and get your grades so you can always do something else like teaching or coaching. I did a yoga teaching course in India and so that is my side hustle, and I can always be a barista. Always have another string to your bow – if only for your mental well being.

And finally, why should audiences buy tickets to see Frank’s Closet?

Because it’s glorious escapism from all the crazy stuff going on in the world right now – it’s 2 hours of pure joy, love and extravagance.

Frank’s Closet runs at the Union Theatre until March 30th 2024 – Find out more here!

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