In this edition of Take The Stage we meet 2017 graduate Liam McHugh, who since leaving us has appeared in Grease, Waitress, Saturday Night Fever and We Will Rock You. Liam currently plays Dave McFly, the brother of protagonist Marty in the West End production of Back to the Future, adapted from the classic 1985 movie. We caught up with him to see what life has been like after performers college, and what advice he’d give to up and coming professionals.
What is an average day like for you on Back to the Future?
A typical one show day would be: wake up at 10am, make some breakfast, go to the gym (if I have the energy), do admin and get into work for around 5:40 for a company physical and vocal warm up at 6pm. After warm up we have a fight call and are given notes if the resident choreographer or director is present. The show starts at 7:30pm and I usually leave the theatre around 10:30pm.
What is your top career tip/advice to current students and other up-and coming performers?
Be kind to everyone and work your butt off. When you finish a job you want to be remembered as a nice person to work with, reputation is everything in the industry. Be a good person, treat others as you’d like to be treated and have a solid work ethic, you’ll be the performer that every casting director wants to hire.
Why is collaboration important in creative industries, and what would your number one collaboration tip be?
Collaboration is important because are always greater than one. You can learn so much from the people around you, I’m still learning and I’m not sure I’ll ever stop. My number one tip would be a phrase that I’ve always lived by and that’s “don’t ask, don’t get.” Sometimes you need to put yourself out there, the worst someone can say is no. Don’t be afraid to ask someone who inspires you for advice, that person was a student once also.
What was your biggest take away from your time at performers college?
Time flies. My three years at Performers College went in a flash, so I encourage you to squeeze every ounce of training during your time there. Once you leave, you must be self-disciplined, build your own schedule, get yourself to class. Work on gaining these tools in your training so that when you leave, you’re equipped for the industry.
What are you up to next?
I’m only a few months into a year contract on Back To The Future so you can come see me at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, 8 shows a week, 6 days a week until then!
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or book an Open Day on our Events page.
