Interview with... DEAN AUSTIN - Musical Director, Spamalot UK Tour

We managed to grab a few minutes with 

Dean Austin  

Musical Director on the UK Tour of Spamalot

Hi Dean, how did you become a Musical Director?
I was asked to MD a production of GREASE right after I finished my music degree when I was 21 and it absolutely inspired me- as an MD it incorporates so many different skills - player, conductor, teacher, arranger, manager, therapist to name a few- it is my perfect job!

Dean Austin

Which instruments do you play?
Piano/keyboards/ Bassoon/voice

What is your all time favourite song?
Extremely difficult to say but maybe SOMEWHERE from WEST SIDE STORY

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
ZORRO the Musical as I worked on it from the initial workshops, working with the Gipsy Kings right through to the West End premiere including Original Cast recording, The Olivier awards and The Royal Variety Performance!

Have you had any memorable mishaps during a show?
Things go wrong in theatre all the time; its just that most of the time the audience doesnt notice! On Spamalot, in Bradford, the Iron (Safety Curtain) came crashing in during the interval and we had to cancel act 2- very strange feeling to start but not finish the show!

What is your favourite musical?
Sweeney Todd

Describe the music from Spamalot UK Tour in three words....
Fun, Fast, Variety!

Why should everyone come and see Spamalot UK Tour?
It's probably one of the funniest shows you will ever see

What will you be doing when the tour finishes?
Having a rest and a holiday- a years tour is a long time! Take time out to recharge and spend time in London

For more info on Dean's work, catch his new website over at www.deanaustinmd.com
Follow Dean on TWITTER - @deanaustinmd