If you’ve ever seen a show at the Anvil or Haymarket, chances are you’ve spotted David Izzo front of house. He’s often the man in the suit whose job is to make sure your theatre experience is relaxed, pleasant and safe.
But now David’s swapping his role as Deputy Head of Operations at Anvil Arts for an on-stage part – as leading man Emmett in the musical Legally Blonde.
Emmett is a sensible law student who befriends Elle Woods (played by Laura Newborough), the perfectly manicured Beverly Hills beauty who’s desperately trying to win back the boyfriend who dumped her.
“It’s a real feel-good show, a great night out!” says David. He saw the original 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon and loved the soundtrack of the West End musical version.
“There are some great songs. You could say it’s quite an OTT show – but Emmett is a more grounded character,” explains David. “You have to rein your performance right in to contrast with what’s going on around you!”
David’s love of musicals stems from a childhood trip to see Oliver! in London. He went on to play the role of Fagin at his school, Richard Aldworth. It’s a part he’s since reprised as an adult.
“I’ve always been passionate about performing,” he says, “But after hearing too many 'struggling actor' stories I made a decision early on that it would be a hobby rather than a career for me.”
Since then David’s taken lead roles for local amateur societies in musicals such as The Full Monty, Titanic and The Producers.
“Because I don’t have a 9 to 5 job, and I work a lot of evenings, I have to plan my schedule a long time in advance to fit around rehearsals and the week of the performance. That means I only do the shows I really want to do – and I’m really, really pleased I decided to do Legally Blonde – I think it’s going to be fantastic!”