Ipswich in Spring 2023

MEET THE PHANTOM : Nathan Kneen Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s lead in their upcoming production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, tenor Nathan Kneen, spoke with us about growing up in Ipswich and his love of musical theatre. ‘As a past student of St Edmund’s College, I have to say school musicals always bring back fond memories. I also have wonderful memories of singing in the Cambrian Choir’s performances and musicals, Suzuki School of Music concerts, and of course performing at the Ipswich Christmas Carols when I was a Conservatorium of Music student.’ But it was Nathan’s mum playing the organ at church in Butterworth, Malaysia that first instilled his love of music. ‘As a child of a RAAF father, I moved around a lot.’ Eventually settling in Ipswich meant Nathan spent time with his father at RAAF Base, Amberley. ‘I’m a complete ‘airhead’ and was in my element whenever I was there with my dad.’ It also meant that Nathan settled into local college St Edmund’s and attributes the influence of his music teacher and Principal for impacting his decision to follow a career in music. ‘This ultimately led to me studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane.’ This course of study kicked off a memorable career with some special highlights. ‘As a member of The Ten Tenors, we were asked to be guest artists at the German Eurovision finals, attracting a live audience of 8,000 and a televised audience of 16 million! I must admit that singing for Oprah and John Travolta with The Ten Tenors rates high up there too.’ The opportunity to once again play the iconic character ‘Phantom’ and return to his hometown provides a full circle moment. ‘It’s truly wonderful to be able to come back to where it all started for me and to be able to create

wonderful theatre with this group of talented artists, some of whom I have recently met and some who I have known for decades. Ipswich has always produced amazingly talented people and this group is no exception. Being able to play a dark character is always fun, but the character covers such a spectrum of emotions from the dark and somewhat disturbing traits, like his obsession with and seductive power over Christine, to the delicate vulnerability of a broken man, just wanting to be loved and accepted by her.’

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE 9-17 SEPTEMBER