We’re so lucky here at CCC as we get to work with some incredibly talented people. From musicians and composers, to graphic designers and prop builders – it’s always exciting to see what magic comes from these creative collaborations. One performer we have had the pleasure of working with on several concerts is Ryan Ferrie, and we thought it was about time you learned some more about him, so read on…

Ryan, have you always been interested in performing? Dressing up was my favourite thing, my Nan had an outrageous collection of dresses and I was amazed by the colours and shapes and the love of performing came out of the love of dressing up with her.

What or who inspired you to pursue this? I was inspired by lots of people, Gene Kelly at first, that golden age of Hollywood and that way of dancing and as I started to learn about dancing, I learnt about singing and was mainly inspired by Frank Sinatra and then acting, where I fell in love with plays, ranging from comedies like Noel Coward to tragedies by Shakespeare. I belonged to every performing arts club I could find (my poor parents), I auditioned for every school I could and then every drama school I could afford to audition for until I finally graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Musical Theatre.

How do you prepare for a concert? Well, mainly I learn the script of the show as well as I can and then I have to forget it because we always end up doing something different on the day! We always manage to find something new that makes everyone laugh. For my work with the music, I have to study the score a lot and pay attention to what is originally written, that takes up most of the preparation time, a lot of listening and a lot of reading.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals? I have a really important pre-performance ritual, during rehearsal or sound check, I  head out into the auditorium and get to hear the orchestra play. It’s the most magical thing in the world and always feels so special. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to have music and a reminder of how lucky I am to share that gift.

What’s been your favourite moment with CCC (so far!)? I’ve been very lucky to have been part of CCC for nearly 10 years! Which is utter madness. I’ve danced to some of the most beautiful pieces of music, worked with some incredibly talented people telling funny tales and worn some excellent costumes. I think my favourite moments from a CCC concert always happens in the audience. Whilst running around the auditorium I always spot so many smiling faces of all ages, I love when I see one of our audience members dressed up in their favourite costume with a huge grin on their face. The sound of laughter is the symphony of a happy soul; to be the composer of that melody is the greatest privilege.

What advice would you give to budding performers? If it makes you happy, you should do it. There’s no denying it’s incredibly hard for lots of reasons. Not only do you have to love it, but it helps if you are good! Even for the most naturally talented musician, dancer, singer, actor, writer and any other performer being good isn’t good enough, as Barbara Streisand once sang. It’s about dedication, respect and a lot of practise. So if after hours and hours of practise a day and years and years of practise day in day out, you still love it. You should probably be doing it.

What’s your favourite concerts or shows to go to as a member of the audience? I love Rodgers and Hammerstein, musicals like Oklahoma, Carousel, Sound of Music anything with a huge orchestra and a strings section to make you cry your heart out.

Finally, you must have some funny performance stories to share with us?! Some of the times I’ve laughed to tears have been on stage, which probably isn’t very professional now I come to think about it. Trouble is, once it happens you have to forget about it because you tend to have another two hours of script to remember! I’ve performed on stages at sea, where I’ve been knocked off the stage during a storm, I’ve been chased off the stage by a rogue pigeon, I’ve had my moustache fall off, my wig fall off, my   head fall off, I’ve fallen through trapdoors, entered scenes in the wrong costume, lost my voice and had to perform miming whilst someone else spoke my lines. Theatre really is the most ridiculous place and if you get to be a part of it, you are incredibly lucky.

Catch Ryan performing in ‘Roald Dahl’s The Three Little Pigs’ with the Essential Orchestra, and in our ‘On Tour’ concerts with the Wind Ensemble this Spring!