Swindon Lives - Andy Abraham - Boogie Nights Special

From runner up on The X Factor to Eurovision star, we spoke with singer, songwriter and all round entertainer Andy Abraham about his role in hit 70's musical Boogie Nights.

Boogie Nights is set in the seventies but if you could visit any period in time, when would it be and why?

I think I’d have to say the 1970’s. I would have loved to have been in the studio when Michael Jackson was recording ‘Off The Wall’ – it’s my all-time favourite album.

You’ve come a long way since The X Factor, If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

Hind sight is a wonderful thing you know. I thoroughly enjoyed my X Factor experience but I think I’d do my second album a little differently. It would have been great to write a few more tracks and do it my way.

When you’re not on stage, how do you like to spend your spare time?

I’m a bit of a sports nut to tell you the truth, when I’m not catching up with my family I’m straight down to the Emirates Stadium watching my beloved Arsenal.

What’s the best and worst part of your job? 

Hands down, the best part of my job is the live work, entertaining crowds night after night on stage. The worst part would definitely have to be the travelling, after a while it really starts to tire you out.

What is the most important decision you’ve ever had to make?

One of the hardest and most important decisions I’ve ever had to make came during my time on The X Factor. It was tough, but I had to do it. I was faced with the ultimatum of carrying on and potentially winning the show, or being there for my terminally ill Mum.   

Who is the most famous person in your phonebook?

Oh God, I have to have a look, you’ve caught me out with that one! Ok, I’ve got one. He’s probably not the most famous, but he’s the contact that I have the most admiration for. During the 1992 Olympic Games Derek Redmond injured himself and broke down on the track, but that didn’t stop him, with the help of his father he was determined to finish the race. It really touched me and told me to never give up.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Always have time for your fans, they keep your career going.

Who’s your idol and why?

Vocally, my idol is Donny Hathaway, his songs are filled with such soul and feeling. They’re emotional, they really speak to me.

Describe yourself in 3 words…

Fun, calm, complicated.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Still performing I hope! I’d love to be a successful performer in my own right, live entertainment is certainly where I see my career heading at the moment and it’s something that I love to do. Me and a few other musicians have put a band together, so who knows what that could lead too. As long as I’m on stage and enjoying what I do, I’ll be happy.

Boogie Nights will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Monday 15th of April to Saturday 20th of April 2013.

Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.