Vocal Freedom Episode 25 - Mark Willshire

My guest this week is triple threat professional Mark Willshire.  This cheeky northerner, as he describes himself, has been in the business for nearly 20 years now.  

As a young adult Mark trained at Laine Theatre Arts, since graduating has toured in countless productions including Carousel, Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Starlight Express and Our House.  His lucky break, first lead role was in the UK tour of the Take That musical Never Forget.  Mark has lived the 8 shows a week lifestyle, with high vocal demands, which has given him terrific insight into what his voice is capable of and how to work around normal seasonal colds and fatigue.   Mark went on to have lead roles in 9 to 5 and The Bodyguard.

Most recently, (pre-covid) he was swing and cover as Cal and Earl in Waitress at The Adelphi, where he got to play Earl with the amazing Sara Bareilles as his wife Jenna, during her brief west-end stint.   I was lucky enough to see him in action and he did an amazing job! 

West end singers are like vocal athletes, so of course, like in sports, you train to be performing at at elite level but it is also vital to know your boundaries and work within them at all times.  Mark has learned some lessons of his own along the way, I hope you enjoy learning from his stories, lightbulb moments and personal wisdom. 

As well as being a performer, Mark is also an experienced and professional photographer.  You can view his work on his instagram page @markwillshirephotography or click here for more options.