Campbell finds his new home in Wicked

Stepping into a role in the middle of a theatrical run, and into an already established cast and crew, is always a challenge. When the role is the male lead in the 21st century’s biggest musical juggernaut, formidable might be a better word. For Tim Campbell, this is exactly the situation he has to face in a little less than a week, taking over from Rob Mills as playboy prince Fiyero in the smash-hit Sydney season of Wicked.

Stepping into a role in the middle of a theatrical run, and into an already established cast and crew, is always a challenge. When the role is the male lead in the 21st century’s biggest musical juggernaut, formidable might be a better word. For Tim Campbell, this is exactly the situation he has to face in a little less than a week, taking over from Rob Mills as playboy prince Fiyero in the smash-hit Sydney season of Wicked.

“I’ve never been in the situation of taking over a role from someone else before”, says Tim, about to go into a final technical rehearsal, “but I feel like I could jump up on stage and do it right now.”

Since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Tim has established himself in television, film and theatre in Australia, most notably as Johnny O’Keefe in Shout! during its 2008 season in Melbourne and Sydney. It was in Melbourne during a concert at Crown Casino that Wicked director Lisa Leguillou saw Tim, and thought that if the opportunity presented itself, he would make a fantastic Fiyero.

“I had seen the show many times before”, he says of the Helpmann Award-winning production, “and it still gives me goosebumps even now. It’s such a great show. It’s part of the tradition of the classic big musicals, but has a modern pop feel at the same time. And Fiyero is such a great character. It’s exciting to be part of such a fascinating love triangle, and how he discovers himself through his relationship with these two powerful women.”

Rather than the broadway tradition of replicating the performance of the previous actor, Tim has been able to put his own stamp on Fiyero in the short rehearsal period for the role.

“Obviously you have to hit the same notes and the character has to remain essentially the same, but in our first rehearsal, the resident director and I just spent three hours reading over the script and talking about the character, and I’ve come to Fiyero with my own perspective,” he said.

“Rob and I also come from different backgrounds, so it’s more a different flavour I’m bringing to the part. Essentially it’s the same character and the same journey.”

The part of Fiyero has presented its own unique set of challenges, as well as stepping into the shoes of another actor.

“I have my own covers band, so I’m used to the style of the 70’s and 80’s, where you have a bit more freedom to play around with the music, while with this show, because the music is so complex, it’s much more important to hit the right notes. Also, I have a bit of a dance background, but Fiyero requires a strange combination of dancing without looking as if you’re dancing. When he walks on at the beginning of ‘Dancing Through Life’, he has to look like he’s just come from a night out, relaxed yet strong, chest out – it’s working against the dancer instincts to make it look completely natural. But to be honest, I feel more excited than pressured, I can’t wait to get started.”

As Tim begins in the production, Wicked will be in its ninth sell-out month in Sydney, after its record-breaking 13-month run in Melbourne. While its success in the States is less a surprise, with The Wizard of Oz an integral part of their cultural landscape, the productions success in Australia, Tim believes, is due completely to the quality of the show itself.

“It doesn’t have the history behind it, such as the Four Seasons with Jersey Boys or the film with Hairspray. The show pretty much sells itself, with the sets and costumes and the great music. I’m sure word-of-mouth has helped immensely as well. It’s just such an amazing show and a great journey.”

When Tim takes to the stage for the first time, it won’t be to a prestigious opening-night. He will simply have to step out there for the general audience, many of whom have seen the show many times.

“My parents are going to be there, so that’s pretty exciting,” he said.

“The first night is going to be amazing, though I’m sure by the third night I’ll have pages of notes from the resident director!”

For now, there’s a tech rehearsal to do and the remnants of an ill-timed flu to get rid of, but Tim’s excitement for the show and the opportunity it has given him, is obvious and infectious.

“Everyone involved has been so inviting and great to work with. As far as I’m concerned, being part of this show is a real theatrical blessing.”