Lucas Rush: Conversation with Lonny from the Rock of Ages

In this episode of The Kevin Clifton Show, Kevin chats with Lucas Rush, the actor who played Lonny in the UK tour of the musical Rock of Ages. Discover today some of Lucas’ theatre stories (especially his Rock of Ages experience), the nature of performing arts, the training that happens before any performance, and many more.   Not everyone would notice, but being a theatre actor demands a lot of dedication—you need the consistent effort to rehearse and improve, you need the bulletproof mindset to not get influenced by negative feedbacks, and anything, really, that would help you give a top-notch performance every single time.   There will be uncomfortable situations. But there will also be no pauses. No halts. No excuses. The show must go on, as they say.  Listen to Lucas’ experience and learn more about the performing arts.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the beginning for Lucas. It was the first cassette he bought;It was the first musical he ever watched. This musical opened him to the beauty of theatre and the performing arts.  No one can ever downplay what live performers and theatre actors do. They provide entertainment, escape, and happiness to the viewers, aside from the fact that they portray ideas, concepts, stories, and experiences in this world that the viewer might relate to.  Just like any professionals, they have some good days and some bad days. But it’s more difficult for theatre actors to deliver when they’re being influenced by some sudden negative pull. The audience can see through the performers, and as much as possible, it’s a 100% performance they want to give every time.  Lucas also admits that, on some days, he thrives on the energy the audience gives off. He can be put off when he sees that they are disinterested and unsatisfied, but he’s known long enough not to let others’ perception crash his fearlessness and boldness on stage.  BEST MOMENTS  “The more you remind yourself that ‘you can’t hear a smile’, the better.”  “Don’t stop yourself from thinking certain things or feeling certain ways. They’re going to happen and you’re just going to learn how to deal with them.”  “Accept what you have in that moment.”  “I love feeling things… I want to feel strong emotions.”  VALUABLE RESOURCES  Happiness Podcast - www.happinesspodcast.org  Rock of Ages Musical - www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk  ABOUT THE GUEST Lucas Rush  Lucas stepped onstage at The Hackney Empire at the age of 7, receiving his very first acting lessons from Brian Blessed.  He was introduced to Shakespeare at the age of 9 and by the time he was 13 was playing Robin in The RSC’s production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" alongside Leslie Phillips. His West End debut soon followed, as he performed as "Gavroche" in Les Misérables at The Palace Theatre.  At the age of 14, he landed the role of Rowan Neville in ITV Drama Walking on The Moon, a hard-hitting gritty drama about bullying directed by Bafta Award winning Director Peter Kosminsky.   Since those early days Lucas has enjoyed a very successful career, experiencing all corners of the Entertainment industry.   In his 25 years as a professional actor Lucas has found that the thing, he loves more than anything is simply to immerse himself in any character he is playing, regardless of the genre.  (Source: https://www.lucasrush.com/about)   Lucas Rush Official Website - https://www.lucasrush.com   Lucas Rush Twitter - https://twitter.com/lucasrush    ABOUT THE HOST  Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.   CONTACT METHOD  Kevin Clifton Instagram  Kevin Clifton Facebook  Kevin Clifton YouTube