hey
big spender! - November 1999
Former star
of drama London's Burning, Steven Houghton is putting his acting
and vocal chords to good use in musical Spend, Spend, Spend
How's the job going?
Great! We've had fantastic reviews and it's attracted good audiences.
How did the part come along?
I was sent a script, and I liked it. It's quite an interesting project, so I thought I would have a go. I'm really glad I made that choice as it's fantastic.
You've read Viv Nicholson's biography.
It's a brilliant read, actually. It's just a really in-depth life story. You couldn't actually make up a story as good as that, could you? The most interesting thing about her is, in a way, she hasn't learnt. She's still striving and still going for everything. If people had been through what she's been through, they would be a mental mess.
What is Viv like?
She's quite similar in lots of ways to my mum. There's something about her which I can see in women that I know from that area, but the different thing about her is, going through what she's been through, she still has her arms open and wants more, whereas other individuals would be a mess, and that's what's special about her. She's older but not wiser.
Do you think the show could be another Blood Brothers?
I hope so. It is quite early days yet. Critically, it's been acclaimed and now all we need is to get a massive following for it. I get letters from people saying how much they enjoyed the show. It's all going in the right direction.
Do you play the lottery or pools?
I don't really. I've dabbled now and again, and won a couple of tenners, but I'm not a big gambler.
What do you get more recognised more for?
London's Burning! It drive me mad!
What kind of reaction do you get?
Things like 'There's that fireman!'
Did you have to rescue any cats stuck up a tree?
No, no. It's quite flattering people still remember.
