Brookside star Philip takes that good life feeling on stage

Feb 4 2010 by David Whetstone, The Journal

STEVE BURBRIDGE finds that Philip Olivier’s return to Newcastle is a bitter sweet experience.

Philip admits he was disappointed when the soap was cancelled in 2003.

“It was very sad – not only for myself, but for everyone involved.”

By the time Brookside ended, Philip had attracted a loyal fan base, a great many of them gay men.

“Attention and admiration from members of the same sex doesn’t bother me at all,” he admits. “First and foremost, it’s attention so it doesn’t matter who it is from and which gender they are. Anybody who thinks differently is old fashioned and out of date.”

In fact, Philip has positively embraced his gay following. He has hosted the Mr Gay UK contest and posed for Gay Times and Attitude magazines.

A rigorous fitness regime has helped him cope with the demanding choreographed routines in Never Forget.

“It’s been tough and we’re nearly three hundred shows in now,” he says. “I constantly go to the gym to keep my energy levels high and I make sure I eat the right types of food – but my secret weapon is Red Bull.”

He also credits the professionalism of his fellow cast members for keeping every performance fresh.

“The guys I’m working with are such great actors and I have learned a lot from them. I’ve been in show business for 16 years, whereas some of the other guys have only been in for three or four, but I’m still learning from them.”

Philip is pleased to be back in Newcastle, having brought Never Forget to the Theatre Royal last September, but says performing at The Journal Tyne Theatre is tinged with sadness.

“This is the last venue of the tour so anyone who comes to see the final show on Saturday evening should see a few emotions because we’ve all become really good friends.”

Never Forget is on until Saturday. Tickets: 0844 493 9999 or www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk