Billy Cullum has already had a successful career so far… From starring in shows such as Rent, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda the Musical to creating music for people to hear and love.
Recently InCeleb was lucky enough to interview Billy Cullum about his extraordinary acting and music career…
Firstly, for those people who don’t know who you are, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your career?
Hello! My name is Billy Cullum and I am an actor/writer from London. I have had a career mostly in Musical Theatre since graduating from the Arts Educational School, London. I have appeared in and played leading roles in the West End and around the UK in productions such as Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda, Jesus Christ Superstar, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hair, Spring Awakening, Godspell, Merrily We Roll Along and the premiere of Bloc party’s Kele Okereke’s new musical Leave to Remain. Recently I finished filming for Russell T Davies’ new TV series ‘Boys’ coming to Channel 4. Alongside this, I fell in love with songwriting and released my debut album ‘Lonely Hearts Club’ in 2017, with the 2 leading singles premiering on BBC Radio 2.
Was acting something you always wanted to do or was there other careers you wanted to do too?
It was something I always loved but never knew I could actually make a career out of it until I auditioned for drama school. I think I always knew I belonged in the creative realm. I used to be obsessed with watching MTV and the music videos which back then used to play on loop. I remember wanting to be a music video director. I used to create storyboards!!
As we know you have been in a variety of musicals and shows, what was your favourite to perform in and why?
Oooh, that’s a tough one. I have such a strong connection with each one for different reasons. Playing ‘Mark’ in Rent was pretty special. Not only was it a role I used to sing along to in my bedroom growing up but it was seeing the effect it had on the audience which was so rewarding. It was truly a moving piece to be a part of for that reason. I think being a part of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park was pretty unforgettable. It was the most euphoric feeling dancing incredible choreography by Drew McOnie on that stage covered in blood and glitter! The last show I did was something I was really proud of. ‘Leave to Remain’ was a brand new musical about a same-sex relationship. Me and my friend/co-star ‘Tyrone Huntley’ were on posters all over London which was a wow moment when your standing on the underground platform next to your big face. Having an interracial same-sex couple on the London underground was pretty amazing to see. The response from the LGBTQ+ community was really special.
Speaking of acting, what are the acting and touring life like?
Like any job it has it’s highs and lows. Getting the job, rehearsals, opening nights, performing each night and the people are such highs but it comes with uncertainty about where your next job is coming from. The hours can be fairly unsocial too so it can be hard to see loved ones (especially when touring). At the end of the day, it is the passion that outweighs the niggles of this industry.
For both acting and singing, were you inspired by any important figures that helped you get into your career journey?
My music teacher from Junior School played a big factor in my journey. Always encouraging me to push myself and put myself forward. Also, my drama teacher from High School was a big inspiration. Both teachers showed such passion in me and had such a love for their own craft which was clearly infectious. In both schools, I attended students have gone onto really successful careers from West End to Hollywood. The teachers played a huge part in this.
My Grandparents introduced me to movie musicals such as Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins which are some of my first memories of music and film. I have a lot to thank them for.
As we know in 2017 you released your album ‘Lonley hearts club’. What was the history behind the making of the album?
When writing this album I had just come out of a long term relationship, discovering my sexuality more and was starting to see new people so it’s a really strange experience listening to it now. It’s about relationships at the end of the day. The sadness and euphoria love can bring.
What would you say your musical style is?
Lonely Hearts is straight-up pop with electro-pop right in there too. My writing has changed now and I’m drawing on different influences but I am so proud of this album and the success it has had as an independent artist.
Speaking of music, is there any new music coming soon? If there is could you give us an inside scope of what is expected?
There is indeed and I am beyond excited! I’m working with an incredible producer called J MAC. I’ll be releasing a 6 track EP once we get back into the studio after lockdown. The new material feels more mature. It has elements of it feeling more ‘live’ I think. It’s still pop at the core as that’s where my love lies but it does venture into moments of indie and folk. I cannot wait to do my first gig with these songs!
Lastly, if you could give any advice to young musicians and performers, what would it be?
Be yourself! In both theatre and the music industry, you receive so many critiques of HOW you should be. Take in what they’re saying and see if it will help you grow as an artist but DO NOT CHANGE yourself as a result. I’ve been through so many trials of this and it comes full circle that people want to see who you really are. That journey will be different for everyone but it is your unique footprint that you’ll be leaving behind.
You can follow Billy on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Not only this, but you can also check out his music on SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Music.