Neil Ward

Neil Ward ? biog

Neil is delighted to be returning to the Apollo Players after 10 years. During his absence Neil embarked on a professional career in theatre. He has appeared on television and stage in Scotland. He has performed as a solo cabaret artist, summer season productions singer and in pantomimes in Scotland and Wales.
Neil?s big break came when he landed a role in the Cameron Mackintosh Asian production of Miss Saigon playing Captain Schulz, and understudying the role of John, which he performed on numerous occasions opposite Lea Salonga in the Philippines and then in the first Asian tour, performing in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. During this time the cast performed in many charity concerts raising money for orphaned children. Neil was then part of the first UK touring company of Miss Saigon, performing in Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh, where he also took the role of dance captain. Neil also performed with the Philippines Repertory Company in The Music of Boublil and Schonberg.
For the Apollo Players, Neil has played Action in West Side Story, Paul in A Chorus Line, Lt Joe Cable in South Pacific, The Arbiter in Chess, Billy Lawler in 42nd Street, Billy Bigelow in Carousel and Don Lockwood in Singin? In The Rain. He also performed in Musical Stages.
Other productions include Seymour in the Mayfest tour of The Little Shop of Horrors, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly! and Bobby in Sondheim?s Company.
Neil currently works full-time with Aspire Housing and Personal Development Services who provide support to people who experience homelessness. He also works with Raenbow Productions who specialise in children?s theatre and Theatre In Education, where he teaches and also performs. He has just completed his 3rd CD for Raenbow Theatre In Education.
Despite having such a busy life, Neil manages to spend time with his much loved adopted greyhound, Mr Spoons (the first of many!).

(Michael Peters in Fame Forever, 2007)