In Conversation With Maison Kelley

We caught up with Maison Kelley, ahead of his New Chapter fundraising concert on Saturday 29 August at Dudley Evolve Theatre. 

Maison, tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’ve been involved in amateur theatre around the Midlands for 8 years now, performing with companies including West Brom Youth and Adults, MYK, Bilston and Impulse Productions. I am now off to pursue my training in Musical Theatre on the 3 year BA Hons Degree at Arts Educational Schools. 

When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

I first realised from a young age. I got the chance to play Dodger in Oliver with WBOS Adults at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. That was a pinnacle moment for me, it was when I realised I belonged on stage and that one day I would hopefully pursue a career in Musical Theatre. Now here I am, off to London, about to begin my 3 years training.

We've seen you around and about on the Midlands acting circuit, what has been one of your acting highlights so far?

I’ve been lucky enough to already perform some of my dream roles with amateur companies, but hopefully will have the opportunity to perform them on the West End stage. My favourite role so far has to be Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde The Musical with MYK back in 2014. 


A close second must be Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight. I fell in love with the show when I saw it at Southwark Playhouse Theatre and was so excited MYK secured the rights for the first amateur performance. I was thrilled to receive the leading role as marine Eddie Birdlace, so that show will always have a special place. 


Peter in Peter Pan with Bilston was also a amazing part to play. To stand on the stage of the Wolverhampton Grand with a standing ovation as the leading role will be something I will never forget! And I also got the chance to fly on stage, that was pretty cool!

This fundraising concert is obviously very close to your heart, what can the audience expect from it?

It's been the most exciting project to be heading up, as I’ve been able to not only handpick some of the best talent around the Midlands, they are also all my very nearest and dearest friends. 

The support from cast, friends and family has been huge. Its going to be a very special performance. In Act One, I’ve chosen songs from some of the favourite musicals I have performed in, so for friends and family it will be a nice blast from the past. Act Two is all about the musicals I would love to perform in one day, so you will see extracts from Book Of Mormon, Jersey Boys and many more. The audience will love the array of talent and range of some well-loved musical songs. 

If you could pick one show that you would love to perform in, what would it be and why? 

Ghost is my favourite musical and I would hope one day to get the chance to play Sam Wheat. 

I was lucky enough to play Subway Ghost in Ghost The Musical with WBOS at the Wolverhampton Grand, but I hope one day I could play the leading man.

For more information about