INTERVIEW: Edward Reid
Scottish performer Edward Reid first came to national attention with his unique take on some of the world’s most famous nursery rhymes in 2011’s Britain’s Got Talent. However, as with every showbiz story there’s more to it than meets the eye. Glasgow Theatre Blog had the chance to catch up with Edward to find out more…
Most people only know you from your performance in 2011’s Britain’s Got Talent, but you are a highly accomplished performer; can you tell us about the journey of Edward Reid before that television appearance?
Well firstly – thank you! I went to Motherwell College and did an HNC in Musical Theatre and from there went onto work in production shows abroad and on cruise ships. It led on from there and I did several plays in Glasgow and was a dancing Carrot on CBeebies. A friend suggested I sing in a pub she used to sing at and I was like “I am not a PUB SINGER”. Then I found out how much you got paid and quickly changed my mind. That’s when I began to develop my own cabaret.
What effect did those few minutes on the show have on your life?
Oh, that experience has changed me for so many reasons – being on TV has a major impact on people. I am well known know which is great but it was the lead up to that moment when I auditioned and singing on live TV that was most important. I changed as a person. I had to believe in myself which may sound cheesy but all performers need to have that strong sense of self!
Last year you appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe with your show Living the Dream One Song at a Time; tell us about the show and your Festival experience, and would you do it again?
I had such an amazing time and learned so much. Mainly that I know how I want to be perceived as a performer and I know what works for my audience. I had a director that tried to mould me into something different, which I was open to, but we both realised I needed to stay true to myself. The Fringe is amazing but very hard work. To be a part of it was flattering but you are in such competition with everyone, though I did meet many wonderful people.
The (in)famous Twinkle Twinkle certainly captured the public’s attention but is your own self-titled album more of a reflection of the “real” Edward Reid?
I love singing ballads but I get instant validation from an audience when I do fun stuff. No one talks when I do up-beat stuff which I like as all eyes are on me – HA HA! When I sing ballads I worry I’ve lost them so the album was my chance to do what I love.
Tell us how you selected the songs for the album.
The songs are all my favorites and the ones my friends and family suggested I sing. They always know best!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To love yourself.
What advice would you give to any aspiring performer?
To love yourself – or at least like yourself. Be able to look in the mirror and like what you see. If you have that sorted everything else will fall into place.
If you could create a fantasy production to star in, what would it be and who would be your fellow cast members?
It would be a world tour where I go to random places to perform followed by a TV crew! I have so many talented friends that I would have them in the cast.
You are very much known for spreading positivity, your website even has its own Be Fabulous section – do you have any words or quotes to inspire your fans?
As I said – Love Yourself, but also to have big dreams and to feel what it’s like to have those dreams come true everyday. And be kind to everyone and learn to forgive.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Positive, happy, fickle.
Finally, what fabulousness can we expect next from Edward Reid?
I have a few things in the pipeline so I will be letting the world know not if but when they happen!
For more information about Edward visit his website at http://www.edwardland.co.uk/
Follow on Twitter @mredwardreid
Edward’s self-titled album is available on iTunes