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Chit chat: Not just a musical smash hit

Published Tuesday 20 October 2009 at 12:40 by Tabard

Tabard often wonders at the backgrounds of some of the talents who have risen to the top in the theatre world.

There are producers who used to be policeman, impresarios who began as close-up magicians, even actors who gave up jobs in the city to tread the boards.

But now, in composer Michael Bruce, winner of The Stage’s 2007 Notes from the Stage competition, who is soon to be thrust into the limelight with the first ever West End show dedicated to his music, we believe we have found the strangest back story yet.

First, having made his onstage debut in a Scottish National Ballet production of The Nutcracker, he went on to become Highland Dancing Scottish Champion. Nothing overtly unusual about that - but next he jacked in the whole dancing malarkey and turned to professional sport. Table tennis, to be precise.

Yes, Michael Bruce is a dab hand with a paddle.

Indeed, he was a member of the Scottish national table tennis team and toured Europe representing his country - or so it says on his biog.

The gala evening celebrating this young composer’s music will take place on November 1 at the West End’s Apollo Theatre.

Expect less ping pong and more singsong. Sorry, couldn’t resist.

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