#FFB: Callum Francis
"Hi, my name is Callum Francis, I’m 31 years young and from Manchester, in the U.K. I’m currently living in New York after finishing a 4-year long journey with KINKY BOOTS. I’m lucky enough to have played the role of Lola on 3 different continents in 4 different companies to 1000’s of people worldwide. Life changing. The biggest highlight for me being able to travel to Australia, where I met my better half. Outside of the show, I like to stay healthy and fit. I’m a regular gym goer, however, the demand for the show means my usual weight lifting is put on hold. Nobody wants to see a bodybuilder in a dress. As I said earlier I’m lucky to have traveled in my career, having started out in London’s West End in shows such as LION KING, GHOST, MISS SAIGON, and in my wildest dreams I wanted to head to Broadway....and here I am!
Favorite way to connect to your bodyThe gym. Love me some gym time. But also a sofa day. Your body knows when it’s time to stop and do nothing and it’s important to listen to it.
Favorite way to calm your mindI love a solo movie date. Find myself a fancy cinema (iPic, here in New York) and relax in front of a big screen. Watching some great actors calms me and inspires me all at once.
Most useful tool for BroadwayMy straw. KINKY BOOTS was a demanding show and I use a metal straw for exercising my vocal cords to reduce swelling. It’s a technique I learnt during my time in Australia and it saves me at times.
Favourite energy snackFruit. As boring as it sounds it’s true. All the good energy you need is in fruit. Don’t get me wrong I’ve become obsessed with Schmackary’s but I’d never use a cookie to give me energy.
Non-negotiable in your daySleeeeeeeeepppp. Best recovery in the world Ha!
Greatest successKINKY BOOTS. The show that changes minds changed my world. I’ll be forever grateful for those red thigh highs!!
Greatest failure (and what you learned!)Not listening to my body. I damaged my vocal chord during a run of a show because I kept pushing thinking I would just bounce back. But it didn’t. I ended up having a couple of months off and a procedure on my voice. I was terrified I’d never sing again and it could have been prevented. You learn how far you can push yourself but most importantly, it’s ok to not be ok. Asking for help or saying I can’t, is a sign of strength, not weakness.
( 5 tangible, intangible, ideas, people, places, ideas, rituals, practices that are molding your mind, body, and spirit as you close the chapter on this role! )
New York, exploring my new home is inspiring. Seeing how the city works and the people move is
SO different to anything I’m used to. It’s a very fast moving place which I enjoy. I like to keep being
so moving at this new pace is exciting.
Fitness, I love fitness. With playing Lola being a huge part of my life for 4 years, my weight has dropped dramatically. So I plan to move into the gym and live there for a few months and gain the weight I’ve lost, back. I’m a confident human and I’m comfortable in my own skin. Everyone has an ideal and for me, I’m most confident and comfortable when I’m working out.
FaceTime family, this is a ritual I do every day to feel recharged. Being away from 70% (if not more) of the year, family time is more important. FaceTime makes the world a smaller place. Even if it’s a busy period when I can only get 5 mins in, I will always try and see my parents or grandparents. Sometimes with the grandparents, it’s just the top of their heads, I’ve never been able to teach them how it works. As long as they answer I’m happy! Ha
New dreams, Broadway was a dream come true. The best thing about achieving dreams is you get to make more. I have been lucky in a career that if I’ve ever dreamed and wanted something it’s happened. I’m aware for many that having a dream come true only stays a dream. So I wake up every day grateful for what has happened and what is to come. I believe that like attracts like. So having a positive attitude to even the hardest days, will help you achieve anything. I like to say, because you’re having a bad day, doesn’t mean you’re having a bad life.
My man Ainsley. He is the one constant that Inspires me. He’s a light that brightens up every single one of my days. His attitude, his work ethic. His smile. His eyes. The list could go on. He’s the reason for everything."
From the dialogue with FFB & now, You. Comment below to join the conversation.
Callum is wearing The “Training for Broadway” Sweatshirt by Fit for Broadway Apparel
Photos & Interview by Jane Jourdan.