Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode featuring Lewis Cornet

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
• Guest: Lewis Cornet
• Episode: Lewis Cornet (The SpongeBob Musical, The History Boys, Mary Poppins, John & Jen) - INTERVIEW
• Release Date: May 18, 2025

Introduction and First Encounters

The episode kicks off with Mickey Jo warmly welcoming Lewis Cornet to the stage, reminiscing about their first meeting during a "SpongeBob SquarePants beach clean" event. Lewis reflects on the positive impact of their environmental efforts.

Mickey Jo (00:00): "Please welcome to the stage the brilliantly talented Lewis Cornet. How are you?"

Lewis Cornet (00:07): "Yeah, we fixed most of them."

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Lewis delves into his early career, highlighting his first professional role as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins. He shares anecdotes about balancing his drama school commitments with performances in high-energy shows like Paw Patrol Live.

Lewis Cornet (01:04): "My first professional job was Michael Banks in Mary Poppins."

Lewis Cornet (01:29): "We did like three shows a day at Wembley Arena. I really wanted to say, hello Wembley, but they wouldn't let me."

Life in Paw Patrol Live and Audience Interactions

Mickey Jo and Lewis discuss the rigors of performing in Paw Patrol Live, emphasizing the demanding schedule and the unique challenges of acting in a show with a live musical track.

Mickey Jo (01:20): "Were there songs in Paw Patrol Live?"

Lewis Cornet (01:32): "Yeah, it was like a treadmill... the track would keep going."

Lewis shares humorous interactions with young fans, noting the confusion among children who couldn’t recognize him in costume.

Lewis Cornet (08:23): "A lot of kids were really confused, they were like, who are you?"

Transition to Serious Theatre: John & Jen and The History Boys

Moving beyond children's theatre, Lewis talks about his role in John & Jen at Southwark Playhouse alongside Rachel Tucker. He describes the audition process and the dynamic performances required for this two-person show.

Lewis Cornet (04:24): "It came out of the back of COVID... I wasn't going to go because I thought they'd cast me as a soldier, but they did cast me."

Discussing The History Boys, Lewis reflects on stepping into iconic roles previously held by notable actors like Samuel Barnett, highlighting the pressure and excitement of such opportunities.

Lewis Cornet (12:08): "I was so excited because I wanted to do plays for so long... I would be so pissed off if I don't get this part."

Challenges of Playing Iconic Characters: SpongeBob

The conversation shifts to Lewis's portrayal of SpongeBob, where he articulates the complexities of embodying an already beloved character without mimicking previous performances.

Lewis Cornet (06:17): "I purposely didn't listen or watch the Broadway version because I didn't want to do an impression."

He explains his approach to balancing personal creative expression with the character's established traits, resulting in a performance that was both faithful and uniquely his own.

Lewis Cornet (06:00): "I just looked at all the similarities between me and him... I went absolutely wild."

Regional Theatre Experiences and Collaborations

Lewis shares insights from his performances at prestigious regional theaters, including She Loves Me at the Watermill Theatre and Sheffield productions. He praises his colleagues and the supportive environment within theater companies.

Lewis Cornet (09:10): "The whole cast was so good, and it was like they really treat you like a family."

He humorously discusses the banter and camaraderie among cast members, illustrating the tight-knit nature of theatrical productions.

Venturing into Writing and Original Works

Transitioning to his creative endeavors beyond acting, Lewis reveals his passion for writing musical theatre. He discusses his one-man show, The Curious Case of Lewis Cornet, which blends autobiographical elements with humor and meta-commentary on his experiences with SpongeBob.

Lewis Cornet (18:19): "There is a one-man thing that I'm starting to develop... very meta."

Lewis expresses his aspiration to create original content, aiming to push beyond established roles and explore fresh narratives.

Lewis Cornet (16:01): "My ultimate dream is to do original stuff... it's all about ego."

Performing Original Music

In a unique segment of the interview, Lewis performs a song he wrote titled "One of the Boys," offering listeners a glimpse into his songwriting prowess and personal reflections. The song explores themes of identity, friendship, and societal pressures, showcasing his ability to intertwine humor with poignant storytelling.

Lewis Cornet (20:01): "I'm one of the boys. I love boys. I mean, I love my friends. No homo. I'm not gay."

The performance is met with appreciation from Mickey Jo, highlighting Lewis's multifaceted talent in both acting and musical composition.

Future Aspirations and Upcoming Projects

As the interview concludes, Lewis shares his excitement about upcoming projects, including his involvement in BEAM, a biannual musical theatre conference. He looks forward to networking with fellow writers and further developing his original works.

Lewis Cornet (18:59): "Beam will be great. I can't wait to be there and meet all the other writers."

He also reflects on his childhood inspirations and his enduring passion for musical theatre, emphasizing his commitment to pursuing diverse and challenging roles.

Lewis Cornet (16:14): "When I was a kid, I always wanted to be Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. That's still a big dream."

Conclusion

Mickey Jo wraps up the episode by thanking Lewis Cornet for his candid and engaging conversation. The episode offers a comprehensive look into Lewis's journey as an actor and writer, his dedication to his craft, and his aspirations for the future in the theatre industry.

Mickey Jo (24:41): "Cornet, everybody. Thank you for watching. Have a stagey day. Subscribe."

Key Takeaways:

• Early Roles: Lewis's foundational work in Mary Poppins and Paw Patrol Live shaped his versatile acting skills.
• Serious Theatre: Transitioning to roles in John & Jen and The History Boys allowed him to showcase depth and range.
• Iconic Characters: His portrayal of SpongeBob demonstrated his ability to honor established characters while infusing personal creativity.
• Writing Aspirations: Lewis is actively developing original works, aiming to contribute fresh narratives to the musical theatre landscape.
• Community Engagement: Participation in events like BEAM signifies his commitment to collaborative growth within the industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Lewis Cornet (06:17): "I purposely didn't listen or watch the Broadway version because I didn't want to do an impression."
• Lewis Cornet (16:01): "My ultimate dream is to do original stuff... it's all about ego."
• Lewis Cornet (20:01): "I'm one of the boys. I love boys. I mean, I love my friends. No homo. I'm not gay."

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers an in-depth exploration of Lewis Cornet's dynamic career, his artistic philosophies, and his unwavering passion for theatre. Whether you're a seasoned theatre enthusiast or new to Lewis's work, this conversation provides valuable insights into the life of a dedicated and innovative performer.