Jersey Boys' Toby Miles on performing on the iconic show's 20th anniversary tour
The show is based on a true story
For the past two decades, the Tony® award-winning musical Jersey Boys has captivated audiences around the world with its iconic soundtrack and extraordinary true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. As the hit musical returns for its 20th anniversary tour, West End actor Toby Miles (Les Miserables, School of Rock, Mamma Mia) is preparing to take to the stage as Four Seasons songwriter Bob Gaudio.
Ahead of its performance at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal (June 30-July 4, from £15pp, trch.co.uk), we speak to Miles about his journey through musical theatre, his preparation for this role, and how the show still resonates with audiences today. The show is touring until August 2027 (jerseyboysmusical.co.uk).
If you’re looking for Nottingham theatre events in June and July, this show is worth heading into the city to see. For more interviews and event guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
Interview: Jersey Boys’ Toby Miles on performing on the show’s 20th anniversary tour
By Charlotte Brudenell
Photos by Matt Crockett
What is your background in musical theatre?
I’ve always acted and performed ever since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to go to Saturday schools, and my sisters all went to ballet – I think I actually possibly started dancing and just joined them in their lessons. From there, I moved on to joining a Saturday school called Act Too. I did all the AmDram shows there when I was younger, went to a performing arts college, and then I was lucky enough to get a place at drama school. I went to ArtsEd for three years, and then jumped straight into Les Mis. I never planned for it – I just sat down and thought, I’m going to do this.
Am I right in saying you got the role of Marius when you made your professional debut?
I was at ArtsEd in my 3rd year, and they came in to do an audition at school, and I got a couple of callbacks. I was initially in for Enjolras, I think, and I was then asked if I happened to know Empty Chairs. I’ve just been fortunate ever since really and, now being in Jersey Boys, is a whole other journey, and it’s a massive one. I’m having the best time.
Why are you excited to be in Jersey Boys?
It’s an amazing piece of theatre. It’s been around for so long, for good reason. We’ve actually been lucky enough to work with a lot of the original team. We’ve had a lot of the musical legends that were involved in creating the piece initially working with us one on one. That’s probably the best part of it so far – working with those people, the stories they’re coming out with about even the characters and the people the piece is based on. They’re literally friends with them!
Everyone knows the music, everyone knows Frankie Valli, everyone knows the Four Seasons. The songs are iconic. So I think generations of all ages will love it. The story’s incredible. It’s a real story, a true story, with all the grit of what actually happened to the group, their relationships, as well as when things built and when things broke down.
What have rehearsals been like so far?
It’s been intense – there’s been so much to learn, obviously, but it’s just been fun the whole way. It’s a fairly small cast, and everyone gets on so incredibly well. It’s really been one of the funnest rehearsal processes I’ve been in. We’re touring for quite a long time as well, so we really get a chance to be in the piece, let it develop, and let layers add and add and build.
Have you been to Nottingham before?
Yes – I did Mamma Mia there quite a number of years ago and loved it [Toby played Sky]. I’m looking forward to being back, and it’s our first stop on the tour after we open in Wimbledon. When you head out on tour, you’re back on the road, you’re leaving family and stuff, and you don’t get to see them as much, but then you get the bonuses of exploring cities like Nottingham and having a great time while you’re away.
Why do you think people should go and see the show?
If it’s not for the music, it’ll be for the story. Both of them are just as enticing to get people in there, and both are just a reason to come and see it. It’s such a brilliant story with music everyone knows and loves.
Jersey Boys is playing at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from June 30-July 4. (trch.co.uk) and is touring until August 2027 (jerseyboysmusical.co.uk).
🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok
✉️ Send stories such as press releases and feature ideas to editor@thenottsedit.com
💰 Want to feature your business in The Notts Edit? Email Eve Smallman at editor@thenottsedit.com to receive our media pack
☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words