Interview: Kevin Oliver Jones & Leanne Jarvis on SENSATION - A CONCERT CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE WHO

Celebrating the music of The Who, one of the most iconic bands of all time, Sensation is about to embark on a UK tour featuring fantastic singers and a live band. In the midst of rehearsals, BWW:UK speaks to Musical Director Kevin Oliver Jones and vocalist Leanne Jarvis who was a finalist on Season 2 of BBC's The Voice.

After 50 years, The Who's music is still going strong and gaining new audiences. What is it that makes the songs so timeless?

Kevin: These were my favourite times musically and creatively - before auto tune and the X factor! Testament to how good the Who's music is that it is still being played today. A time when bands were bands and songs were written to be played live rather than to get a Christmas number one! The Who's music gets your feet tapping from the first beat.

Sensation is your concept. What do you wish to achieve by taking such a concert on the road?

Kevin: To play the music of the Who as honestly as we can. Tribute can be a dirty word at the moment in the UK, which is why we decided to steer clear of impersonations with Sensation and cast the best singers we could with the rockiest band!

Of your guest vocalists, the majority are from a musical theatre background. Do you think that added theatricality adds a new dimension to the songs?

Kevin: I think that a few of them have done theatre as a way of earning regular money but all three may surprise you with their honest rock interpretation of the Who's music! It also helps that both Tommy and Quadrophenia are very theatrical pieces.

Having worked on Thriller previously, does Sensation follow a similar format to this?

Kevin: Similar in the way that the show goes with the music first and isn't trying to pull off complete 'impersonations' of the artist. This is very much more of a concert feel with a live band and singers. As Pete Townshend himself once said, "No f***ing dancing."

Do you have a favourite number in the show?

Kevin: I suppose that's like 'do you have a favourite child?' (I have two children by the way). Very difficult question and between their mod and rock era tunes and the sometimes pomp of the rock operas, it's very tricky to pick one. Today I think it's 'I Can See For Miles' but that's only because it is the last one I listened to in the car!

Leanne, are you looking forward to going out on tour with Sensation?

Leanne: Yes, very much so, I love travelling and performing. I just can't wait to get on stage with a live band and rock out.

You seem to be striking a happy balance between theatre and music at the moment. This concert seems like the perfect blend of the two. Were you a fan of The Who before you were approached to perform in Sensation?

Leanne: I love all sorts of music and The Who was a big part of my childhood as my dad used to listen to them all the time, along with other Mod bands like The Jam. He made me watch Quadrophenia years ago and I was like "Oh Dad I'm not going to like it", but actually I remember really enjoying it and loving some of the songs, especially 'Reign O'er Me'.

You're the only female vocalist in the show. Do you think the music lends itself well to a female voice?

Leanne: I have had to change the key to a few admittedly, but the Tommy section is well suited as it's for a female part.

You received rave reviews for your performance in Godspell. Was musical theatre an area you had planned to pursue?

Leanne: I have always wanted to do musical theatre and dabbled when I was younger, but never thought I'd be good enough. Godspell made me realise I can do it and as I've gained more and more experience in my craft, I can adapt my voice to suit the genres a lot more. Plus I'm a massive drama queen, so that helps.

On Series 2 of The Voice, Will.i.am said you "can do it all". How valuable did you find that experience?

Leanne: The experience I had on The Voice was second to none. It really taught me a lot and it made me a lot more confident. Years of rejection with shows like that really can dishearten you, so when I reached the live show, it really was a dream come true. It opened a lot of doors for me and gave me a great platform.