Posts with the label interviews
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Monday 10 February 2020
Emma Lucia talks life on tour in Once The Musical | Interview
Beginning life as a low budget feature film, Once, the story of a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician who bond over their love of music, has enthralled audiences since it was released. Audiences are now getting the chance to see it live on a UK tour.
Emma Lucia plays Girl, in this simplistically beautiful production. We chatted to her about her role, life as an actor-muso, her tour essentials and much more...
Give us the lowdown on Once, what can audiences expect?
Once is such a tricky show to explain because it’s really unique, but it’s essentially a play about an Irish guy and a Czech girl
who meet in Dublin and form a really special friendship based on their love for music. The show is packed with Irish/folk
music and each song is played by the 16 actors on stage - there are about 30 instruments in total so the sound is really
something! Anyone watching the show for the first time can expect to laugh (a lot), cry (a bit) and leave feeling really uplifted.
You play Girl, what’s she like as a character? Are you alike in any ways?
Girl is SUCH a fun character to play. She’s ridiculously optimistic, hilariously blunt and incredibly kind which is quite
inspiring because they’re all qualities that I love in a person. I think I’m quite a positive person (or at least I try to be… I
sometimes struggle on Mondays…) so I guess we have that in common!
The cast is made up of amazing actor-muso’s, what’s it like being surrounded by music all the
time both on and offstage?
Oh it’s amazing - these guys are sooo talented! It’s so inspiring to share a stage with such incredible
musicians and they’re all so lovely which makes it even better. Everyone’s constantly practising or
working on new material for the pre-show jam - there is literally no peace and quiet but I love it!
If your life was going to be made into a folk musical, who would you want to play you?
I love this question. Mmm probably Jessie Buckley because she has the most beautiful voice and she
seems like an equally beautiful person! And she has fabulous hair. I’m aiming high here.
This is an ensemble led piece, with every cast member invested in every moment. What was
the rehearsal process like to create such a tight-knit group?
We actually gelled really quickly in rehearsals. A lot of people had worked together before so most
people already knew each other, and I remember sitting on our lunch break on day one and thinking
that we’re going to have a lot of fun on this tour. I also think it helps that it’s such an ensemble-led piece
because it means there’s a constant feeling of it being a team effort - no one actor is more important
than another and that keeps us all really grounded and connected.
What's your favourite moment in the show?
It has to be When Your Mind’s Made Up in Act 2. It’s my favourite song in the whole show and it’s so
fun to play! I really struggle to describe why I love it so much but there’s a point where the lyrics stop
and the whole cast just hold their notes, and I remember hearing that moment for the first time when I
watched the show in the West End and understanding exactly what they were all feeling - even though
they weren’t actually saying any words. It’s bizarre how music can make you feel connected in a way
that words sometimes can’t.
What are your tour essentials?
Hmmm… I have a sleep mask which is an absolute life-saver - it means I can nap just about anywhere!
I also like to have lots of pictures/positive quotes to put up in my dressing room and an unlimited supply
of rescue remedy for when I feel particularly nervous. Oh and berocca. Lots of berocca.
Other than the beautiful music, what do you think makes Once such a special and enduring piece of theatre?
Other than the beautiful music, what do you think makes Once such a special and enduring piece of theatre?
I think it’s because it’s such a simple and realistic story - the characters (aptly named Guy and Girl)
could literally be anyone. Falling in love is wonderful but it doesn’t always work out the way you want it
to - life sometimes gets in the way and I think a lot of people can relate to this. Once isn’t hugely
romanticised and I think that’s what people love about it.
What’s your top piece of advice for aspiring performers?
Without a doubt: have confidence in yourself. There’s so much criticism and rejection in this industry -
it’s all part of the job, so you have to make sure that you believe in yourself otherwise you’ll never be
able to enjoy it! Even if you have to fake it for a while, it’s so important that you compliment and
congratulate yourself for achieving the tiniest of goals or even just for being brave enough to have a go!
I think most actors go through phases of having imposter syndrome, where they don’t think they’re “good
enough”, and I really struggle to take my own advice sometimes… but it really is the most powerful thing
- if you believe in yourself, nine times out of ten so will everybody else.
Once next plays at the New Victoria Theatre and then continues it's UK tour
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
Once next plays at the New Victoria Theatre and then continues it's UK tour
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
Thursday 6 February 2020
Hannah Waddingham on Bringing a Queen to Life in The Pirate Queen | Interview
Based on the real-life story of history’s Grace O’Malley – an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate, The Pirate Queen is an adventure chronicling the compelling, inspiring heroine who led an extraordinary life as a rogue, lover and mother in 16th-century Ireland. To protect her
people and save her one true love, O’Malley must confront the one woman more powerful than her— her fierce rival, Queen Elizabeth I of
England.
From the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, the show combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a modern musical event that is both historic romance and a timeless epic.
Playing Queen Elizabeth I in this one night only extravaganza is Hannah Waddingham, who told us what we can expect from the musical, what other historical figure she'd like to play and what her favourite moment of the musical is...
Tell us about The Pirate Queen, what can we expect?
Audiences can definitely expect an absolutely glorious wall of sound to hit them from the get go. Just sitting in on rehearsals the last few days I can’t quite believe what the ensemble have already achieved, quite irritatingly quickly really! It’s the most beautiful, expansive, atmospheric piece and I can’t wait for us to unleash it on the London Coliseum.
You're playing Queen Elizabeth, what's it like brining a royal to life?
What’s struck me most about trying to mould myself into Queen Elizabeth I is the sense of responsibility and how information received by her from her court must be firstly processed as Queen, not as a woman.
What's your current favourite moment of the show?
My current favourite moment of the show is when she and Grace (Rachel Tucker) are in their own heads ruminating about the “other woman” in the duet She Who Has All.
It’s that beautiful construct of the audience seeing and hearing their insecurities in life and about the other person before they see it in each other in the flesh.
If you could star in a musical about any other historical figure, who would you choose?
If I were to take on the role of any other historical figure it would have to be a biblical one! Nothing touches Judas Iscariot for me. Both vocally and emotionally there could be no more satisfying a role for me than that.
Why should people come and see The Pirate Queen?
People should come and see The Pirate Queen because it deserves to be heard in the beautiful, epic setting of The London Coliseum. They are such fitting bed fellows.
The score is Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg at their atmospheric best, and what greater cause could there be than for the Leukaemia Uk charity. The evening will be a great privilege for everyone to be part of, both on stage and off.
The Pirate Queen plays at the London Coliseum on 23 February, 7pm
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Rachel Tucker on Starring in The Pirate Queen | Interview
Based on the real-life story of history’s Grace O’Malley – an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate, The Pirate Queen is an adventure
chronicling the compelling, inspiring heroine who led an extraordinary life as a rogue, lover and mother in 16th-century Ireland.
From the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, the show combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant
traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a modern musical event that is both historic romance and a timeless epic.
Rachel Tucker is taking on the role of Grace O'Malley in the one night only London premiere of the musical. Rachel told us all about the show, her favourite moments and what it's like to bring real life characters to life on stage...
Tell us about The Pirate Queen, what can we expect?
The Pirate Queen is a very old, true Irish story about how the daughter of the O’Mally clan became the first woman Queen of in Ireland in 16th century. She was known for her fearlessness not just as a woman but as a leader and was known for her ruthlessness in political negotiations with Queen Elizabeth I and trying to get her peoples land back no matter what it took.
Today in rehearsals I sang two very powerful duets with Hannah Waddingham who plays Queen Elizabeth and we were both struck at how amazing it is that these two women back in the 1500s were the leaders of each of their own lands and negotiated with each other not just as chieftain & queen but woman to woman.
Their dialogue together is fascinating, the lyrics are so graceful yet explosive! It’s been a long time since I’ve listened and sang through an known score with so much excitement!
You're currently playing Beverley Bass and are now taking on Grace O'Malley for one night only. What's it like bringing real life people to life on stage?
Well as a job, it’s blooming great! I love bringing my own take and as much as Rachel to each role. I am constantly looking to bring only truth to every line and character I get to play, whether it be a comedic, tragic or heroic role. What ever the room, I love to tell the truth.
What's your current favourite moment of the show?
Can I say all of it?! Well today has been a first day rehearsals so my favourite moment of the day was hearing Queen Elizabeth sung like only Hannah could sing it! Just jaw dropping!
Why should people come and see The Pirate Queen?
I think this is a piece of musical theatre that should be seen and heard in this day and age. It almost feels more relevant now than it was when it first was first conceived.
You do not want to miss hearing the stunning choral ensemble of around 40 members and the orchestrations by Julian Kelly are going to transcend you to another level! The event of 2020 if you ask me!!!
The Pirate Queen plays at the London Coliseum on 23 February, 7pm
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Monday 3 February 2020
Stephanie Billers on starring in Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes
Matthew Bourne's New Adventures company continually wows audiences around the world with their intricate, unique and entertaining ballets. Currently touring the UK after a stint at Sadler's Wells is The Red Shoes. Having previously starred in Swan Lake and Cinderella for New Adventures, we sat down with Stephanie Billers a dancer from the company as she told us all about herself and her roles within the ballet.
The Red Shoes is a tale of obsession, possession and one girl's dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.
Set to the achingly romantic music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, The Red Shoes is orchestrated by Terry Davis and played by the New Adventures Orchestra, with cinematic designs by Lez Brotherson, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Groothuis and projection from Duncan McLean.
Watch Stephanie discuss her characters in the ballet and get a sneak peek backstage here
Get to know more about Stephanie and her life outside of dance here
The Red Shoes next plays at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from 4th-8th March and then continues it's tour around the UK
Monday 22 July 2019
20 Questions with On Your Feet's Christie Prades
Taking on the iconic role of Gloria Estefan, is the energetic, enthralling and all round wonderful Christie Prades. Editor Olivia sat down with her to ask Christie 20 Questions about her life, career and of course On Your Feet. We found out her favourite food, advice for aspiring performers, her spirit animal, what game show she'd like to compete against the Estefan's on, plus a whole lot more!
Featuring the hit songs of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, On Your Feet is currently playing at the London Coliseum until August 31st, with tickets available from the official website: www.onyourfeetmusical.co.uk
If you're unable to get to London, the show is also going on a tour of the UK (dates and venues available here).
Watch our full chat with Christie and some sneak peeks at the backstage area of the London Coliseum below or here.
Friday 5 July 2019
Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky on Taking Her Version of Rizzo on Tour in Grease the Musical | Interview
Grease is the epitome of a cult-classic musical, after various revivals and reinventions, there's a new tour taking over the country. In this refreshed production, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky takes on the iconic role of Rizzo and took the time to chat to us all about the experience...
Tell us a bit about your career and highlights so far?
My first job out of college was cover Nabalungi/Swing in The Book Of Mormon (West End). I stayed there for a year and had the best time there. I then went into Bat Out Of Hell as ensemble/1st Cover Zahara. I have been so lucky to have the experiences I had and the memories I made on both of those jobs. We performed for Prince Harry, performed at Proms in the Park in front of thousands. Mental really. I’m now performing as Rizzo in Grease the UK and Ireland Tour and am having the time of my life. I’m so grateful for the career I’ve had so far.
You finished performing in Bat Out Of Hell at the beginning of the year which featured the iconic Jim Steinman music. Grease is a cult favourite, what’s it like bringing these well-loved songs and characters to life?
It has been amazing learning and performing this well-loved musical. I grew up with Grease, my family and I watched it pretty much every weekend, I used to sing Hopelessly Devoted To You and There Are Worse Things I Could Do to my teddies in my room haha! So to be performing in it every night really is a dream come true. I never tire of the music and it’s been amazing getting to put my own stamp on the characters, particularly Rizzo.
Rizzo is a very layered character, which sides of her are you most excited to discover and perform?
Rizzo is a very layered character indeed. I wanted to try and explore as much of her as I can, and I’m still learning about her every performance I do. I love getting to play the fun, nonchalant side of her seen in Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee as well as the heartbroken side of her in There Are Worse Things I Could Do.
Does this production stick true to expectations from the movie?
This production still has the fun loving elements from the film; however the creative team have really encouraged us to focus on the truth of the story. We are working class teenagers growing up in the 50s facing all sorts of problems such as body image, love triangles and pressures to fit into society. It’s a lot grittier than the film.
What part of touring are you most excited about?
It’s my first tour so I’m super excited to get on the road. I think I’m most excited about seeing other parts of the country and exploring. I love travelling!
If you could play any other character in the show, who would you play?
If I could play any other character in the show it would have to be Kenickie. He is just so bloody cool! He also sings Greased Lightnin’ and that gets me pumped every time I hear it.
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
The last thing I do before I step on stage is usually drink some water, have a mint and take a couple of breaths just to focus myself. I start the show in the first wing on my own so it usually gives me time to get myself together and focus on the show.
You have a five minute break in rehearsals, what are you doing?
If I have 5 minutes in rehearsals I would probably be eating, ha! Or recapping dance steps usually.
What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you?
If I wasn’t an actress I would love to be a journalist. I love writing and talking to people. I have short novels that I have written at a young age in my room.
What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
LOVE WHAT YOU DO! Keep yourself healthy and keep learning. Never stop working hard. See as much theatre as you can to keep your motivation going.
Grease is currently touring the UK and Ireland, information and tickets can be found here
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Tuesday 11 June 2019
Vicki Manser on Bringing Herstory to Life in Six the Musical | Interview
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' musical Six is taking the West End, and the world by storm. Telling the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII through the form of an epic, high energy, hugely entertaining pop concert, it is a hit with fans of all ages. This is in part due to the fantastic writing but also thanks to the sublime cast who bring the queens to life every night.
Vicki Manser joined the show in January as an amazing alternate who gets a chance to don the crown of each queen and strut her stuff at the Arts Theatre. Vicki told us about the show, who she'd like to play her in her own pop concert musical and what she'd say to Henry VIII if she got the chance...
Can you describe the show in Six words?
Seventy-Five minutes of pure genius!
You recently finished starring in Bat Out of Hell which is a rock musical, how does that compare vocally to performing in a pop musical?
In terms of vocal technique Rock and Pop sit quite closely together and share a lot of the same placements so in some ways very similar actually! But I definitely get to use more speech quality and character driven singing in Six for example in Boleyn’s song and Cleves’ song and I just love that the whole show is a gig/concert type vibe. I get to pretend to be a pop star for an hour and 15 minutes and that is SO FUN! Your vocals are also much more exposed in Six with there only being Six of you onstage as opposed to 20 plus so there is no where to hide…. Not that I tried to in Bat… I couldn’t even if I wanted to with that pink mullet haha!
If you could go back to Henry VIII’s time which queens life would you like to live?
NONE OF THEM!!!! Haha! As much as I love learning about the Tudor history and telling the Queens stories; I don’t fancy having to live any of their lives! But I guess if I absolutely HAD to, then being given your own palace in Richmond wouldn’t be too shabby. So Cleves it is!
Which wife do you think had the worse life?
Well, none of them had it fantastic, but Howard has gotta be up there with the worst. Her story of abuse started so young before Henry was even on the scene! She had to be married to him when she was just 16 and he was 49 and THEN she was beheaded…. I know, I know!
If you could say anything to Henry VIII what would you say?
‘Off with his head!’ HA PAYBACK!… no, I'm kidding… two wrongs don’t make a right guys…!
If your life was going to be made into a pop musical, who would you want to play you?
I think my little sister, Kimberley Manser, is the perfect candidate for this! She knows me inside out and backwards so would play me and all my quirks down to a T! She's great at impressions and she always answers my phone to my boyfriend and he thinks it's me EVERY time! She’s also the most SENSATIONAL pop singer (not even being biased lol) so she’d make me sound really good!
You’re Artistic Director of Sharpe Academy, tell us a bit about that
I am indeed!!! So Sharpe Academy is a Musical Theatre school that's been running all across North West London for 11 years and this year we are opening a brand new college offering a 3 year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre which I am so excited for! I trained with Sharpe before my professional training and then went on to be their company choreographer and now I'm Artistic Director for the college! I have always loved choreographing and teaching and I can't wait to share my knowledge with aspiring performers and help them to reach their goals! So if you have finished your GCSE's OR A levels and are looking for a vocational course and professional training to get you industry ready, come and check us out!
We have a FANTASTIC team of people with tonnes of experience to offer in dance, singing, acting and acrobatics and are very fortunate to have our INCREDIBLE patrons supporting us; Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and Giovanni Spanó. We also hold a Guinness World Record for the fastest theatrical production so that's pretty cool! Come join the Fam!
What’s your top piece of advice for aspiring performers?
The industry is HARD... there is no point in sugar coating it ... but if you're determined, you work hard, believe in yourself and NEVER give up .. then one day you will get there ... no matter how long it takes!
Six is currently running at the Arts Theatre and will be embarking on a UK Tour from October 2019
Interview by Olivia Mitchell
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Thursday 21 February 2019
In Conversation With... Shaun McCourt | West End Live Lounge | Interview
West End Live Lounge is back at The Other Palace on March 10th for a celebration of WOMEN. The stellar line up of performers will sings songs from powerful ladies, all whilst raising money for Samaritans. I spoke to founder, Shaun McCourt about all things West End Live Lounge...
Can you tell us a bit about the creation of West End Live Lounge?
West End Live Lounge started in 2017 as an idea for a series of concerts to raise money for charity and has since grown to where it is today. I wanted to create an event which would allow West End performers the platform to sing material which was not from the world of musical theatre with a live band. There was a gap in the gig/concert circuit for such an event and I simply decided to go for it-and what an exciting journey it has been.
You’ve gone from the Union Theatre to the Other Palace Studio to the main house and each concert is getting bigger and better. What’s the next thing you’d like to achieve with your concerts?
I am always overwhelmed by the support that West End Live Lounge receives. It is great to see so many people enjoying the concerts. Without this support, its reputation would not be where it is now. The show continues to grow and there are certainly exciting plans in place for its future. However, I am going to keep the secrets for now I am afraid. Watch this space!
In terms of what I would like to achieve, my aim is to continue to produce concerts that not only entertain our audiences, but also raise as much money for charity as possible.
What’s your favourite part of putting the Live Lounge concerts together?
Though I may look slightly stressed on the day of a Live Lounge concert, I have to say that I enjoy the whole process of putting it together- from picking the theme, to casting the line-up, liaising with The Other Palace, to the day of the concert itself. However, if I had to pick a favourite moment, it would be the rehearsals and soundcheck on the day of each event. The Live Lounge band are all incredible musicians and our musical director, Sam Coates, is a genius. That moment when we are all set up and I hear the band play for the first time is really special. It is always a reminder of just how much hard work people put into making these events a success.
West End Live Lounge has become a bit of a family. The central team is made up of Sam Coates (musical director), Will Miney (technical manager) and myself. However, all performers and musicians that have been involved become part of this family. Getting to work alongside so many talented individuals always makes this such a rewarding process.
What can people expect when they come and experience a West End Live Lounge?
People can expect a great night at the theatre. If this doesn't happen, then I am doing something wrong! A West End Live Lounge event promises a fantastic line up of incredible singers and musicians. Each concert has an exciting theme and gives the audience the chance to see their favourite West End performers step out of the world of musical theatre.
Each concert you raise money for a different charity, how do you choose the charities to support and what do they mean to you?
Choosing the charity for each concert is always a tricky job. There are so many important charities, so rather than continue to raise money for just one, I decided that it was really important to me that each concert raised money for a different cause. For some concerts, the theme and charity often go hand in hand. There have also been times where a major event has happened in the world around the time of the concert and it makes total sense to donate the proceeds to this cause.
If you could have any performer dead or alive to perform at a Live Lounge, who would you choose and why?
This is a tricky question! I am incredibly grateful to every single performer who has given up their time to be part of a West End Live Lounge event. They each bring an amazing talent and such a great energy to the stage. It is important to me that I continue to introduce new faces to the Live Lounge stage and that each concert offers a diverse and exciting line up.
But if I had to pick one person...
Well...If I could get Jennifer Hudson along to sing a number, would I be excited? Absolutely!
Can you sum up in 5 words why people should come to the next West End Live Lounge?
Belting for a good cause.
West End Live Lounge tickets go on sale March 25th.
Full cast (subject to availability): Adam Bailey, Christina Bennington, Louise Dearman, Lauren Drew, Simon Gordon, Jennifer
Harding, Matthew Harvey, Emma Hatton, Lisa Marie Holmes, Claudia Kariuki, Sejal Keshwala,
Emma Lindars, Shekinah Mcfarlane, Kayleigh McKnight, Christina Modestou, Brady Isaacs Pearce,
Lauren James Ray, Danielle Steers, Laura Tebbutt, Jennifer Tierney, Rodney Vubya.
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
Sunday 17 February 2019
In Conversation With... The Real Nick and Diane Marson with Robert Hands and Helen Hobson | Come From Away | Interview
Come From Away is one of the most inspiring and heartwarming musicals to hit the West End in a long time. Telling the story of the planes diverted during 9/11 and what happened to the people on them and those in the place they landed: Gander, Newfoundland.
One amazing story is that of Nick and Diane Marson who met on a diverted plane and fell unexpectedly in love. Editor, Olivia, got to chat to Nick and Diane about the show alongside their actor counterparts, Robert Hands and Helen Hobson...
Can you sum up Come From Away in 5 words?
Nick Marson: A show about human kindness
Diane Marson: Love and acceptance
Robert Hands (plays Nick): Friendship
Helen Hobson (plays Diane): Human spirit, community
What's it been like seeing yourselves brought to life on stage?
Diane: well it was rather unnerving at first but we're used to it by now. We've seen the show eighty-eight times, in nine cities, in four countries and with four casts, so we're used to it now. But at first it was very unusual to hear your words come back to you.
Nick: When we gave our story to this nice young couple, David and Irene, they were making a musical not a documentary so they could've done anything with our stories, but they kept it very true and I'm very grateful and thankful to them. Our story was in the Washington Post and the reporter said "it has to be true, nobody could've made all of that stuff up!"
Helen: I think that was a clincher for one of our producers, John Brandt. When he was first invited to come and see the show, to find out if he wanted to be part of it, he watched the show and wondered about the love story, he wasn't sure because it seemed too amazing. But, Randy one of the other producers said "come with me, there's a couple you need to meet" and introduced him to Nick and Diane... and John was in!
Diane: At the time it was just our life that was unfolding; it wasn't something we had any designs on producing or writing about, we were just living it.
Nick: Neither one of us got on the airplane that day expecting a romantic occurrence
What's it like to bring real people's stories to life onstage?
Helen: It was good because our producer released us from the notion that we would have to do a carbon copy and do an impersonation of these two. He said you do what's in the script and what we put out and yes, you have to learn a Texan accent but that's really about it, so the pressure was off in that way. We were lucky enough to FaceTime them [Nick and Diane] early on in rehearsals which was great and we've improvised and used their real selves in the show.
Robert: They're so natural together so we try and bring that and make it as real as possible without trying to impersonate them as such.
The show is five days condensed into one hundred minutes, are there any stories from those days that are special to you and didn't make it into the show?
Nick: There are many other things that happened. There's the classic one where we went for a walk with another couple, and you see that in the show, but it was actually a man and his wife, the wife was a doctor and she had to turn back because she had sandals on and it was a gravel road. We carried on, and this was a checkmark in my mind because we went into a convenience store to buy a diet coke and some trail mix and normally I would buy it, cause that's what guys do, and Diane whipped it up and paid for it!
Diane: Well I figured if I did that, he'd have to sit on the park bench with me and spend more time with me so there was method behind the madness!
Nick: Also, the show gloss' over it but the next year we go back to our lives and for me it was an emotional rollercoaster. I was thinking "was that real?", "is that woman really how I remember her?... I've got to go back and check it out" which I did and then I proposed to her
Diane: On the phone in November
Nick: and I was working in England and wondered how I was going to get to Houston but fortunately the parent company of mine was based in Houston, so the president of the company in England made it possible for me to transfer to Houston. But I was doing two weeks here, two weeks there and it was an emotional roller coaster itself. So I got to Houston properly in May and was a nobody; I didn't exist, I couldn't get a car or a driving licence, or anything until I had a social security number.
Diane: It was a lot of paperwork! We had to come back here in June and July of 2002 to get him a work visa because without that he couldn't get anything in the United States. We couldn't even get married in the United States.
Nick: It's a huge mountain to climb to move countries and basically, I saw this lady, threw my life up in the air and went off to America! It sounds very romantic but it was also stressful and took quite a toll on us. Of course it was worth it though!
How has the show been going so far?
Nick: The first time we saw the show here, there was a line of Delta Airways stewards behind us and they were a mess! When they found out who we were they were even more of a mess! And the lady behind us couldn't stop crying, so I said "come here, I've got to give you a hug!"
Whether they come here excited for the show or not really bothered, people are going to leave happy!
Diane: It's a 9/12 show, what happened on September 11th, everyone remembers that, but this is forward and it's a feel good story.
Come From Away runs at the Phoenix Theatre and is currently booking until September 2019
photo credit: Helen Maybanks and Matthew Murphy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Welcome to the BLOG
Into The Spotlight
