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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Fame. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday 16 February 2018

Cilla (UK Tour), New Theatre Oxford | Review


Cilla: The Musical (UK Tour) 
New Theatre Oxford 
Reviewed on Tuesday February 13th 2018 by Donna Meredith
★★★★★

Having recently watching the TV miniseries, starring Sheridan Smith, that charted Cilla Black's epic rise to fame, beginning with her early job as a typist and continuing through key moments, including her friendship with The Beatles, I was intrigued to see how this rags to riches story would translate to the stage.

Arriving for the opening night at the New Theatre, Oxford I could not help but notice that most of the audience were of an age to have been fans of Cilla at the height of her musical career. My experience of this inimitable redhead was as a warm and natural TV presenter in the 80’s and 90’s of shows such as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.

I need not have worried about being unfamiliar with Cilla’s music as from the opening number I was hooked on what I can only describe as a real soundtrack to the sixties. Music from The Beatles, The Mamas and the Papas and Gerry and the Pacemakers took us back to a time when music was changing the consciousness of young people. I found myself completely immersed in this spectacular showcase.  


Kara Lily Hayworth delivered a truly standout performance, particularly with her rendition of Anyone Who Had A Heart, which closed Act One in spectacular style, almost moving me almost to tears. Kara was discovered at an open audition where she queued for four hours to be seen and I for one am glad she did!

The show is built not just around the songs but also the personal life of Cilla, portraying her fiercely ambitious streak and her relationship with the man who inevitably married her and managed her career, Bobby Willis - played superbly by Carl Au. We get an insight into an enduring love story between Cilla and her Bobby which truly warms the heart. 

The religious divide of the time between protestant and Catholic faiths is dealt with sensitively whilst not shying away from the prejudices that were clearly apparent not least in Bobby’s estrangement from his father due to his inability to accept his relationship with Cilla.


Bobby’s struggle to come to terms with his own musical ambitions and his decision to eventually put his own aspirations on hold to support Cilla’s career are perhaps the truest insight into this story of ultimate true love.

Another notable performance is that of Andrew Lancel who plays the complex character of Brian Epstein. He sensitively portrays the underlying sadness of the character who whilst achieving unparalleled success battled demons that eventually consumed him.

A mention must also go to the stage sets and lighting which perfectly evoke the club scenes of the time, the recording studios and the Merseyside backdrop of this timeless tale.

This story of the girl next door who did good, against the backdrop of music that truly stands the test of time, will warm your heart, make you smile, and ultimately leave you sad that we have lost a real “one off” in Cilla. Just two years since her passing I was left feeling that she would be proud of this epic celebration of her life. 

Ta-ra Chuck !

photo credit: Matt Martin

Friday 27 July 2018

In Conversation With... Ian Stroughair aka Velma Celli | Interview

Ian Stroughair aka Velma Celli has the voice of an angel, is as hilarious as they come and truly knows how to put on a show. After seeing Velma Celli's West End Christmas I was completely overwhelmed and have since been following Ian's career (and life) on twitter. His latest venture is Iconic- A History of Drag which will be playing at the Edinburgh fringe...


How did Velma Celli come about?
Well, I have always been a singer much to my siblings annoyance. At age 14 I auditioned for a new musical called ‘Kes’ at The York, Theatre Royal. It was a professional show which needed an ensemble of kids. Much to my surprise I was cast. It was my first time on stage. I joined a Ballet school in York just before my sixteenth birthday. 3 months later my Ballet teacher sent me for an audition for a Theatre School. I got in and started that summer. 

After 2.5 years I was out into the world and working as a singer/dancer/actor. I have appeared in West End and musical productions of Cats, Fame, Chicago, Rent and also appeared on Eastenders as myself…. I know, CAMP!!!!

When I was in Chicago I was asked out for an evening of drinks by the “girls" In La Cage and Priscilla. I bought a dress and some makeup and dragged myself up and out of stage door and met them in Madame Jojo’s. Apparently I ended up on stage belting out some queen and dropping into the splits. I can’t remember this, #gin! When I was leaving the manager asked me back the following week and I have never looked back!


You've had a very varied career, what's your favourite part of performing as Velma and creating your own show?
The freedom. When you are in a West End musical it's very strict. You are directed to give the same show every night and there is little room for your own creativity and interpretation. Velma is mine and she can do whatever she wants. Sing whatever songs she like. It’s very freeing!


You're taking your show, Iconic- A Brief History of Drag to Edinburgh. What can people expect from the show? 
Iconic - A Brief History of Drag is a journey through my most favourite moments in drag history, whether it be music, pop culture, film or theatre it's those Iconic unforgettable drag events that inspired me to do drag and cultivate me into the queen I am now. They can expect to laugh (a lot) cry (a bit) and learn a bit about drag, things that people may not know. The past hero’s. A blooming good night if anything else!


Can you sum up A Brief History of Drag in 5 words?
Heartfelt, funny, camp, belt and emotional 


You have a stunning voice. How do you keep it strong and healthy whilst facing the strains of touring?
Thank you. Lost of water and vocal rest. Healthy food!


If you could go back to any era, when would you go to and why?
I would have to say the 1960’s. I believe I am quite the hippy! 


What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers who would like to carve their own, unique career?
WORK HARD. Work harder then repeat. This business is not for the faint hearted. It’s tough at times and the competition is high so armour yourselves with as much knowledge and learn as many skills as possible. Bring something to the party too. The odds of getting cast are extremely slim so I encourage all my students to write their own material and / or shows.

Thank you to the incomparable Ian Stroughair/Velma Celli for your amazing advice and story. Iconic- A Brief History of Drag will be at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 1st-26th August, at Assembly Checkpoint.  

Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

Friday 5 January 2018

Top Hat, Upstairs at the Gatehouse | Review


Top Hat 
Upstairs at the Gatehouse 
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 by Becca Cromwell  
★★★★★

Based on the 1935 RKO Musical, Top Hat, starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and featuring music from Irving Berlin, this stage adaptation of the beloved musical brings sparkle to a tiny but beautiful fringe theatre in Highgate, London. Upstairs at the Gatehouse has built a reputation of being one of the leading fringe theatres in London, and you can see why.

The stage, or lack of it, really made this production work. You were inches away from the characters from beginning to end, which made it feel as if you were truly there with them. The show opens with Puttin’ on the Ritz and within seconds, the entire room was mesmerised. With direction from John Plews and choreography from Chris Whittaker, this adaptation of the musical was bound to be fantastic.

The set was very cleverly designed and hidden away under a raised platform at one end of the stage. With just the addition of a table or two, we were transported from London to Venice and from room to room. As the audience were seated on both sides of the stage, I was unsure as to how it would quite work, but it did. The cast very cleverly managed to play to both sides of the room at once, which takes some skill.


Jerry is a star, and he knows it. When he travels to London to open in a show in the West End, he meets Dale Tremont a model and fashion superstar, played by Joanne Clifton (Flashdance, Thoroughly Modern Millie). The two fall in love through a frustratingly good plot, in which mistaken identity, a camp Italian fashion designer, a butler turned spy and a well-known theatre producer play a big part.

Joanne Clifton wowed as Dale, tap dancing her way into the audience’s hearts. Joanne, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, put her well-known dance skills to good use and her acting and singing abilities astonished the audience, myself included. Having recently toured the UK with Flashdance, she moved quickly onto Top Hat over the Christmas period, and returns to Flashdance soon.

Joshua Lay starred as the ever-so-charming Broadway star Jerry Travers, and gave an impressive performance. His dancing was sublime, giving Fred Astaire a run for his money. Lay held his own amongst the superbly talented cast, which is to be admired.

Darren Benedict played Horace Hardwick, a popular theatre producer who enlists Jerry for his latest show. Darren provided comedic relief throughout, which was thoroughly entertaining.


Samuel Haughton played Bates, Horace’s butler. Haughton’s comedic timing was perfect and helped move the show along nicely, making us chuckle in between the more serious scenes.

Fashion designer Alberto was played by Australian born Matthew James Willis and much to the audience’s delight, gave a hilarious performance, bad jokes included.

Ellen Verenieks as the sharp-witted Madge gave a vocally impressive performance. Although only properly introduced to Madge in act 2, Ellen ensured that the character was memorable through her fantastic performance.


The ensemble consisted of Rhys Ashcroft, Marcus J Foreman, Leanne Groutage, Grant Jackson, Olivia Sinclair and Grace Usher. All of the ensemble gave outstanding performances, with each of them taking on three or four different roles.

Top Hat runs at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until Jan 28th. If you can get a ticket, I urge you to go.

photo credit: Darren Bell

Thursday 13 October 2016

Chicago (UK Tour), Churchill Theatre | Review

Chicago (UK Tour)
Churchill Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 10th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Chicago is one of those classic musicals that everyone knows. It was one of the first ones I ever saw and it certainly holds a special place in my heart so I was thrilled when I heard about its UK tour. The overall production is fantastic and its one of the few shows I've given a five star rating!

The Churchill Theatre, Bromley provided a wonderful setting for this over the top, fabulous show. The music is of course fantastic and having the band on stage and involved in the action was wonderful and engaging. The staging is classic, elegant and sexy just like the show; with a simple tiered setting, a few extra chairs and two ladders coming in and out from the wings of the stage. Along with the faded mood lighting, the overall effect is simple but perfectly fitting for the show.

The whole cast is fantastic. Sophie Carmen-Jones embodies Velma Kelly to a T, giving a sultry, dramatic and slick portrayal and really shining in the production. Hayley Tamaddon gives Miss Roxie Hart a cheeky edge and truly manages to capture Roxie's development to a scheming seductress desperate for fame. I felt she really settled into the character as the show progressed and was extremely confident in her singing, dancing and acting- an all round great performance! John Partridge plays the sleazy Billy Flynn extremely well and you could tell from the audience reaction how engaged they were with his performance. Jessie Wallace also demonstrates her vocal abilities which I certainly didn't know she had and Mama Morton was wonderfully suited to her.

The 1920s setting of Chicago gives it a vintage feel which you can't help but feel attracted to. The swinging jazz numbers have you tapping your feet and make you feel as though you've been pulled into to a secretive speak-easy like environment. Chicago must be one of the sexiest shows around so if you're looking for inspiration to go to the gym just look at this cast! Everything about them is enviable, including the killer leg kicks and ridiculous figures!

I adore this show and if the full house was anything to go by then I think a lot of people do. If you can manage to snap up a ticket for the tour then you are guaranteed a sublime, sexy, sultry and sparkling night out!

Thursday 20 October 2016

Chicago (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Chicago (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★

On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.


The show remains true to the original with all the familiar songs and routines, performed with enthusiasm and gusto by all cast members. The dancers both male and female are all amazing, lithe, slick and extremely flexible; performing complexly choreographed routines on a fairly small stage.
The reason for the lack of space is that the Orchestra share the stage with the performers, playing a pivotal role in the production, making it a lot of fun to watch, keep your eye on the conductor.

Roxy Hart is played by Hayley Tamaddon of Emmerdale fame. She makes the role her own with a combination of cuteness and humour accompanied by a lovely singing voice. A very talented and accomplished performance with excellent comedic touches, perhaps lacking somewhat in sex appeal
Jessie Wallace, is perfectly suited to the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, she played the role extremely convincingly. I was completely surprised by her amazing voice, strong, clear and powerful. I completely forgot her as Eastenders Kat Slater.




John Partridge also an ex Eastender takes the role of Billy Flynn, he is suave and sophisticated and suitably cold in the role. Again I was surprised at his singing voice, very good projection although I felt that diction could be improved at times. He holds the longest, in tune note I have ever heard in a stage production, amazing.

A D Richardson gives a convincing performance as Mary Sunshine! You’ll see what I mean if you go to the show. Neil Ditt as Amos is suitably pathetic, downtrodden and loyal gaining sympathy and support from the audience, his rendition of Mr Cellophane is heartfelt. Sophie Carmen – Jones takes the role of Velma Kelly and in my opinion steals the show. Amazing singer and dancer a vivacious performance that oozes sex appeal. Sophie is definitely one to watch.

The staging of the whole show is very cleverly done for a fairly small stage, my only criticism would be that when some of the performers are caught in the ‘green lighting’ it makes them look rather ill. That might have been to do with the angle of my seat though.

Chicago is on at Woking New Victoria Theatre until Saturday 22nd of October, I would urge you to get a ticket for a most enjoyable, fun, feel good show.

Wednesday 4 April 2018

The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Friday 20th October 2017 by Melanie Mitchell 
★★★

The Case of the Frightened Lady is the second production by Bill Kenwright's Classic Thriller production company. Originally written by Edgar Wallace the play is a new adaptation by Anthony Lampard. It is directed by Roy Marsden whom you may know as televisions Inspector Dalgliesh.

This classic whodunnit is set in 1932, the story takes place in the Baronial hall of Marks Priory, the ancestral home of the Lebanon family. Beautifully created by set designer Julie Godfrey. The opening scene begins with a fancy-dress party, where we are gradually introduced to the characters. It is at the party a horrifying murder takes place, putting everyone under suspicion.

When Detective Inspector Tanner, played by Gray O’Brien, probably best known as Tony Gordon in Coronation Street, is bought in to investigate the crime he soon realises that things are not what they seem.  Along with his assistant Detective Sargeant Totti, Charlie Clements, of Eastenders fame, they begin to uncover a closely guarded secret.


Rula Lenska is well cast as Lady Lebanon, a mother obsessed with marrying her son Lord Lebanon, played by Ben Nealon to his cousin Isla Crane. This is to be a marriage of convenience, not wanted by either party but purely to fulfil Lady Lebanon’s wish for a son and heir to carry on the Lebanon title. Miss Lenska plays the part with an aristocratic haughtiness, whilst April Pearson is very believable as her terrified niece and secretary Isla.

Adding to the suspicious goings on are Denis Lill as the horribly lecherous family physician Dr Amersham with Glenn Carter and Callum Coates as Gilder and Brook, 2 rather sinister footman. 

I felt that the first act was rather slow and although we were introduced to the various characters, apart from the murder not very much happened. I certainly wasn’t on the edge of my seat.


However, the second half picked up pace as the story unravelled and secrets were revealed. The plot was full of red herrings, with almost everyone a suspect. I for one didn’t solve the case until very near the end, which added to the enjoyment. 

Don’t expect to be scared witless by this production although there were several very unexpected claps of thunder and gunshots, with sound by Dan Samson, that alongside some clever lighting effects, by Chris Davey, certainly made me and many other audience members jump out of their seats.

If you like a good old fashioned whodunnit then this is definitely a show for you. 

The Case of the Frightened Lady runs until Saturday 7th April 2018 at the New Victoria Woking.

Tuesday 12 September 2017

In Conversation With... Marta Jorgensen | Donny and the Sun King | Interview

I am all about helping new writing because who doesn't want something fresh? So when Marta Jorgensen contacted me about her show which she has written and is currently trying to raise funds for, I was very intrigued and excited to talk to her about her process and what she's trying to do... 



What got you into writing?

In my thirties I was married to a songwriter who ran off with his songwriting partner. In the beginning the urge to write was spurred on by wanting to get even. But as time goes by, one realises that revenge is a dish best left in the ice box. I was ready to throw it out and just write. Screenplays, songs, a lot of political writing and opinion pieces. 

I found it nice to be published until… well you know, then you get a rebuttal. I ran for political office in the US and wrote extensively for that. Sustainability, Straight Talk and Citizen Activism. Politics is like theatre and that inspired several songs about politics and media. From those songs came the play.


Has it always been a passion of yours? 

No, but singing has been since watching tiny Michael Jackson onstage at a young age singing like an adult. I wanted to be on stage at six years old. I caught a fame bug.


Can you explain what Donny the musical is about?

Donny is done as a play within a play or a kind of Metatheatre. I use this literary device; it is Rhoda’s inner workings, her mind and her thoughts, her emotional state. Freud talks about the dream within a dream and Shakespeare used it with success. The play talks about itself and is aware of itself. In the story she brings her family into her imagination, they sing about it, she sings about how she wants to write an ending she can live with. Rhoda in her dialogue calls attention to the plot and how it is not going her way. Characters give advice to her about what others should do.

Rhoda Haynes, a quirky New York playwright has a grudge against Frenchy King and his lying King Media Empire. Rhoda and her family are suing King Media over fake stories written about them. She can’t do anything or say anything to jeopardise it. But, she wants to get even. Hubert, Rhoda’s husband tells her to write and get it off her chest. So Rhoda, sitting at her desk, starts banging away on an old fashioned typewriter. She starts a play called “Donny and the Sun King”. Here is the story as she creates it - inserting herself and her family members, husband Hubert Haynes, daughter Blaze Haynes, as themselves (Rhoda Haynes, a playwright, Blaze Haynes, Rhoda’s daughter, a famous singer and Hubert Haynes, a Congressman). Just like in real life, the character family debates with Rhoda about plot issues involving them. Rhoda wants an ending she can live with so she tries to write one.



What made you write this show?

From the 80’s to now media has evolved and taken over our lives to an extent that we have lost control of it. Standing at the checkout counter you see name after name splashed there about some affair or travesty they had, then later you read the paper got sued for writing a fake story. Now everyday it’s on the Internet. I started this play three years ago with just that in mind. Now it’s done and we have Mr. Trump in office and all anyone talks about is fake news. So I have tapped into the zeitgeist of the times. But to tell you the truth, I have a fascination with the tabloid world. I love headlines like I married Bigfoot; Aliens are Living in my Basement. Frenchy King sings about these kinds of stories.


The subject is extremely relevant, what made you choose it?

The subject chose itself. How can you not write about it? It is today’s reality. How else can you write about Perry’s Poorhouse, Rhoda’s concept of Hell, a combination of Don Giovanni and Married with children and get away with it. Tabloid media lends itself to fanciful worlds and situations.


You’re raising the money for a score through Hatchfund, can you tell us a little about that?

Yes, Hatchfund is an arts crowd funding organisation. You have to submit to get accepted. They give you an account manager who baby sits you through the crowd funding process. They have a 75% success rate. I am raising money to hire a studio in Santa Barbara CA, Hidden City Studios and its owner, Elliot Lanam, to help flesh out the play songs and other music. 

It’s a long process and the biggest part of producing a musical of course. I need $4000 to $5000 to meet my goal by October 31, 2017. There are 19-20 songs with names like My Story, Ratings R Us, Donny’s Lament, Hope and Pride, Perry’s Poorhouse, Babel, Ball and Chain, What’s in a Word, Lower Slobovia. The music is a mix of styles, kids have their sound, the media upper class have their sound and the Rhoda and her family have a sound of their own. All pulled together by a thematic through line.


Did you model the characters on anyone you know?

Well yes, but I might not be able to divulge that. LOL. I don’t want to be sued. That would be too much like the story acting out itself.

But I have to say there is a lot of Rhoda Haynes in me. If you want to know what parts you will have to read the play and donate to the cause. Then I might reveal it.


If you could sum the show in 5 words what would they be?

Beware of writers with grudges.
Hilarious, satirical and very entertaining.


What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?

Go to school and learn it right. Treat writing like a job but be yourself. Or if you are not yourself, after you write for awhile you will find yourself. Then maybe you might want to lose yourself. 

Listen to the small still voice in your head at 5 AM saying get up I have a scene I want to work on. That’s the muse. Or it could be the TV. Most of my work comes while walking in nature. Writing is channeling the universe. A wise man once said that and I find it to be true.

*this is a sponsored post*

Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor

Saturday 9 December 2017

Evita (UK Tour), Palace Theatre Manchester | Review


Evita (UK Tour) 
Palace Theatre, Manchester 
Reviewed on Thursday 7th December 2017 by Jeni Skirrow 
★★★★


Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber have written some truly captivating, catchy musicals and Evita is of course iconic and no exception to this. An ever popular rags-to-riches type of story based on the life and demise of Eva Peron, wife of Argentine president, Juan Peron. The plot follows her rise to iconic status heralding her as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’, heroine of the Argentine people, and of course her untimely premature demise.

Straight from the West End, Manchester was privileged to be the first stop in the new twelve month tour of Bill Kenwright’s production. Eva Peron’s role is a demanding performance and Madalena Alberto is mesmerisingly magnificent, with not just unfalteringly consistent vocals, but how beautifully she captures the fledgling radio star’s glamour, seduction, hope and steely desperation. 'Don’t Cry For Me Argentina' is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated song in the show and Madalena’s performance did not fail to give me goose bumps- exquisite. “As for fortune and for fame, I never invited them in”... until the final curtain there’s something very dubious about this statement.

The narrator Che deserves a mention, heroic Gian Marco Schiaretti’s presence (and biceps) were suitably foreshadowing- he is perfect for the role. His strong and versatile performance was a joy to watch.

Each scene was beautifully realised through expert choreography, cleverly slick staging and continual costume changes for Eva, telling a story within itself. This production was everything I hoped it would be and more. Emotional, beautiful and inspiring it was an ideal theatrical experience.

Evita is a moving story, with a mixture of up-beat, high intensity numbers as well as slower, more emotionally moving pieces. This balance and contrast makes it flow smoothly and provides a wonderful night out at the theatre. With beautiful music, great staging and fabulous performances all round, I implore you to get along to this show if you can.

Photo credit: Keith Pattison

Thursday 14 September 2017

In Conversation With... Joe McElderry | Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat | Interview

Joe McElderry rose to fame when he became the winner of X Factor back in 2009 and since then has had a wide and varied career. He is currently playing the lead role of Joseph in UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We sat down to chat about Joseph, his career and tour life...



Have you always wanted to be a performer or did you have a different dream when you were younger?
I always wanted to be a paramedic actually when I was younger, or a nurse. I was always kind of really interested and fascinated in medicine and medical stuff and hospitals so yeah I wanted to be a paramedic before a singer.


Have you got any hidden passions that you'd like to pursue?
I dunno you know? ....I mean, I love sports and I love exercising and stuff so maybe something around that? What that is I don't know but I'm passionate about work outs and exercise kind of things.


You went from being a solo performer to TV and now to musical theatre. How were those transitions for you? Did you find them easy?
I think the transition from performing like my own material to then musical theatre was kind of a big transition. A lot of the other ones have obviously stemmed from TV shows so they've been kind of different transitions if that makes sense?


Your album Saturday Night at the Movies recently came out. How was the recording process for that and how have your fans reacted?
It was great! I mean it was quite a quick process recording the album. We're doing 10 shows of Joseph a week so recording and finding the time to fit that in was pretty intense but the reaction was great! It went to the top 10 and we went on the tour and it was amazing to kind of take the album on the road and be able to see first hand the reactions. You see the reaction as people are watching the show so its brilliant.


As you say, you recently toured with the album and are now touring with Joseph, so how do you find the tour life?
I love it! It can be very intense and very tiring at times but its kind of my favourite thing to be able to perform in front of an audience and like I was saying with the album, have that first hand response. I prefer being on tour more that I do recording and being in the studio and I just kind of enjoy the routine of it as well.


What drew you to the role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamboat?
Well I was asked to do it about three or four times and I said no originally... well I didn't actually say no but I didn't really have the time and it just didn't fit into the schedule of what I was doing at each moment. But I was also quite apprehensive about taking on such a big role. I didn't want to be bad at it, I wanted to be good so when I was asked for the final time they said "we'll fit it around you, lets make it work", I was really nervous cause I wanted to do a good job of it.


What do you think people will be saying as they leave the show?
I hope they leave first of all feeling great and energised and happy and I hope we explain the story well through the emotion of it all.


How do you keep your voice healthy enough to do 10 shows a week?
I don't drink a lot of alcohol, that's certainly one. I get lots of sleep. I do lots of exercise and it's just about respecting your body and no going out after the shows and shouting in clubs and things like that. You've got to be quite sensible and you've got to pace yourself over 10 shows -it's a lot!


Have you got any other dream roles?
At the minute I'm just kind of like "whatever will be, will be". I've experienced many things in my career, some things that I've never expected and some things that have given so much that I never expected. So I'm kind of of the opinion that we'll see what's round the corner and if it's something that I can have fun with and learn from and grow from then I'll be a part of it.


What's a fun fact people might not know about you?
A fun fact people might not know about me?? I don't know! I think people know a lot of things about me... one of the joys of living in the public eye!! I really don't know... I'm a bit of a wind up! I like to wind people up- a bit of a practical joker!


What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
Work hard and be respectful to people you work with and be prepared. There's many ups and downs and know that failure is probably one of the most beneficial things you could ever learn from!

Interview by Olivia Mitchell, Editor