You are about to star in the UK premiere of LAZARUS at the Kings Cross Theatre. What is the show about and what attracted you to the part you are playing?
It’s loosely based on the sci – fi novel ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis- a sort of sequel. Its hard to explain what its about in a sentence – It’s very subjective – I like to think of it as a kind of ‘David Bowie art installation’. I play Elly- a deeply sad soul who is stuck in an unhappy marriage and longs to find love – it’s quite a challenging and immersive role that I can really get stuck into and is nothing like anything I’ve ever done before.
Have you always been a fan of David Bowie’s music or is this the first time you have really immersed yourself in his work?
I’ve always loved his mainstream hits but I have a newfound love for his lesser known work- I’ve been introduced to some absolute belters in Lazarus – and with a whole new life and energy given to them.
David Bowie had so many great hits over the years. What are some of your favourites?
‘China Girl,’ ‘Let’s Dance’ and my new favourite is “Where are we now?”
Who are your biggest inspirations in the theatre industry and why?
No one specifically – I’m inspired by exceptional talent in whatever form that happens to take – I absolutely live for that -and those that always work hard and stay kind and supportive to those they work with- It’s a team effort after all.
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you
on stage?
I had a blank during the court scene in legally blonde when I was playing Elle Woods – I had loads of people in that night and it was the longest and most awkward silence of my life – I wanted the floor to swallow me up – I then realised that no one died as a result of it and that it really isn’t the end of the world. I mean its not ideal but worse things happen.
If you could only ever listen to one more musical theatre song, what would you choose?
‘My friends’ from Sweeney Todd.
Apart from acting, what is your biggest passion?
My dog Archie -although generally known as ‘Egg’ I talk about him constantly – I love animals in general and support quite a few animal welfare charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats home (where I got my Egg!) and Compassion for world farming – which campaigns to end the factory farming of animals and long distance transport.
We are living in a time where films are often being turned into stage plays and musicals. If you had to choose one, what film would you like to see adapted to the stage?
That’s a hard one….I have one but I’m not telling just incase some one makes it before me.
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, what theatre role would you love to have a
go at playing?
Iago – I hardly ever get to play the bad guy.
If you won the lottery and could stage one theatre show of your choice, what would you
choose and who would be your dream cast?
If I won the lottery I’d set up a fund to support new talented writers and creatives ….re hashing the same old stuff with the same old people gets a bit boring after 20 years.
Why do you think people should come and see LAZARUS at the Kings Cross Theatre?
It’s a completely different animal to anything anyone will have seen before – and in a
brand new bespoke theatre space complete with hauntingly beautiful Bowie songs with a
brilliant cast – (one being Michael C Hall- he is worth seeing alone!)
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Olivier nominated actress and West End star of Kinky Boots Amy Lennox will play the lead role ‘Elly’ in the new Bowie’s Lazarus show at King’s Cross Theatre. The show previews from 25th October and runs for 13 weeks ending 22nd January 2017 (press night is 8th November). www.lazarusmusical.com
