You have performed in some amazing shows so far in your career. What have been some of your highlights?
I have loved shows for so many different reasons. Grease because it was my first West End job. We Will Rock You because I felt like a rock star every night! Bend It Like Beckham as it was my first original cast show…I could go on!!
You are about to star in the European Premiere of VANITIES the Musical at Trafalgar Studios. What is the show about and what attracted you to the part you are playing?
In essence the show is about friendship and growing up. We follow three girls as they grow from self-obsessed teenager into strong independent women. I loved the idea of being part of a female strong cast and have always wanted to work at Trafalgar Studios. I think it’s a great space.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the theatre industry and why?
I have always admired Ashleigh Gray…(she paid me to write this…) I find her talent and beauty astounding and her CV is SO inspiring…
If I asked your friends to describe you in three words, what would they be?
They’d probably say I was sarcastic, witty and small.
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
I guess forgetting lyrics or script is always bad. I remember forgetting all the lyrics to You’re The One That I Want in Grease one night. Obviously that’s a song that everyone knows so it was incredibly obvious. I just sort of made vowel sounds while the cast just laughed and watched…
What are your thoughts on theatre etiquette? What things annoy you when you are performing or when you are in the audience?
The usual. Being on your phone. It’s so irritating. We can see people’s entire faces lit up from stage when they’re on their phone. PUT IT AWAY!! Oh also not staying for the bows. We’ve worked really hard for you people, giz a lil’ clap!!
Apart from acting, what is your biggest vice?
I wouldn’t call acting a vice…but I would call pizza just that! I can’t live without a good old Dominos take away now and then (ahem…twice a week…)
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?
The Notebook! I love a could cry. Imagine that with beautiful songs on top?! Oh it would be magical! Can we get Howard Goodall to write it…Howard?
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, what theatre role would you love to have a go at playing?
I’ve always wanted to play John Proctor in The Crucible. We studied the play at school, I love Arthur Miller’s work and my mum took me to see a fabulous production in Stratford not so long ago. I also LOVE the Daniel Day Lewis movie.
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?
Oh God this is tough! I think I’d give the money to someone with writing talent and put in a brand new piece of theatre. There isn’t enough around. Oh and I’d obviously cast myself and all my friends!
Why do you think people should come and see Vanities at Trafalgar Studios?
It’s a fun show with issues that I think a lot of people will relate too. The songs are super catchy and the characters are infectious. I also think people will be amazed at what you can achieve with a 3 person cast and with only a 2-week rehearsal period!!
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
VANITIES plays at Trafalgar Studios until 1 October 2016
Check out my interviews with Lauren’s co-stars Lizzy Connolly and Ashleigh Gray about VANITIES
