When you look back at your time at Mountview and relate it to today, how much do you think you’ve grown in terms of acting?
I loved my time at Mountview—I learnt so much about the musical theater craft and the industry and although I learnt huge amounts there are things you can’t teach that’s impossible to do while you’re training. I also think that the types of jobs I’ve done help round you as a performer. I did the show Avenue Q for a while and it completely developed my voice, made it stronger and worked different areas of it. I also like the element of meeting new people. Although at drama school you become very close to the people you train with and those people I will treasure for a long time once you get out you meet so many more people at auditions and jobs.
How much can you relate to Tracy Turnblad?
I can relate a lot to Tracy. She is very positive and always sees the best in people. I may not be as excited and positive all the time but I try and keep the same energy in my everyday life.
What’s your secret at staying active in acting and music?
I made a promise with myself when I left drama school to try and do something creative every day whether that’s reading a play or seeing some theatre or playing an instrument or painting—anything really. When I’m not working on a show I’m a theatre junkie and spend most of my money seeing theatre. I also write music with a couple of boys I went to drama school with. At the moment we’re called Music Sunday and we cover songs and write songs and company ourselves and each other. It’s just difficult because we’re all actors and sometimes work keeps us apart.
Favorite moment in the musical?
My favourite moment is a hard one to pin down [because] it changes so often. The finale is obviously spectacular. My favourite song to sing is probably without love. I also love watching Jon and Damien perform “You’re Timeless to Me”. It never fails to make me smile!
We checked out your social media page and saw that you tweet quite abit these days. Do you get weird requests or direct messages? What’s the weirdest?
I do tweet a lot. Mostly I get nice messages from people who have seen shows I’ve done and enjoyed it and when people take the time to tell me that they had a good time it’s always nice. I have had a request to sing an Avenue Q song at a concert and the person said that if I did, they would donate £500 to the charity we were collecting for. I thought it was maybe a stunt but we sang the song and he donated the money. I was surprised but so grateful!
What’s one character you’d want to play before you end off your career?
That’s a hard one! I’d love to do more Shakespeare. I’ve done a bit in the past but would love to do more. Perhaps Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing when I’m older. I’d also like to do some more plays. So far I’ve done a lot of musicals and actor musician shows but I know as soon as I get a non-singing role I’ll want to do a musical again!
What’s your impression of Singapore? You can be perfectly honest!
I’ve never been but this is all I’ve heard about it: It’s very clean; everyone is very friendly; they have an amazing zoo!
Do you miss home while on tour?
Of course you miss home and family and friends but its also exciting to be away and do great show and see incredible new places. Touring is a great opportunity and if you’re able to go why not?
A piece of advice for aspiring actors/actresses out there?
Work hard and don’t give up. Training is important but so is passion.
Hairspray The Musical runs from September 26 to October 1. Tickets from $60-$230 from SISTIC.
