by Priscilla

May.19, 2011, under Cast Blog

You have the featured roles, such as Tick, Felicia, Bernadette and Bob and then the ensemble make up the chorus of the cast and the extra characters you see on stage in the dance numbers. In Priscilla it’s great, because we have individual characters and costumes in each of the scenes and in some shows you tend to all look alike.

Frank is a good character to play, because you go from one scene where you are this rough, tough, horrible guy that’s beating up one of the leads to the next scene where you are a showgirl. It is a nice range to have. I’ve played the role a couple of times now when John, who usually plays it, has been off. He also covers Bernadette, so if Don is off then John will switch roles and get to knee me in a delicate area, which is a nice change for him.

James Cohen

I went to a stage school from 11 and from the start they send you out on auditions and jobs. So from a young age I’ve been doing TV, radio, theatre and I was in a band for a while. The first musical I did was The Sound of Music where I played one of the Von Trapp kids. I’ve also worked for the RSC at the Barbican. Last year I did Naked Boys Singing at the Arts Theatre, which is very different to anything I’ve done before. Its great to play such varied roles.

Priscilla is great fun but hard work, mainly because of so many costume changes. During the show we probably only have one or two moments where we get to sit down for 5 minutes and have a rest. It is good fun though. Before I joined the show I’d seen it a few times and it was always a dream show for me, because it is so much fun, it’s my kind of music (KYLIE!!!) and the audiences just seem to love it.

There are so many numbers that I enjoy. I love Go West. The costume, which is a Red Indian costume is my favourite, and the song is very upbeat and fun. I’m still trying to master the heels, which I would say is the hardest part of the show. Priscilla has a very diverse audience. It is suitable for pretty much everyone. It is a good fun night out and I don’t see how you can’t leave the theatre on a high. Even if you are not a musical person the songs are ones that everyone knows and loves.