by Priscilla

Nov.26, 2009, under Cast Blog

Shirley is a really interesting role to play and the first time I had to do it I was terrified, because Daniele who plays her normally is so funny and so brilliant. I was worried no one would laugh and it was going to be awful.

Each particular role has its own special elements that make it fun to play. I love being a diva, because I love the flying and the whole spectacle of it all. Shirley is a very different role, you are on stage all on your own and you look terrible, the mullet wig, sores on you face, the body suit, it’s the complete reverse of the glamour of the divas. I suppose it shows how versatile the swings are, when you have to go effortlessly from one to the other.

Zabrina Norry

During the four weeks of rehearsal, the swings had to just sit and take notes as the rest of the cast rehearsed, because there wasn’t really anytime to rehearse us as well. We literally learnt on the job. I had to double as a diva and Shirley on the same show once, when on a freak occasion a lot of people where on holiday, injured and sick.

I started performing professionally when I was 16 in Whistle Down the Wind in the West End and went on the subsequent tour with the show afterwards. At that point I felt like I was pretty much invincible. Then the jobs dried up, so I went to the Royal Academy of Music. Not long after leaving there I auditioned for Priscilla.

My favourite number is Macarthur Park, it is great visually the lighting is amazing and it’s a little bit surreal. My favourite diva is Emma’s, who opens the show with Downtown. Priscilla is a fun night out, a feel good story. If you don’t think it is your cup of tea, come and see it anyway. I know a lot of people that didn’t think they would like it and they’ve loved it and come back again and again. So make sure you give us a go.