Opera Seria's Anna Bolena @ The Royal Northern College of Music

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting Access for All to the Arts. Today's post is a little different as it looks at a venue and performance outside of London. Occasionally I post on Arts venues outside of the Capital if I feel they have particularly good Access and facilities for those with disabilities.

"Opera Seria is a semi-professional, Manchester-based, chamber opera company, formed to put on a series of high-quality productions of lesser-performed operas (and a few favourites) in their original language for Manchester and the North West of England."

This June, Opera Seria will present their debut production, Donizetti's Anna Bolena, at The Royal Northern College of Music. Performances will be on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2012.

"The opera portrays the final days in the life of England's ill-fated queen driven to insanity by her unfaithful husband. The production features an international cast of emerging operatic professionals and a chorus of talented community members and local music students."


I recently spoke with Rochelle Hart who will be playing Anna Bolena in the production and who is also a founding member of the Opera Seria company. Here's what she had to say about Opera Seria and its debut production...

AL: Can you tell us more about who Opera Seria are?
RH: Opera Seria was founded with the interest of giving emerging artists more opportunities to sing roles they might otherwise not get to sing early in their career. We sing everything in its original language, which gives our soloists not only valuable stage experience, but also experience in performing in foreign languages. This will help them as they emerge into the professional world.

We also aim to be accessible to the community. It’s unfortunate that opera has been branded as high brow in the past, and that people are not as interested in going to hear opera (particularly if it’s in a foreign language). We feel that people are missing out on beautiful music, so aim to perform the productions in creative and engaging ways. We’ll also be holding pre-show talks for anyone interested in learning more about the performance they are about to see, running workshops for babies and tweens to get them interested in classical music, and invite local community members to join the chorus or help out backstage. This keeps the operas we produce engaging for not only the soloists, but the community as well.


AL: As a founding member of Opera Seria, what led you to the decision to become involved with this new company?
RH: As an emerging artist myself, I look for any opportunities to build up my experience and to just sing. Opera Seria seemed like the perfect opportunity to utilise my ‘office’ skills but also to get out there and share my love of singing with audiences in Manchester. I also saw there was a hole for a good professional company based in Manchester, and thought it was time that there was one. There are lots of great amateur companies, and Manchester is lucky to be on the touring list for great companies like Opera North and Heritage Opera, but as far as having a ‘home’ opera company, outside the RNCM and the local amateur groups there just isn’t one.


AL: Anna Bolena marks Opera Seria's debut production. Why this piece?
RH: To be honest, we chose Anna Bolena before we realised the Met was doing it and didn’t know there would be a lot of hype about it. We wanted to do something that wasn’t often performed in the UK, to make us stand out from the other companies. The idea was to do something not in the standard rep for smaller groups, staying away from things like La Traviata and Carmen, which are done to death. We wanted something fresh and new, knowing it was a risky move. People go to see La Traviata because they know it, they recognise the music, they can relate to it. People won’t know Anna Bolena in the same way. I think the Met having done it recently will help our cause, as it will be in people’s minds and it’s not been done in the UK recently, but it will still be a hard sell as the music isn’t going to be familiar to people. There is no Queen of the Night aria for people to nod along to, no Brindisi to have them tapping their feet. What they will get, though, is beautiful music by a fabulous composer, sung by some exciting young soloists. There is lust, betrayal and beheadings – what more could an opera goer want?


AL: Are cast members current/founding members of Opera Seria or were auditions held?
RH: Cast members are a combination of founding members and soloists that were found during auditions. While the founding members are experienced soloists in their own rights who want the opportunity to perform, we also want to give the same opportunities to other aspiring opera stars, so do hold auditions to share the love and give others the same opportunities.


AL: What are the most enjoyable aspects of putting on this productions? And, what are the most challenging ones?
RH: Marketing and fundraising is a massive challenge for an unknown opera company doing a less-than-popular opera, but the excitement of the creative process in seeing it all come together is extremely exciting. I think the end product will be something we can all be proud of, and will put Opera Seria on the map as one of the one-to-watch smaller professional companies in the North West.


AL: What can audiences expect from Anna Bolena?
RH: Like I said above – lust, betrayal and beheadings! Beautiful music, a lot of drama and an interesting and creative retelling of the final days in the life of Anne Boleyn. It’s a pretty fantastic story, and we get some excellent costumes to boot!


AL: What can we expect from Opera Seria after June 2012?
RH: We’ll be doing a run of fully staged productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in November, followed by a costumed concert of Roberto Devereux at Manchester Cathedral in January 2013. We’ve got some other pretty big ideas lined up for 2013 – watch this space!


A huge Thank You once again to Rochelle for taking the time to answer some questions. To keep up to date with all of Rochelle's news, see her website www.rochellehart.com . You can also follow her on Twitter @raketje

For more information on Opera Seria, Anna Bolena and their other productions, see their website www.operaseria.co.uk . You can also follow the company on Twitter @OperaSeriaUK


ANNA BOLENA IS AT THE ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC ON 16TH AND 17TH JUNE 2012. TO BOOK ACCESS AND OTHER SEATS, CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON 0161 907 5555.


Access Information for RNCM:

"For events listed as ‘Promoted by RNCM’ disabled patrons can purchase tickets at the concessionary rate. Where a personal assistant is required to enable them to attend they can purchase two tickets with 50% off the full price. Wheelchair users can purchase up to two tickets with 50% off the full price. Please call the box office on 0161 907 5555 for further information.

The RNCM offers a range of facilities to disabled patrons. Please call Reception on 0161 907 5300 to reserve a disabled parking space. Wheelchair access is available, via lifts, to all performing venues and public spaces and we have low-level counters available at the Box Office and Bar. There are disabled toilet facilities on all levels. Guide dogs are admitted, please advise the Box Office when booking your ticket if you are bringing a guide dog.

The RNCM Concert Hall and RNCM Theatre are fitted with Sennheiser infra-red hearing assistance systems and receivers. They are available from Front of House staff on request. Receivers can be used in conjunction with a normal hearing aid (which should be switched to the ‘T’position) or an earpiece available at the venue. Studio Theatre, Carole Nash Recital Room and Lecture Theatre are fitted with induction loops (hearing aids should be switched to the ‘T’ position). Large print and audio versions of this brochure are available from the Box Office (also on disc or by email). Please call the Box Office on 0161 907 5555 for all other detailed information for disabled visitors."

For more information on The Royal Northern College of Music visit www.rncm.ac.uk

Jersey Boys and The Prince Edward Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for continuing to support disabled Access to the arts in London.

The Hit Musical, Jersey Boys, plays at The Prince Edward Theatre, located on Old Compton Street in Soho.

"YOU KNOW THE SONGS...NOW DISCOVER THE STORY!!

JERSEY BOYS, The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is now playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, London. Discover the rags to rock to riches tale of four boys working their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of international pop-stardom.

Featuring all the classic hits: SHERRY, BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY, CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU, BYE BYE BABY (BABY GOODBYE), WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU, WALK LIKE A MAN, DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT) and more."





Access for wheelchair/scooter users and those who cannot manage stairs to the Prince Edward auditorium is via a double exit door on Greek Street, to the right hand side of the theatre's main entrance on Old Compton Street. There is disabled Access to the theatre foyer from Old Compton Street where the box office is located but, from here, there are stairs into the auditorium. Simply ask someone at the entrance and they will escort you around to the Accessible entrance.

Inside the Accessible entrance, there is a short ramp up into Box 1 where there is space for 2 wheelchairs and companion seats. The entrance is Accessible to scooter users but the Box isn't really geared up for it so you would be better to transfer from your scooter into a theatre seat in the Box. Staff are happy to take and store your scooter during the performance. It is also quite a tight turn from the Accessible entrance doors into the Box and some scooters may struggle with this - my advice, transfer, if you can! There is also some transfer seating available in Row A of the Dress Circle.

The theatre has a Loop System fitted and headsets are available from the Access attendant for a deposit of £5. Up to 2 Assistance dogs are permitted into the auditorium for any one show or, the Access attendant can sit with them during the performance, if you would prefer.



The only bar that is Accessible is the one in the foyer. To reach this during the interval, you would need to go back out onto Greek Street and around to the main entrance on Old Compton Street. However, staff at the Prince Edward are extremely helpful and the Access attendant is more than happy to go and bring drinks/programmes etc to you before the performance or at the interval. The only Accessible WC in the theatre is again in the foyer, so this means a trip back out onto Greek Street and around to the main entrance if you need to use this during the interval. Staff are happy to assist with the trip round though but my advice would be, unless you really want/need to go the bar or toilet at the interval, try to avoid doing so.

There are concessions available on the Access rate for disabled patrons and 1 companion. To book Access seats to see Jersey Boys, please call the Access line on 0844 482 5137. This is the main Access line for all Delfont Mackintosh theatres so simply select the option for the Prince Edward when prompted and it will direct you straight through to their box office (lines are open Minday-Friday).
You can also send Access enquiries via email to petbox@delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Billy Elliot The Musical & The Victoria Palace Theatre

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for continuing to support Access to the Arts in London.

The award winning musical Billy Elliot plays at the Victoria Palace Theatre and has been entertaining audiences since 2005.

"Set in a Northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever."



Victoria Palace Theatre is a short distance from Victoria Station and on the North side of Victoria Street. The main entrance has a very small (3cm) step up into the foyer and box office area. From here, the most accessible area of the auditorium are the stalls which are down 4 steps from the foyer. The steps have handrails either side.

For wheelchair and scooter users and for those who cannot manage steps, there is a level access entrance in Allington Street which is to the left of the theatre. Simply inform someone at the front of the theatre and they will open this level entrance for you. Inside, there is an accessible WC (if you haven't got a RADAR key, please let a member of staff know and they will open it for you). This entrance leads directly into the back of the stalls. Scooters can be stored and brought to you in the interval and at the end of the performance.

For wheelchair users that cannot transfer, there are 2 spaces at P36 and M36 where you can remain in your chair throughout the performance and your companion can remain close by. If you can transfer, then any aisle seat in the stalls (subject to availability) can be booked. In addition to the 2 wheelchair spaces, 4 wheelchairs or scooters can be stored per performance.

Assistance dogs are permitted into the auditorium and staff can dog sit during the performance in the Manager's office. There is an infrared system in the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets available. These must be booked in advance and a small deposit is required - please ask the access assistant on arrival for your headset.

There are sign interpreted performances of Billy Elliot on:
Thursday 9th August 2012 Matinee Performance (2.30pm)
Friday 7th September 2012 Evening Performance (7.30pm)

There are Audio Described performances of Billy Elliot on:
Saturday 1st September 2012 Matinee Performance
Thursday 6th September 2012 Matinee Performance

There are captioned performances of Billy Elliot on:
Tuesday 28th August 2012 Evening Performance
Saturday 8th September 2012 Matinee Performance

Performances are Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book Access tickets for Billy Elliot (currently priced at £27.50 each for you and a companion in the stalls of the Victoria Palace Theatre), please call the Access line at the box office directly on: 020 7834 1170. Access bookings and enquiries can also be made via email at access@victoriapalace.co.uk

For all other tickets, please call the box office on: 0844 811 0055.

Phantom of the Opera & Cast Interview with Simon Shorten

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for continuing to support disabled access to the arts in London.

Today's post is an update on some of the Access information for Her Majesty's Theatre, home to Phantom of the Opera and located on the Haymarket. There is also an interview with cast member Simon Shorten.

Her Majesty's Theatre has level access for wheelchairs, scooters and those who cannot manage stairs on Charles II street. Simply make yourself known to someone at the front of the theatre (usually someone is around from 30 minutes before a performance) and they will escort you around to the side entrance. This entrance leads into the rear of the stalls.


The stalls have a storage area for wheelchairs and scooters and an accessible WC. There are spaces for 4 wheelchairs in row S in the stalls. If you can transfer, any aisle seat in the stalls can be booked (subject to availability). An usher is assigned to help and assist those in the wheelchair spaces and transfer seats.

There is an infra-red hearing loop system with 10 headsets available to use - these can be collected from the cloakroom or ask a member of staff for one (a receipt needs to be signed). Two assistance dogs per performance are permitted at Her Majesty's. Large print programmes and braille cast lists are also available upon request. Overall, Her Majesty's is very accessible and has some of the most disability aware staff I know of in any London theatre!

There are performances Monday-Saturday at 7.30pm and also matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book Access Tickets for Phantom (currently from £22.50 each for you and a companion/carer in the stalls!) please call: 0844 412 4648. For all other tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.



Today's interview is with Simon Shorten who is Swing and covers the role of The Phantom at Her Majesty's. I'd like to once again say a huge Thank You to Simon for his time and support.

When you first went on for The Phantom, how did it feel to step onto the stage as that iconic character?

Absolutely incredible, there's no other feeling like it, terrifying but exhilarating at the same time


How do you get on with the make up process for The Phantom?

I actually really enjoy it, we normally start at 6:55pm, it takes around 40-45 mins but for me it's a great time to relax and chat with the make up and wig staff and listen to some music whilst seeing myself become this unbelievably grotesque Character.

It's very surreal to go through, but once I know the make up is on, I hardly notice it's there.


Do you have a favourite song or scene to perform as The Phantom?

Final lair without a doubt, I love it. It's just so brutal for everyone, all three of us get thrown around, there's so much passion and tension, it's an amazing scene to be a part of.


What do you think is the key to Phantom's success?

I think it's really simple. It's just one of those stories that many people can relate to, at some point, we've experienced the themes that run throughout the show, and those feelings don't go away easily. Phantom almost forces you to remember, it did for me anyway.


Her Majesty's is fantastic for disabled access, what is it like as a theatre to perform in?

It's incredible, a beautiful building with a lovely atmosphere out front and backstage, there is so much space it's easy to slip away for some quiet time should you need it.

How did it feel to be part of the Phantom 25 celebrations?

Humbling. Being quite new to the show, it was an incredible experience to meet all the great people who have been involved in the show over the years and to see the amount of support it received from the audiences. I'll never forget it.


What is your most memorable moment from Phantom 25?

Being the phantom double in the journey to the 1st lair, great to have a moment to briefly play the Phantom for such an iconic moment, (and a lovely bit of screen time on the DVD too lol) ;)


The designs for Phantom are breathtaking, do you have a favourite?

Costume - you simply cannot beat the suit. I've never had a suit tailored for me, and if you were ever going to have one, you'd want it to be the Phantom's. It feels incredible to wear, I absolutely love it.

Set - I love the simplicity of the auction, not to give too much away for those who haven't seen it, but how that seen progresses to Hannibal always makes me go wow that is cooooool lol !!


If you could play any role in musical theatre, what would it be and why?

I love to play the darker characters, Sweeney Todd would be my ultimate want, it's one of my favourite shows, that would be very special for me (fingers crossed eh)


Do you have a message for the Phantom audiences and fans?

I've met some wonderful people during my time here, I can't thank you enough for all the love and support you give me, you guys are awesome, Thank you so much!!

Also, keep your eyes peeled for updates on my website, www.simon-shorten.com as I have some great projects lined up throughout the year!!!

Lots of love

Simon. Xxx

You can also keep up to date with Simon's news by following him on Twitter @SiShorten

The London Coliseum & English National Opera

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for supporting disabled access to the arts in London.

Located on St Martin's Lane, The London Coliseum is home to the English National Opera.

The Coliseum is widely accessible and even has its own Access Scheme for those with disabilities. There is a permanent ramped entrance from St Martin's Lane into the foyer area which is spacious and all on one level. The box office is to the right if you are collecting or buying tickets or if you wish to sign up to the Access Scheme (highly recommended). The foyer slopes downwards towards the entrance to the Stalls and Stalls Boxes or, there is a lift up to the dress circle and balcony.


If you are a wheelchair user and cannot transfer into a theatre seat, there are spaces in the Stalls (2), Dress Circle (2) and Stalls Boxes (4). If you are a scooter user and can't transfer, the stalls boxes are the best option as they have the most room. If you can transfer, there are options of transfer seats in the Dress Cirlce and Balcony. There are adapted WCs on four out of five levels including, Stalls, Dress Circle and Balcony. The bars and restaurant are all accessible too. There is a lift in the foyer that goes to all levels.

There is an enhanced sound system that can be used with headphones and can be accessed by enquiring at the information desk in the main foyer. The ENO also offers sign-interpreted performances for most of its productions.

The ENO's Access Scheme entitles those with a disability access to half price tickets, priority booking and access guides and information. I highly recommend the scheme - it is free and easy to sign up to and, for most, will only require a photocopy of your blue badge or equivalent proof in order to sign up to it.


When signing up to the scheme, you will also be offered a CD, Braille or Large Print version of the season brochure if you require it. Braille and large print versions of cast lists and synopses are also available. The application asks that you give relevant information so that the box office can assist in booking the most appropriate seats for you.

To sign up to the ENO's Access Scheme, contact 0871 472 0800 or email access@eno.org

The nearest blue badge bays to the Coliseum are in St Martin's Lane, St Martin's Street and Charing Cross Road.

Upcoming productions and performances at the Coliseum include:

Der Rosenkavalier (R. Strauss)
Performances on: 1, 4, 11, 17, 24, 27 February

The Tales of Hoffmann (Offenbach)
Performances on: 10, 16, 18, 23, 29 February and 2, 6, 8, 10 March

The Death of Klinghoffer (John Adams)
Performances on: 25, 28 February and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 March

The Flying Dutchman (Wagner)
Performances on: 28 April and 1, 5, 12, 16, 18, 23 May

For details of all productions and to book non-access tickets online, see the website www.eno.org

You can also follow the ENO on Twitter @E_N_O

Phantom of the Opera - Cast Change & Interview with Katy Treharne

Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for continuing to support disabled Access to the arts in London.

Today's post is an update on the Access information for Her Majesty's Theatre and also features an interview with Katy Treharne who has returned to the Phantom cast as alternate Christine.

Her Majesty's Theatre has level access for wheelchairs, scooters and those who cannot manage stairs on Charles II street. Simply make yourself known to someone at the front of the theatre (usually someone is around from 30 minutes before a performance) and they will escort you around to the side entrance. This entrance leads into the rear of the stalls.


The stalls have a storage area for wheelchairs and scooters and accessible WC. There are spaces for 4 wheelchairs in row S in the stalls. If you can transfer, any aisle seat in the stalls can be booked (subject to availability). An usher is assigned to help and assist those in the wheelchair spaces and transfer seats.

There is an infra-red hearing loop system with 10 headsets available to use - these can be collected from the cloakroom or ask a member of staff (a receipt needs to be signed). Two assistance dogs per performance are permitted at Her Majesty's. Large print programmes and braille cast lists are also available upon request. Overall, Her Majesty's is very accessible and has some of the most disability aware staff I know of in any London theatre!

There are performances Monday-Saturday at 7.30pm and also matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book Access Tickets for Phantom (currently from £22.50 each for you and a companion/carer in the stalls!) please call: 0844 412 4648. For all other tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.


Today's cast interview is with Katy Treharne who has returned to the cast of Phantom this week as alternate Christine. Once again, a huge Thank You to Katy for her continued support for Access London.


How do you feel about returning to Her Majesty's and Phantom of the Opera?

I am very excited to be taking up the Alternate role of Christine. I now have set dates performing every week and I get my name on the dressing room!


When you left the cast in September 2011, did you realise you would be returning so soon?

I hoped that one day I would return to Her Majesty's and felt my time there wasn't up. I didn't expect it to be four months later though, but it's a blessing, the time was right and I am very happy to be back.


When you were last in the show you covered the role of Christine, you are now returning as alternate. Are you looking to change anything in the way you play her?

I have been working with a new director since being back. His name is Sam Hiller and he is an actor himself and has made me think of things differently, I have changed a few of the choices I make in the show, dramatically and vocally to help tell Christine's story a lot clearer.


Since your last run, both the actors playing The Phantom and Raoul have changed. What are you most looking forward to about working with Earl Carpenter and Killian Donnelly?

I absolutely love working with both of them. I adapt well to change and find it exciting working with new people as they bring different things to the roles and help me find new things and keep it all fresh.


As Christine you have two iconic songs in 'Think Of Me' and 'Wishing'. Is there one that you prefer to sing and if so, why?

They are both so different in Christine's journey. It's hard to pick a favourite as Think of Me is right at the beginning so nerves are more present but I love singing it and wearing a beautiful costume and I also love singing the cadenza and the high notes! Wishing is very emotional and I have a huge attachment to this song as I relate it to my own personal experiences and it has a special place.


Her Majesty's is a theatre that provides pretty good access to those with disabilities but, what is it like as a theatre to perform in?

It's a wonderful theatre to perform in. With Phantom having been there 25 years, not much has changed and so you really feel you are walking in the footsteps of past actors and singers who have played these iconic roles and that these characters were born here.


What is your fondest memory from the last time you were part of Phantom?

My fondest memory was when I took my last bow when I played Christine the last time. When John Owen Jones took his bow he signalled to the audience to applaud me and that brought a tear to my eye. I was very humbled.


You can see Katy perform as Christine every Monday and Friday at Her Majesty's Theatre.
You can also follow Katy on Twitter @KatyTree
COMING SOON: Les Miserables and Matilda

Pippin @ Menier Chocolate Factory & Interview with Frances Ruffelle

Welcome back to Access London and a Happy New Year to all! Hoping you all enjoyed a lovely Christmas and New Year holiday. Access London's first post of 2012 is dedicated to the new production of Pippin, currently playing at The Menier Chocolate Factory and also a special interview with Frances Ruffelle.

"In this coming-of-age story, Pippin, heir to the throne of Charlemagne, ventures on a quest of self-discovery, but in doing so our hero must face the uncertain worlds of warfare, love, politics and religion.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked and Godspell ) and book by Roger O. Hirson, The Menier Chocolate Factory’s new version has been completely re-conceived, directed and choreographed, incorporating Bob Fosse's original Tony Award-winning routines, by Mitch Sebastian."

The cast includes Harry Hepple, Carly Bawden, Frances Ruffelle, Matt Rawle and Ian Kelsey.

Pippin is running at the Chocolate Factory until the 25th February with performances Tuesday-Saturday evenings (8.00pm) and Saturday and Sunday Matinees (3.30pm). To book Access tickets and concessions, call the box office directly on 020 7378 1713.

Wheelchair access is via the main entrance on Southwark Street (the venue is not really suitable for scooters however). If you have any mobility or disability requirements, please explain to the box office when booking tickets so that they can arrange for any assistance needed and help you to book the most suitable seating for your needs. There is 1 space for a wheelchair at the front of the auditorium, with a space next to it for companion/carer. There are other options if you can transfer to a theatre seat. Unfortunately, there is no infra red loop system at this venue. However, it is a fairly intimate space so please explain any requirements at the box office when booking and they will arrange seating as close to the stage area as possible.


Access London is delighted to share with you an interview with Frances Ruffelle who plays Fastrada in Pippin. I'd like to again say a huge Thank You to Frances for taking the time to answer some questions....


AL: This new production of Pippin brings the story into a modern and cyber world, can you tell us anymore about this?

FR: It’s best for me not to spill too many beans… but yes, this Pippin is set in a virtual reality game world.


AL: This production has been completely re-conceived. But would it be correct to say it still includes Fosse's original routines?

FR: We do indeed have original Fosse routines and we also have some fosse-esque choreography. We were very lucky to have Chet Walker (who worked closely with Fosse) come teach us the real thing!


AL: What were the routines like to learn?

FR: Well to be honest my role doesn’t have very much original Fosse but I did learn some of the other routines and it was incredible to hear the original stories of their creation, especially the Gwen Verdon walk! Gwen was Pigeoned toed and had leg braces as a kid and Bob Fosse found a way to make her unique stance into a very sexy but quirky walk! I base my character's walk on that.


AL: The production has a great cast with yourself, Matt Rawle, Harry Hepple and Carly Bawden. What has it been like together as a company?

FR: We have a ball! We share a very big dressing room with a screen splitting the girls from the boys but we can hear everything each other is saying! It’s a complete laugh backstage. We play music and play tricks on each other. I sit next to Carly, she is the same age as my daughter and has great taste in music.


AL: What can you tell us of your portrayal of Fastrada?

FR: I chose to portray Fastrada as an Essex trophy wife! I thought quite topical for now with TOWIE and I was born in Essex (even though I don’t naturally have an essex accent). But she is clever and knows how to get what she wants but really she does not give a toss about anyone but herself and she thinks she is the business!


AL: As an off West End theatre, what is the Chocolate Factory like to perform in?

FR: I love the intimacy of working here in a small theatre but also it’s great to be in a theatre known for its incredible artistic successes and with its many supporters, we are lucky to have fabulously interested audiences.


AL: Do you have a favourite scene in the show?

FR: I love GLORY going into The Manson Trio, an epic dance/fight scene


AL: I know why I've booked tickets to see Pippin - the cast and to see the new take on it - but what would you say to people who are as yet undecided whether to come watch?

FR: If you like to be entertained this is the show! I watch whatever scene I am not in from the back because I can and I want to! I love it!


You can see Frances in Pippin at The Menier Chocolate Factory until the 25th February.

Frances also has her own show BENEATH THE DRESS that she will be performing at the Chocolate Factory on the evening of Sunday 12th February. You can book tickets for this via the WEBSITE or, for Access tickets, please call the box office on 020 7378 1713.

Frances' most recent album, 'Imperfectly Me' can be found on itunes or ordered from Dress Circle
You can also follow Frances on Twitter @frankieruff







COMING SOON: Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, Matilda