Miss Hannigan is one of musical theatre’s most iconic villains. What attracted you to the role?
I’ve wanted to play Miss Hannigan since I was a kid. When all my friends were obsessed with Molly, Annie, Pepper and Duffy, I always wanted to be Miss Hannigan. It’s such an iconic role and it’s come at the right stage in my life. I’ve had a wealth of life experience, and I feel it will be nice to bring all that to the role.
Why do you think Annie continues to resonate with audiences decades after it first premiered?
Annie is a timeless show, and it resonates with audiences because somewhere in our brains we all know the songs. Every song is a hit, and the story is so heartfelt. It’s part of our culture from when we were growing up, and I think it’s one of the greatest musicals of all time.
You’ve worked across television, theatre and music throughout your career. What keeps drawing you back to the stage?
Whatever I am doing I will always be drawn back to the stage. I absolutely love musical theatre, so much so that on my nights off I’m at the theatre most nights! I’m always drawn to it and I will continue to be drawn to it. It’s just a deep, engrained love.
Looking back on your career so far, where does Miss Hannigan rank among the characters you’ve played?
Miss Hannigan, for me, is the pinnacle. It’s a role I’ve always wanted to play. A friend of mine gave me a collage for my 40th birthday, 15 years ago, with pictures of my life on there. And he superimposed my face onto the body of Paul O’Grady playing Miss Hannigan, so I’ve sat and looked at myself as Miss Hannigan for the last 15 years and I’ve just been manifesting it. It’s tragic, it’s funny, it’s just a brilliant role. It’s got everything in it.
Did you watch Annie growing up, and if so, what are your earliest memories of it?
My earliest memories of Annie are seeing it at the cinema when I was a kid and just knowing the songs, belting out Tomorrow and It’s The Hard-Knock Life. I went to a stage school where it was pretty much a staple for any kid. We had quite a few kids who were in the original cast of Annie at our school, it was just part of our childhood and heritage growing up.
What’s your favourite moment in the show to perform?
I think the most thrilling bit is the Easy Street dance reprise. It’s really full-on and exhilarating, and good fun working with Christian Cooper and Amber Kennedy, who play Rooster and Lily. It’s really great fun!
What are your three dressing room essentials whilst touring?
Loads of vitamins to keep me going and keep me strong, my make up box with a mirror that lights up, and my vocal steamer.
You perform alongside young actors in this show. What is your advice to other young aspiring actors wanting to get into the industry?
I think the best advice is to go and see as many shows as you can, keep watching and keep learning. And stay truthful to what you’re doing. Don’t copy anyone, just be individual, be yourself and have your own style. You don’t need to become what you think is ‘musical theatre’. Just be you.
