Louise Dearman
Louise Dearman has already achieved a lot in the world of musical theatre.
Currently playing the lead role of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked - following her time as Glinda previously and making her the only woman to have played both leads globally - she's now ready to release a brand new album of musical theatre hits.
We got the chance to chat to Louise about this new album, some of her favourite shows and who she'd love to collaborate with after her work with Shayne Ward.
Has musical theatre always been something you've loved?
I always wanted to perform, I knew that much from a very young age. I started dancing lessons when I was three years old and that naturally progressed onto acting and singing lessons. I dreamt of being a pop star like many young girls do but from the moment my parents took me to see my first musical in the West End, I was hooked - that was all I was interested in doing as my career.
How does it feel to be the only performer across the globe to have played both leads in 'Wicked'?
I feel very honoured to be able to say that. Elphaba and Glina are two of the biggest female roles in musical theatre history and are worlds apart as characters so to have played both is very special for me. For me, it's all about challenging myself in each and every job I do - no actress would be content playing a similar role over and over and so for the Wicked producers and creative team to see beyond what I brought to Wicked in the form of Glinda and visualise me as Elphaba, I am very grateful.
Which character do you prefer to play?
I couldn't choose one! They are so different. I love the silliness of Glinda and being able to use the soprano side of my voice. Comedy is something I would love to explore more in the future. As Elphaba I get to sing the most incredible songs and play a character who is compassionate, strong and determined to do what's right for others. The transformation into the green girl is also a lot of fun!
What are some of your favourite productions?
I absolutely loved the Donmar Warehouse production of Guys and Dolls. It was pure class. The show itself had such a wonderful energy and it was a dream to be a part of. I often go to see plays in my time off and I recently went to see The Pride at The Trafalgar Studios directed by Jamie Lloyd which was fantastic.
You're now releasing your third studio album 'It's Time' - tell us about it.
Yes I'm about to release my third album 'It's Time'. I've done something pretty unusual for me and decided to record some of the most iconic musical theatre songs. I have always kept away from the more well known songs in the past but it felt like a good time to completely embrace them and put some of my absolute favourites on an album. I had the most beautiful orchestra to sing along to which made the whole experience very special.
How was the process of putting the album together?
It's taken a while to do this album because of my commitments to Wicked. Playing Elphaba is very vocally tiring so there were many cancelled studio sessions and changing things around to make it work. The record label I've collaborated with on this album - Silva Screen - had the most wonderful catalogue of huge orchestrations of musical theatre classics and so I worked my way through them, came up with a list I thought would work for me and we went ahead and recorded my vocals on top.
You collaborate with Shayne Ward - how did that come about?
I had already chosen the song Falling Slowly from the musical Once and so I wanted my partner on the track to have a great contemporary sound and Shayne was the perfect man for the job. He has made the cross over between a pop and a theatre career and he has the most beautiful voice that's so easy to listen to. He sounds gorgeous on the track and was so lovely to work with - a very funny guy.
Is there anyone you'd love to duet with in the future?
I love so many voices and styles of music so that's a tough question. Ok so Gary Barlow (my girlfriends from back home would freak out - we were huge Take That fans!), Adele, Barbra Streisand, John Legend... I could go on forever!
You're performing some live dates in December - what can fans expect?
I have lots going on in December, starting with Movies and Musicals on 1st December at the Apollo Victoria Theatre with John Owen-Jones and Gareth Gates, and then the same show in Swansea on 7th with Rhydian Roberts.
I'm also performing my own shows at the St James Theatre on 16th and 17th which will be a mix of songs from my albums, songs from my theatrical past and a few teasers for next year as well as some Christmas songs to get people into the festive spirit!
On 27th and 28th I'll be performing in Bond and Beyond in Birmingham and London. All info can be found on my website www.louisedearman.com
Are there any other projects in the pipeline you can share some details about?
Next year is already looking very exciting. I'll be taking my own show on a UK tour between February and April. It coincides with the release of my third album 'It's Time' which is being released on November 18th this year. I can't wait to get out there and perform some of my all time favourite songs live!
'It's Time' is released November 18.