11:23am Friday 24th July 2009
How is the Chicago tour so far?
“It’s great. We’re about four months in and we’ve performed in some great venues along the way. The audiences have been amazing and it’s just brilliant to be a part of.”
You’ve played alongside two rather interesting leading men during the tour. How have you found that?
“Yeah we started the tour with Jimmy Osmond as Billy Flynn and now Gary Wilmot has taken over. I mean Jimmy is an absolute hero and did such a great job I did wonder how anyone was going to replace that man! Gary had some big shoes to fill but, do you know what, they fit him perfectly! He’s been amazing. It’s been good to work with two different leading men, especially those two, as they each brought something special but different to the role. It’s good to have cast changes and play to different audiences – some more raucous than others! That’s the great thing about touring.”
How do you find playing Roxie Hart?
“I must say she’s someone I love to play. The part is one I’ve always wanted so I’m very lucky to get the opportunity to play her. She’s definitely one of my all time favourites – a classic.”
Stage or TV?
“When I’m doing TV I love doing it and it’s lovely when people stop you in the street and say I loved that episode of EastEnders with Billy (her soap character Honey’s on screen husband Billy Mitchell) the other day. But there’s something extra special about being in a live theatre where an audience are laughing, clapping and responding in a positive way. It’s such an amazing feeling and so different to TV. I’m very fortunate I can do both.”
Have you tried doing different roles from Honey since leaving EastEnders to avoid being typecast?
“Of course you never want that, but to be honest I just hope for job offers! I keep very open minded. I go to auditions and if I like what’s there I just hope they like me too. That seems to have worked in my favour as I’ve been very lucky up to now. It’s a very difficult industry. I don’t know what I will do next, but later in the run I will start going to auditions again and looking for work.”
Has the financial climate had a huge impact for actors?
“We’re really noticing it now. A lot of my friends are finding it difficult to get work. In a recession, it’s also difficult for programmes to be commissioned. Reality TV is overtaking and lots of younger people just want to be famous for no particular reason. If you want to be an actor you should know you are going to be out of work and have to do other jobs.”
Have you had to do many other jobs?
“Plenty. Waitress, secretary, I was out of work for 12 months. I was just about to give it all up when I got an amazing job with the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) working with Adrian Noble. I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Being out of work makes you really appreciate it when you do get work. You love what you have and don’t take anything for granted.”
What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
“Stay positive. What’s meant to be is meant to be. If you really want a job and you don’t get it there’s always a reason for that.”
As an ex-EastEnder, do you still watch the show?
“I try and catch up on a Sunday. It’s weird going back to being a fan. I thought you’d look at it differently, but I really get into it! I’m just as much an avid fan as everyone else and I can’t wait for the next episode to come around.”
How do you relax away from work?
“I like to try and get back to my home. I live in a lovely village out in the country. I just like to spend time there with my family and friends relaxing and doing normal family things. I’m definitely not one for manic clubbing, that does not interest me.”
Emma appears in Chicago at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre from Monday.
Tickets: 0844 576 3000 or bic.co.uk
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