New musical Son Of A Preacher Man channels the Swinging ’60s music of Dusty Springfield and is named after her 1968 chart hit.
As well as featuring Springfield’s sensational smash-hit singles, this new production also boasts a star-studded cast.
The plot follows the story of three lovesick individuals from different generations. The trio seek solace at the original site of Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out, a once-happening joint where youngsters with fresh ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an aspiration for love would dance until they dropped - or maybe seek love advice from the Preacher Man himself.
But those days are long gone, and it’s uncertain whether the Preacher Man’s son can help these broken hearts.
Diana Vickers, who stars in the show, originally came to the public’s attention in the 2008 series of X Factor. She went on to storm the UK charts with hit albums Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree (2010) - which reached number one - and Music To Make Boys Cry (2013).
In Son Of A Preacher Man, she plays the youngest of the three unlucky lovers, alongside Ian Reddington and Debra Stephenson.
“It’s basically a musical about the Lonely Hearts Club,” says Vickers. “Lonely hearts who’ve been hurt and are trying to seek advice.”
For a few years, Vickers led two very different lives - one in the recording studio and on the road, the other on stage and television.
“I guess theatre is a form of escapism,” she explains. “I really loved doing gigs, it was so much fun, but it’s a very different environment to theatre. At gigs it’s my own music - it’s just me. I transitioned into doing more theatre and TV because I really love taking on the role of another person and getting into their world.”
Although it was a difficult decision for Vickers, and one not taken lightly, she decided to make the move from pop princess to stage-and-screen performer a more permanent one, believing it to be in the best interests of her career and happiness.
“After my second album, I had a decision to make about either going back into the studio and writing another album or concentrating on my acting. I think I just always felt that every time I took on an acting role, whether that be in the theatre or on TV, I just felt really happy! I was content with doing things with a group of other actors, rather than writing an album alone and gigging as a solo artist. You’re by yourself a lot doing those things. I felt like this was the right move for me. I needed to put all my eggs in one basket, so I chose acting. Even before I went on The X Factor, I always wanted to be an actress. That was my main goal.”
Vickers’ stage debut came in a 2009 production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, a show in which she impersonated numerous music icons, including Dusty Springfield. It was an experience that she firmly believes helped her bag her latest role.
“It certainly made me so excited, especially when I got the script. Immediately I felt a connection there! This is always so important. I understand a lot about Dusty. She was described as ‘the great white lady of pop’, and I knew about her success and her music. I went into the meeting with a lot more knowledge about her and what her sound was. In my audition, I felt like I was naturally channelling her when I sang her music. I will probably have to pull out of that when I actually perform because I’m not actually meant to be her, so I need to note that to myself.”
The love affair between Vickers and the music of Springfield predates her acting career.
“I’ve certainly gone through my eras in fashion. I love the mini skirts and the really big, bold, cute, patterned shift dresses. The gorgeous makeup with the big eyelashes is always a winner. It’s not something I channel on a daily basis, but certainly for an event I would. Yesterday, my mum and I were playing all the ’60s hits, so I feel like the music is very much around in my daily life. My mum loves Dusty and used to play her music when we were younger. I remember when I was at school, we had a ’60s day and had to sing a ’60s song, so we sang Dusty - I remember mum being so excited about that! From a very young age, I was very aware of Dusty’s music.”
Son Of A Preacher Man is written by world-renowned lyricist Warner Brown and directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Craig Revel Horwood. This made for an audition that was not only exciting and nerve-wracking for Vickers but also a bit bizarre.
“When I auditioned, I was in a room of 10 people, including Warner and Craig, and it’s very scary to have all eyes on you. I looked up Warner before my audition, and it was quite daunting. He’s worked with loads of important people, including on Broadway, and done so many great things. Craig was so welcoming and sweet but also really tested me. I had to take a regular scene and play it in order to seduce the pianist while singing one of my songs. Then, with another scene, I had to perform a monologue towards a music stand and pretend that I was attacking the music stand with a knife! It was absolutely bonkers! Craig was doing it with me and he was fantastic - really fun and encouraging. It was a bit intimidating, but he was just so lovely and welcoming. I think I’ll be on a bit of a crazy ride with him. To be working with such fantastic people and such a great team certainly makes it more exciting.”
Vickers admits that she finds the theatre, film and television industries incredibly challenging. Even so, she continues to set new goals for herself. When Son Of A Preacher Man has concluded, she’ll have done three musicals in the space of two years and would like to delve into other waters.
“I’m just going to keep striving to move forward. I would maybe like to move onto a straight play or a bit of television - maybe some comedy. But in this industry everything is so unpredictable, so you just take whatever comes your way.”
For now, though, all of her energies are focused on Son Of A Preacher Man.
“It’s a show that takes you back to the Swinging ’60s - so if you love the music of the era and are a bit of a sucker for love, it’s the perfect place to go. It’s humorous, heartfelt, fun and uplifting, with iconic music. So if you like any or all of those things, please come and see the show!”
Son Of A Preacher Man shows at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from 12 to 16 September and the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from 10 to 14 October.
It then returns to the region in 2018, showing at the Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from 13 to 17 February, Malvern Theatre from 20 to 24 February and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from 13 to 17 March.
New musical Son Of A Preacher Man channels the Swinging ’60s music of Dusty Springfield and is named after her 1968 chart hit.
As well as featuring Springfield’s sensational smash-hit singles, this new production also boasts a star-studded cast.
The plot follows the story of three lovesick individuals from different generations. The trio seek solace at the original site of Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out, a once-happening joint where youngsters with fresh ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an aspiration for love would dance until they dropped - or maybe seek love advice from the Preacher Man himself.
But those days are long gone, and it’s uncertain whether the Preacher Man’s son can help these broken hearts.
Diana Vickers, who stars in the show, originally came to the public’s attention in the 2008 series of X Factor. She went on to storm the UK charts with hit albums Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree (2010) - which reached number one - and Music To Make Boys Cry (2013).
In Son Of A Preacher Man, she plays the youngest of the three unlucky lovers, alongside Ian Reddington and Debra Stephenson.
“It’s basically a musical about the Lonely Hearts Club,” says Vickers. “Lonely hearts who’ve been hurt and are trying to seek advice.”
For a few years, Vickers led two very different lives - one in the recording studio and on the road, the other on stage and television.
“I guess theatre is a form of escapism,” she explains. “I really loved doing gigs, it was so much fun, but it’s a very different environment to theatre. At gigs it’s my own music - it’s just me. I transitioned into doing more theatre and TV because I really love taking on the role of another person and getting into their world.”
Although it was a difficult decision for Vickers, and one not taken lightly, she decided to make the move from pop princess to stage-and-screen performer a more permanent one, believing it to be in the best interests of her career and happiness.
“After my second album, I had a decision to make about either going back into the studio and writing another album or concentrating on my acting. I think I just always felt that every time I took on an acting role, whether that be in the theatre or on TV, I just felt really happy! I was content with doing things with a group of other actors, rather than writing an album alone and gigging as a solo artist. You’re by yourself a lot doing those things. I felt like this was the right move for me. I needed to put all my eggs in one basket, so I chose acting. Even before I went on The X Factor, I always wanted to be an actress. That was my main goal.”
Vickers’ stage debut came in a 2009 production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, a show in which she impersonated numerous music icons, including Dusty Springfield. It was an experience that she firmly believes helped her bag her latest role.
“It certainly made me so excited, especially when I got the script. Immediately I felt a connection there! This is always so important. I understand a lot about Dusty. She was described as ‘the great white lady of pop’, and I knew about her success and her music. I went into the meeting with a lot more knowledge about her and what her sound was. In my audition, I felt like I was naturally channelling her when I sang her music. I will probably have to pull out of that when I actually perform because I’m not actually meant to be her, so I need to note that to myself.”
The love affair between Vickers and the music of Springfield predates her acting career.
“I’ve certainly gone through my eras in fashion. I love the mini skirts and the really big, bold, cute, patterned shift dresses. The gorgeous makeup with the big eyelashes is always a winner. It’s not something I channel on a daily basis, but certainly for an event I would. Yesterday, my mum and I were playing all the ’60s hits, so I feel like the music is very much around in my daily life. My mum loves Dusty and used to play her music when we were younger. I remember when I was at school, we had a ’60s day and had to sing a ’60s song, so we sang Dusty - I remember mum being so excited about that! From a very young age, I was very aware of Dusty’s music.”
Son Of A Preacher Man is written by world-renowned lyricist Warner Brown and directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Craig Revel Horwood. This made for an audition that was not only exciting and nerve-wracking for Vickers but also a bit bizarre.
“When I auditioned, I was in a room of 10 people, including Warner and Craig, and it’s very scary to have all eyes on you. I looked up Warner before my audition, and it was quite daunting. He’s worked with loads of important people, including on Broadway, and done so many great things. Craig was so welcoming and sweet but also really tested me. I had to take a regular scene and play it in order to seduce the pianist while singing one of my songs. Then, with another scene, I had to perform a monologue towards a music stand and pretend that I was attacking the music stand with a knife! It was absolutely bonkers! Craig was doing it with me and he was fantastic - really fun and encouraging. It was a bit intimidating, but he was just so lovely and welcoming. I think I’ll be on a bit of a crazy ride with him. To be working with such fantastic people and such a great team certainly makes it more exciting.”
Vickers admits that she finds the theatre, film and television industries incredibly challenging. Even so, she continues to set new goals for herself. When Son Of A Preacher Man has concluded, she’ll have done three musicals in the space of two years and would like to delve into other waters.
“I’m just going to keep striving to move forward. I would maybe like to move onto a straight play or a bit of television - maybe some comedy. But in this industry everything is so unpredictable, so you just take whatever comes your way.”
For now, though, all of her energies are focused on Son Of A Preacher Man.
“It’s a show that takes you back to the Swinging ’60s - so if you love the music of the era and are a bit of a sucker for love, it’s the perfect place to go. It’s humorous, heartfelt, fun and uplifting, with iconic music. So if you like any or all of those things, please come and see the show!”
Son Of A Preacher Man shows at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from 12 to 16 September and the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from 10 to 14 October.
It then returns to the region in 2018, showing at the Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from 13 to 17 February, Malvern Theatre from 20 to 24 February and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from 13 to 17 March.