Flashdance the musical, starring Joanne Clifton as Alex Owens, is coming to the Midlands. Lauren Cox chats to the Strictly Come Dancing champion to find out more.
You’ve starred in Flashdance since August. How have the shows been going?
Great, I’m loving it. We had a standing ovation last night, so let’s hope that continues throughout the tour.
What has the preparation for the role and the rehearsals been like?
Pretty challenging! The clue is in the name, but I don't think I realised how much dancing there was actually going to be. I don't normally dance in this style, so there's been lots of bruises. With that being said though, it really is a dream come true to be performing in this musical.
How did you land the role?
The producers asked me to audition after seeing me in another musical. I went through the whole audition process and apparently I didn’t even get the role based on my dancing, but I got it on my attitude.
You were in Birmingham earlier this year starring in Thoroughly Modern Millie. How does your role in Flashdance compare to your role as Millie Dillmount?
It’s the complete opposite. In Millie I was a bit ditzy and naive whereas in this one I have to be cool and try to be sexy. Millie is set in 1922 and Flashdance is set in the 80s, so the style of singing, the songs and of course the dancing is completely different. It's great for me though because it showcases the fact I can do different styles.
How did you feel about leaving Strictly?
It was a tough decision obviously because it is the best show on TV and being in front of 12 million people every week was a huge achievement. I still love it and I still have family on there with my brother Kevin and his wife Karen, but after winning it last year I thought there was no better time to leave, really.
How did it feel to win with Ore last year and perform that jive again at the launch of the 15th series of Strictly earlier this month?
Our faces showed it all. I had six double chins! We did not expect it at all. Our goal was to make it to Blackpool in week 9 but we just kept on going. We were in a few dance offs, Danny Mac was amazing and Louise Redknapp hadn’t been in a dance off, so when we got to the final we never at all thought we’d end up winning it. We thought let’s just go out there and enjoy are last few dances together and just enjoy the final, and show everyone what we’re capable of. We did, and it paid off.
Performing with Ore again was great. It felt strange getting back into the rehearsal room. We did about eight hours practice of the jive. It was nice seeing everyone getting paired up, but at the same time I was thinking I am actually having the best time doing Flashdance so I think I’ve made the right decision for now. But you never know, I could go back.
Who will you be rooting for?
Obviously my brother is still on it, so I should probably say him, but I actually think I’ll be rooting for Ruth Langsford. She’s been rumoured for so many years now, which means she’s really wanted, and she's finally doing it. She might surprise us. I’ll be on stage every Saturday night but I'll be watching it on catch up, making notes for when I have to criticise the couples on It Takes Two.
Will you be sticking with musical theatre for the foreseeable?
Yes, definitely. Musical theatre is something I’ve always wanted to do and I need to train and improve. I want to concentrate on my singing and acting.
What’s next for you?
Over Christmas I’ll be starring in the London fringe premiere of Irving Berlin's musical Top Hat at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, which is exciting.
Flashdance is coming to Stoke and Birmingham soon. Have you spent much time in the Midlands?
I actually used to dance with someone who was from Solihull when I was about 15 so I used to travel there quite a lot. I’m looking forward to coming back.
Flashdance is at Regent Theatre in Stoke 25 - 30 September further information & tickets here and New Alexandrea Theatre in Birmingham 4-9 December further information & tickets here.
Flashdance the musical, starring Joanne Clifton as Alex Owens, is coming to the Midlands. Lauren Cox chats to the Strictly Come Dancing champion to find out more.
You’ve starred in Flashdance since August. How have the shows been going?
Great, I’m loving it. We had a standing ovation last night, so let’s hope that continues throughout the tour.
What has the preparation for the role and the rehearsals been like?
Pretty challenging! The clue is in the name, but I don't think I realised how much dancing there was actually going to be. I don't normally dance in this style, so there's been lots of bruises. With that being said though, it really is a dream come true to be performing in this musical.
How did you land the role?
The producers asked me to audition after seeing me in another musical. I went through the whole audition process and apparently I didn’t even get the role based on my dancing, but I got it on my attitude.
You were in Birmingham earlier this year starring in Thoroughly Modern Millie. How does your role in Flashdance compare to your role as Millie Dillmount?
It’s the complete opposite. In Millie I was a bit ditzy and naive whereas in this one I have to be cool and try to be sexy. Millie is set in 1922 and Flashdance is set in the 80s, so the style of singing, the songs and of course the dancing is completely different. It's great for me though because it showcases the fact I can do different styles.
How did you feel about leaving Strictly?
It was a tough decision obviously because it is the best show on TV and being in front of 12 million people every week was a huge achievement. I still love it and I still have family on there with my brother Kevin and his wife Karen, but after winning it last year I thought there was no better time to leave, really.
How did it feel to win with Ore last year and perform that jive again at the launch of the 15th series of Strictly earlier this month?
Our faces showed it all. I had six double chins! We did not expect it at all. Our goal was to make it to Blackpool in week 9 but we just kept on going. We were in a few dance offs, Danny Mac was amazing and Louise Redknapp hadn’t been in a dance off, so when we got to the final we never at all thought we’d end up winning it. We thought let’s just go out there and enjoy are last few dances together and just enjoy the final, and show everyone what we’re capable of. We did, and it paid off.
Performing with Ore again was great. It felt strange getting back into the rehearsal room. We did about eight hours practice of the jive. It was nice seeing everyone getting paired up, but at the same time I was thinking I am actually having the best time doing Flashdance so I think I’ve made the right decision for now. But you never know, I could go back.
Who will you be rooting for?
Obviously my brother is still on it, so I should probably say him, but I actually think I’ll be rooting for Ruth Langsford. She’s been rumoured for so many years now, which means she’s really wanted, and she's finally doing it. She might surprise us. I’ll be on stage every Saturday night but I'll be watching it on catch up, making notes for when I have to criticise the couples on It Takes Two.
Will you be sticking with musical theatre for the foreseeable?
Yes, definitely. Musical theatre is something I’ve always wanted to do and I need to train and improve. I want to concentrate on my singing and acting.
What’s next for you?
Over Christmas I’ll be starring in the London fringe premiere of Irving Berlin's musical Top Hat at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, which is exciting.
Flashdance is coming to Stoke and Birmingham soon. Have you spent much time in the Midlands?
I actually used to dance with someone who was from Solihull when I was about 15 so I used to travel there quite a lot. I’m looking forward to coming back.
Flashdance is at Regent Theatre in Stoke 25 - 30 September further information & tickets here and New Alexandrea Theatre in Birmingham 4-9 December further information & tickets here.