She’s the Olivier Award-winning theatre star with a voice powerful enough to rival the greats. From her show-stopping turn in Ghost to her acclaimed performance in Show Boat, she’s built a career defined by fearless choices, constant evolution and a commitment to sharpening her craft. Now, she’s stepping into something entirely new with the heart-opening musical Ballad Lines, playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.

Just moments before she heads on stage, we dive into the emotional power of stepping into a brand-new world with Ballad Lines, why this project feels unlike anything she’s done before, and the beauty that comes from embracing the chaos of constantly pushing yourself as an artist.

We talk about the importance of centring female stories in mainstream theatre, the thrilling risk of performing in intimate spaces, and why she’s proudly made a habit of “emotionally destroying” audiences — something that might become her niche.

There’s also time for camp costumes in Cinderella, discovering the richness of the warmer tones in her voice, and the unexpected — and rarely discussed — realities that can follow an Olivier win, including the surprising stretches of not working.

Plus, she reflects on the “beautiful” experience of Becoming Nancy in Birmingham and why theatre should belong to audiences everywhere — not just those in London.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

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