Lauren Varnham is currently in the West End production of We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre understudying the roles of Scaramouche and Meat. Her other theatre credits include Hairspray, Carousel and High School Musical. Lauren talks to West End Frame about life in We Will Rock You, what it's like being an understudy and what roles she hopes to play in the future...
You are currently in the West End production of We Will Rock You, are you enjoying it?
Yes I am loving it. I have been in it for coming up to two years now and I'm still enjoying it as much as I did when I first started.
The show has been running for such a long time now, why do you think people love it so much?
I think Queen are so widely known that whenever people come to London and hear about/see the musical advertised they are interested straight away because the majority of people love/loved queen at some point.
What is it like understudying the roles of Scaramouche and Meat and how do they compare?
It is amazing and my dream ever since I was twelve when the show first came out was to play Scaramouche one day. Meat and Scaramouche are very different characters. Scaramouche is your outcast sarcastic and witty, and she doesn't care what she says to anyone. And Meatloaf is the 'leader of the gang' type of girl, ballsy, knows what she wants and puts her man Britney in his place quite often.
You recently had a short run as Scaramouche, what was it like?
Being understudy I have got the gist of what it's like to play Scaramouche full time as I've been lucky to be on so often. I have loved every single second as like I said before it was the role in the West End I dreamt of playing.
What is the atmosphere back like backstage at The Dominion?
Madness. We have a village out the back which is where all ensemble get changed and on minute you're in a quick change then next minute someone is running around singing Defying Gravity with a black cloak and a broom from the corridor. Lol! It is crazy and would make a great documentary one day.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become an actor?
Work hard, and graft because the more work you put in the more you will get back. Listen to advice, I have worked with some amazing actors and because I am still young they offer me advice and I take it and it makes me a better actor for it.
Are there any roles you would like to play, or shows you would like to be part of in the future?
I would love to play Elphaba one day but I am a little young right now. Roxy in Chicago. I would love to be a part of Jersey Boys one day as it's such a fab show. Lots of things really as I'm only just starting out still.
Are you looking forward to performing at West End Fest?
Yes I am, it is always nice to do little gig here and there because you get to meet new people. And sing songs you couldn't necessarily sing in the actual shows.
Finally what would you like to say to everyone who supports you, especially those who recently voted you third place in West End Frame’s Understudy Of The Year?
A big massive THANK YOU!!! You are so incredibly kind with your comments, letters and continued support I can't thank you enough. And so many people have already said they will come and see me in my next venture after We Will Rock You, and that is awesome. :) I try and keep everyone following me on Twitter updated so they will know where I will be next as soon as I know myself. But thanks for always being so kind. xXx
Where can people find you on Twitter?
@laurenvarnham - My twitter
@TeamVarnham - A wonderful twitter fan page
Click here to find out more and to book tickets for West End Fest.
I have seen lauren many times and agree she is one to watch I wish her well in the future and Im sure she will be back to play scaramouche full time soon.
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