Sherrie Pennington is currently in Singin' In The Rain at the Palace Theatre understudying Kathy Selden. Sherrie's most recent theatre credits include the UK tour of White Christmas, Me and My Girl at the Sheffield Crucible and Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre. Her other West End Credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! and the award-winning Mel Brooks musical The Producers. Sherrie chats to West End Frame about understudying Kathy Selden, how touring compares to being in the West End and what she would be doing now if she didn't become an actress...
Are you enjoying your time in Singin’ In The Rain?
Are you enjoying your time in Singin’ In The Rain?
Yes, I have been a fan of the MGM film for many years and so was thrilled to be offered it when it was being staged in Chichester last year. The transfer to London was a huge bonus for us all and we are still having a splashing time!
Why do you think the show is so popular?
I believe everyone has grown up with the film and this new production on stage retains the same feel good quality – countless well-known tunes, a great story and the iconic dance routine that leaves the front seven rows a little damp!
What is it like understudying Kathy Selden?
Kathy Selden is one of those classic roles in musical theatre. Not only are you singing the beautiful tunes of Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed but also performing a knock out tap routine in Good Mornin’ and partnering the wonderful Adam Cooper in The Broadway Ballet.
What is the atmosphere like backstage at the Palace Theatre?
Singin' In The Rain is a very busy show for everybody so there is a lot of organised traffic and chaos backstage. However we always have a lot of fun and still can’t believe we get to play ‘dress up’ for a living!
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
We have been together for over a year now having staged the original production in Chichester last summer, so it’s like one big family. We often have company drinks and parties so we can socialise out of hours.
What was it like starting the show in Chichester and then transferring to the West End?
It was very exciting to be creating a new production of the show for Chichester and we were thrilled to bring it to The Palace. Obviously in Chichester we performed ‘in the round’ so we had to make subtle changes to put the show on a proscenium stage.
You have done many UK tours including White Christmas, West Side Story and Beauty and the Beast. How does touring compare to being more settled in the West End?
They are two completely different experiences. When on tour you have to live out of a suitcase and perform sometimes in a different town every week getting used to a different theatre and a different bed! When in the West End you can settle into the theatre so it’s practically home from home.
When did you decide you wanted to become an actress?
I started dancing when I was 3 and grew up performing in many local pantomimes and summer seasons. I used to watch the adult performers and wish I was doing what they were doing. I feel very lucky that I have accomplished my dream.
If you didn’t become an actress what do you think you would be doing now?
I have absolutely no idea!!!!!! It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do!
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors?
My training was invaluable and I still love to watch other performers. I think you can learn so much from watching and listening to those around you. Dedication, perseverance and practice!
Are there any roles you would like to play or shows you would like to be part of in the future?
Who knows! I’ve been very lucky in my career so far performing in a diversity of musicals from Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast’ to Mel Brooks ‘Producers!’ I have loved every job and the unknown excites me.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who supports you?
A big thank you! And I hope I will never disappoint you!
Follow Sherrie on Twitter: @sherriepenn
Visit www.singinintherain.co.uk to find out more about the show and to book tickets.
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