Interview: Lara Martins, currently playing Carlotta Giudicelli in Phantom Of The Opera

Lara Martins recently made her West End debut in the West End production of Phantom Of The Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, playing Carlotta Giudicelli. Lara trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. She has had a hugely successful opera career. Her credits include: Fifth Maid in Elektra by R Strauss conducted by Gustav Kuhn (Modena, Ferrara, Piacenza and Bolzano), Sofia in Il Signor Bruschino by Rossini (Opéra National de Bordeaux) and Blondchen in Entfürung aus dem Serail (Opera de Marseille). Lara takes to West End Frame about making her West End debut, how working in the West End compares to Opera and what her hopes are for the future...

You recently made your West End debut in Phantom Of The Opera, playing Carlotta Giudicelli. Are you enjoying your time in the show so far? 

I am having a wonderful time! Everyone in the company made me feel so welcome and gave me so much support. I feel really happy to be working with such lovely people. 

Have you always wanted to work in the West End? 

Because I come from an opera background I never really thought I would be working in the West End, but when the opportunity came to play Carlotta, I thought that might be really interesting so I looked at the score, researched the role and decided to take the challenge. 

How familiar were you with Phantom of The Opera before you joined the show and when was the first time you saw it? 

The first and only time I watched the show was in 2004. My parents were visiting from Portugal and I took them to see Phantom - so I was not really familiar with the show before this opportunity came up. Obviously, when the audition process started I did a lot of research, watched videos, read the Gaston Leroux novel and went to see the show again. 

What is it like playing Carlotta Giudicelli? 

Carlotta is a great character and I am still discovering her. I like to play her with lots of different layers. She is not only a temperamental prima donna, there is a lot of vulnerability and insecurity behind that Diva facade, which gives you a lot to explore. 

Carlotta was probably like the big pop stars of our own time. People would travel from far away just to see her singing, and suddenly her position in the opera house starts to decline, strange things start to happen and she is replaced by a ballet girl. So It’s not surprising that her ego is bruised! She also has a very Latin and fiery personality which helps a lot on the comedy side of things. 

What are the rest of the cast like to work with? 

The cast of Phantom is absolutely fantastic. There is a real feel of being part of a team and working for the same goal, which is to deliver a great show every single night. 

Why do you think Phantom Of The Opera is such a popular show? 

Well, obviously people are in love with the music and the beauty of the show in itself. The costumes, the set, the stage effects everything is magic. On top of that I think the production company has done a great job of maintaining the very high standards of this show and keeping it fresh and alive for so many years. 

You have also done many Operas, how does working on an Opera compare to working on a Musical? 

I come from an opera background, this is my first musical. Working in opera is a totally different dynamic. Opera productions usually last between a month to two months. That includes a four week rehearsal period and six to eight shows, then it’s on to the next one. You end up travelling a lot and working in a lot of different countries and theatres. I think they are different challenges in opera and Musicals but both worlds are very exciting. 

As you are from Portugal, do you miss home when working in London? 

I have been living in London for a long time. I trained at the Guildhall and, after working in France for a year, I decided to come back to London and make my home here. I feel very much a Londoner. I do love my home country though but I am fortunate enough to get a lot of work in Portugal so I go there quite often, which is great. 

What advice would you give to any aspiring actors and singers? 

Always be true to yourself and what you believe and be prepared to encounter some rough patches along the way. This is a highly competitive and tough business. Learn how to take criticism and failure and learn from it. Many aspiring actors and singers are lost because they can’t deal with this aspect of the profession. Finally, always respect people who you work with. No one wants to work with difficult people. 

Would you like to do more work in musical theatre in the future? 

I would love to do more work in the musical theatre. Unfortunately, there are not many roles that are suited to an operatic voice like mine. But who knows... I might discover a new voice on the way! 

Finally, what would you like to say everyone who has supported you throughout your career? 

I owe everything to my family they have always been there for me. They are my rock and the most important thing in my life. 

Lara's Website: www.laramartins.com
Lara's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/laramartins.singer

Visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com to find out more about Phantom Of The Opera and to book tickets.

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