Katie Paine is currently in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre playing the Teacher and understudying Killer Queen. The show marks Katie's West End debut. Her theatre credits include: Anita in Girls Night (UK tour); Pandora in Robin Hood (Elgiva Theatre); lead female for Stiletto Entertainment USA (Zaandam); Mae inReefer Madness (Bridewell Theatre); lead female in You Don't Bring Me Flowers (UK tour); Clara in Nine (Rose and Crown Theatre) and lead female for Chris Moreno Productions (MV Aurora). Katie chats to West End Frame about life in We Will Rock You, understudying Killer Queen and what roles she would like to play in the future...
Are you enjoying your time in We Will Rock You?
I am having the most wonderful time in We Will Rock You. I am now at the beginning of my second year in the show and I still love it as much as the very first day I joined the cast! I still have to pinch myself when I walk past the Dominion Theatre and realise that it's my place of work!
Why do you think people love the show so much?
The show appeals to so many people and I am always amazed at how young some of the fans are, and it just goes to show how popular and legendary Queen's music is. I love the storyline to, and I think we can all relate to the madness of the Globalsoft Corporation and how advanced technology is in this day and age! The finale of We Will Rock You is pretty spectacular to and always has the audience up on their feet rocking away with us!
What is it like understudying Killer Queen?
It's fab! I absolutely love understudying and playing Killer Queen! She is such a powerful, controlling character with some brilliant scenes and some fantastic songs. I love getting in the costumes and I have to say, I am very attached to my huge Killer Queen wig!! I feel very lucky to have my normal track too, as I play Teacher / Ensemble / Katy Perry and so am always on stage throughout the show in the various scenes. hether I am on for Killer Queen or my normal track, it's such a busy and fun show to be part of!
What is life like as an understudy in the West End, is it hard going on at the last minute?
It's always a bit daunting knowing that you have to go on at the last minute, but I love the thrill of getting ready and suddenly prepping for the role! It does however take a long time to do the make up!
What is the atmosphere like backstage at the Dominion?
Busy! We have an area called Wardrobe Village where we (the ensemble) remain throughout the show and all get changed. I think if someone came in and saw us in Wardrobe Village, they wouldn't know where to look as there is so much going on at such a speed! There are so many quick costume changes as well as making sure we sing in the booth for certain songs. I remember it being very daunting when I started, thinking that I'd never be ready in time with the quick costume and make up changes! But we have fantastic dressers and wig mistresses who are always at the ready to help us in any way we need.
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
Brilliant! There is a real 'family' feel in We Will Rock You, which is lovely especially as it's such a big team to be part of! And it makes it even more special when I go on for Killer Queen, as you know that there is 100% support from everyone in the cast which really spurs you on.
When did you first decide that you wanted to be an actress?
I always wanted to perform and was part of local amateur dramatics groups when I was younger. (And me and my sister used to love performing our own little musical shows to our family at Christmas and in the Summer Holidays.) But I didn't focus on it properly until I was 16. I gained all my GCSEs and then went to study Performing Arts and English A Level aged 18 at college. I then went to a vocational drama school and studied a three year Acting and Musical Theatre course, knowing that I wanted it to be my profession.
What do you think you would be doing now if you didn't become an actress?
Hmmm that's an interesting one. I always liked English and writing, so there was a time when I thought about studying journalism. But I can honestly say that I have never wanted to do anything as a profession apart from performing. I knew I wanted to be an actor and so I have always been determined to make it the job that 'paid the bills'!
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors?
Be prepared for hard work, rejections and learn from every experience! But never give up! It's a tough industry but I truly believe if you pursue and give it everything you have, then it's yours for the taking.
What is your favourite show in the West End at the moment?
Oooooh I have so many favourites as I am a complete Musicals fan! But I would have to say that another two favourites of mine in the West End are Wicked and Les Miserables. I also love watching shows with new material and I always get excited hearing of new shows transferring from Broadway or off Broadway to the West End.
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 in Wicked, Fantine in Les Miserables, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Maureen in Rent...The list is endless as there are so many wonderful musicals I would love to be part of! I also love straight acting pieces and would love to perform in some plays, and even attempt some Shakespeare in the future too.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who supports you?
Thank you so so much! It means so much having ongoing support, not just from friends and family, but also from the incredible fans who support and encourage me with letters, comments on my fan page and via Twitter. I feel incredibly lucky and thankful that I am actually living out my dream of performing in the West End and truly feel very blessed. I am one very happy Katie right now!
To find out more about Katie, visit her website: www.katiepaine.com
You can follow Katie on Twitter: @katiepaine1
Visit www.wewillrockyou.co.uk to find out more about We Will Rock You and to book tickets.
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