Gina Beck is currently starring as Glinda in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Since graduating with a BA in Acting from the Central School of Speech and Drama Gina's many theatre credits include 'Letitia Hardy' in The Belle's Stratagem (Southwark Playhouse), 'Maria Von Trapp' in The Sound of Music (Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur), 'Kate Hardcastle' in The Kissing Dance (Jermyn Street), 'Christine Daaé' in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's) and 'Cosette' in Les Misérables (Queens).
Gina's television and radio include 'Carrie Harkness' in Doctors (BBC); 'Florence' in The Return of Sherlock Holmes (BBC), 'Lydia' in The Crust (CBBC), 'Shelley' in Dogma TV (C4), The Alan Titchmarsh Show (ITV), The Royal Variety Performance (BBC), The Early Show (CBS) and The Classical Brit Awards (ITV).
Her other work includes the 21st Anniversary of Les Misérables (BBC Radio 2), Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th Birthday Concert (BBC Radio 2). Gina was a soloist in the 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena and recently appeared in the Les Misérables film directed by Tom Hooper.
Are you enjoying your time in Wicked?
I am having an absolute blast, every show is so exciting and it’s the audience’s reactions that make it for me. Every night the energy is different, and I really feed off that.
Wicked is now in its 7th year. Why do you think the show continues to be so popular?
It’s got such heart, it’s a proper well-crafted musical spectacular. The sets, costumes and lighting are all ridiculously beautiful, there are plenty of cracking tunes and a great story.
What are the cast like to work with?
Truly lovely, I’ve been blessed that last year's cast were just amazing and it’s the same in my second year. I got to play opposite Rachel Tucker and now Louise Dearman, who’s that lucky?! We’re a really close-knit team at the Apollo Victoria.
When starring in a long running show such as Wicked, how do you keep your performance fresh each night?
As I said it’s the audience who keep it fresh and because I play a comic role the audience really affect me and my performance. I have a lot of fun with Glinda and little things come out differently every night because she’s so excitable!
What’s life like backstage at the Apollo Victoria Theatre?
It’s great, we all have our show routines, people you chat to at certain times of the show. I have a little break in the second half so I get to chat with Madame Morrible and the Wizard. Sadly I only ever meet Elphaba in the lift during the interval, otherwise we meet onstage!
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| Gina as Glinda |
When did you first decide that you wanted to be an actress?
It was always something that I wanted to do as far back as I can remember, I had a talent so I guess I was always picked to be the lead in school plays and such. It was only when I got into the National Youth Music Theatre that I realised this could be my career.
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors?
Try to get as much experience as you can, take lessons in the disciplines you want to become better at. Go to drama school as I think it is a great launch into the industry. But you have to remember that it’s not easy. I still think after this job finishes "Will I ever work again?" You have to live with that.
Have you got any dream roles you would like to play in the future?
Yes! I’d love to play Mary Poppins so hopefully they might restage that in the UK some time in the future. Otherwise I’d like to originate something, I guess that’s every actor’s dream to be the first to play a role.
What’s your favourite show in the West End at the moment?!
I have a not so secret passion for We Will Rock You, I just love the music so much and I recently saw Jersey Boys again, I was reminded what a slick, well crafted show it is.
Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Thank you so much for all your support, the Wicked fans are incredible - I’ve never known anything like it and I really hope they continue to support me after I’ve left the show!
Visit Gina's Website: www.ginabeck.com
Follow Gina on Twitter: @gina_beck
Click here to buy Wicked tickets with West End Frame (no booking fee Mon - Fri until 28th March)
how inspiring
ReplyDeleteI Went to see Wicked in March and it was INCREDIBLE. The first time I'd been to London and the first West End show I've seen. The performance was Hayley Gallivan as Elphaba and this amazing lady as Glinda. Now I have seen the show I really want to become an actress and I'm only 13 so it's still possible! Thank you to Gina and Hayley for making the show so special. Gina is such a great actress and so inspiring so I just want to say a massive thank you!! :)
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