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Sarah Earnshaw is starring in Payback: The Musical which opens at Riverside Studios later this week. Fresh and funny, this new musical has a sharp, original script and catchy score, and recaptures the excitement of the very best traditional musicals. A new performance for the stage amongst re-writes, this 2016 tale of love stretches from Brazil to England. Featuring a blend of jazz, latin and traditional ballads, it takes a wry, contemporary look at today’s celebrity and story-hungry media culture.
Sarah Earnshaw recently starred as The Lady in the Lake in the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre and she is well known for her time as Standby Glinda in Wicked (she was part of the original West End cast).
Sarah's other theatre credits include The Ghost Of Christmas Past in Scrooge (London Palladium and UK Tour), Emma Carew in Jekyll and Hyde (UK Tour), Alice In Wonderland (West Yorkshire Playhouse), After The Turn (Courtyard Theatre), Dan Leno (Lion and Unicorn) and The Royal Variety Performance (London Coliseum). Next month Sarah will play Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
Recently I spoke to Sarah about what people can expect from Payback, why she loves new writing and what it was like starring in the West End productions of Wicked and Spamalot...
Payback is a new musical meaning you get to create a role, is that something you've always wanted to do?
Yes, absolutely! Starting rehearsals was so exciting because we didn't know where it was going to end up! When you work in musical theatre creating a role it is something you always want to do but you don’t always get that chance. It’s so great creating a role because you are not following in anybody’s footsteps so there are no expectations. It is amazing to be able to put your stamp on something!
Are you a fan of new writing?
I really like working with new writing and Simon Greiff, who’s directing the show, is great with new writing and he supports it wholeheartedly. It is nice to have someone at the helm who is just so passionate about it. The role I’m playing in Payback is very demanding and intelligent and it’s nice to play somebody like that because it’s very different to any role I’ve played before. In the past I’ve played lots of ‘lighter’ more comedic characters; this role is quite down to earth and grounded which I love.
What can people expect from Payback?
There are so many different styles of music which I is very exciting! It’s a fast paced show set in 2016 so it feels very current and addresses modern day issues and references reality TV and so on and of course the cast are all very enthusiastic and lovely!
Most recently you played The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot which must have been such a fun show to be part of?
I just loved my time there! The Lady of the Lake is a gift of a part! The opportunity came out of the blue and it had never crossed my mind that I could play that role. When my agent called about the audition I didn’t even know they were casting and it all happened very quickly. I was thrilled to be offered it. The music is great and the cast and team made me feel so welcome! I can’t tell you how amazing everyone is! They craft the role around you so you never feel restricted which is very rare!
A lot of people will remember you for your time as Standby Glinda in the West End production of Wicked. Do you have fond memories of your time in the show?
I was part of the original cast way back in 2006. I was in the show for a very long time and absolutely loved every minute of it. It’s one of those shows that all performers want to be in so once you become part of it, it is very difficult to leave. I have such fond memories and made friends for life.
When you’re part of a long running show like Wicked or Spamalot, how do you keep your performance fresh each night?
It can be difficult but you always have to put in the same energy every night because most of the audience will never have seen the show before. You just have to appreciate what you are doing and give 100% each and every night.
Next month you are playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre. How do you feel about taking on another iconic role?
I am very excited! I’m so lucky because, like you say, it is a very iconic role! Recently I’ve been given the opportunity to play some iconic roles and I feel so lucky to be doing them! Audrey has always been on my list but the opportunity to play her has never come up before.
What other roles would you like to play in the future?
Even though there are roles I would like to play, I’ve learnt over the years that you can’t set your mind on one certain role or show because the opportunity may not come around at that time. I just like to see what roles come up – like with Spamalot – I never expected to play that role but loved it! I just sit back and go with the flow!
Have you got any favourite shows in London at the moment?
I saw One Man, Two Guvnors the other week which I really enjoyed, it’s hysterical! I saw Singin’ in the Rain recently and loved it. I need to see Matilda which is top of my list. Oh and of course Wicked and Spamalot!
Finally, why should people come and see Payback?
Because its original and different, there really is nothing else like it around at the moment. I think it’s always interesting to watch new writing and to see how a company tackles a new script from scratch!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Payback: The Musical opens at Riverside Studios on 14th June (previews from 12th June) and runs until 30th June 2013.
Visit www.paybackthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
Follow @West_End_Frame
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