Charlotte Gooch is currently starring as Penny Johnson in Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre, having previously played the role during the 2011-2012 UK Tour and in the Berlin production as well as understudying the part during the original West End run.
Most recently Charlotte starred as Dale Tremont in the West End production of Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre. Her other theatre credits include: Patty Simcox in Grease (UK Tour), Bombalurina in Cats (European tour), dance partner to Anton du Beke in the workshop of Swing Time: The Dance Musical (Sadler’s Wells), Fly with the Stars (Palladium), the title role in Cinderella (De La Ware Pavillion, Bexhill), and ‘Annabel Glick’ in Lucky Stiff! directed by Tudor Davies (LTA Studio Theatre).
I recently spoke to Charlotte about what keeps drawing her back to Dirty Dancing, why she thinks the show has become so popular and what it’s like receiving such huge reactions from fans during performances...
You have previously played Penny in the UK touring production and in the Berlin production of Dirty Dancing, as well as understudying her during the original West End run. What keeps drawing you back?
I feel so honoured to have been asked to play the role again! As a dancer there are so few West End leading roles available where first and foremost you dance – most lead roles seem to focus more on acting and singing. Of course Penny is also a big acting role but it is one of those few roles where you really get to dance which is what I love so much! Penny is also a very iconic role, any girl who has ever seen the film either wants to be Baby or Penny!
It was a bit, I had big shoes to fill! Of course Johnny and Baby are the two most iconic parts, I mean Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey are just amazing. Cynthia Rhodes, who played Penny in the movie, is such a stunning woman and she’s incredible, her legs and backbend are just out of this world! Whenever I warm up before the show I always think to myself “just think about what she looked like Charlotte, you need to be like that tonight!” The pressure is definitely on because everybody who comes to see the show knows what they want, people know the script and songs inside out, some people have seen the film so many times that they even know all the choreography.
So many people have fallen in love with Dirty Dancing and have become completely obsessed with the show and film. What do you think is the magic of the show?
I think there are lots of elements. Firstly the story - Baby’s the underdog and people always want the underdog to come through! The other huge appeal is the soundtrack (the show features the same soundtrack as the film), I think it’s still the biggest selling soundtrack ever! All the songs are still well known, they always seem to come on the radio when I'm in a café. I also think that Patrick Swayze did huge things for the movie, it really is very iconic and when it’s performed live on stage people can become so much more involved which is why I think the show is doing so well. Also, who doesn't want to see a guy walking around in his underpants?! There’s also the curiosity factor which draws lots of people in “Will they manage the lift? How will they do the scene in the water? Is the watermelon scene going to be in it?”
What are the cast like to work with?
Amazing! I've worked with Paul (-Michael Jones), who plays Johnny, before when we both did the UK Tour together in 2011. Apart from a few other people who did the tour, everyone else is brand new to me which makes it very exciting and brings a new dynamic.
Is Dirty Dancing a fun show to be part of?
Oh yes, so much fun! It’s just a big party because of the reactions we get from the audience! I've never worked on another show where the audience sing along the whole way through! You never know what to expect from the audience, especially when there are hen parties in.
I guess that helps to keep the show fresh?
Definitely, you also have to think about how much people have paid for a ticket. Dirty Dancing is a story which means so much to so many people and you don’t want to let them down, it’s important to give 100% each night.
Most recently you starred as Dale Tremont in Top Hat, how was the experience?
Oh I loved every minute of it! The music, set and costumes were just to die for and I was lucky enough to work with some gorgeous cast members. The experience was great and I miss it a lot actually.
Top Hat could not be more different from Dirty Dancing! Is variety something which is important to you?
Even though this is my third return to Dirty Dancing I've been lucky enough to do all sorts of bits and pieces in-between. It’s very important to keep challenging yourself and to never get complacent. For example, when I joined Top Hat I had hardly ever done any tap which was a big reminder as to how you can never have too many strings to your bow.
Have you had any time to see any other West End shows recently?
I saw A Chorus Line recently because my good friend, Lucy Jane Adcock, was on for Cassie. It was wonderful – I cried which I always do when I see that show! I also managed to see Merrily We Roll Along while it was still on which I absolutely loved. I’m desperate to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Are there any roles you have your eye on?
It sounds really sad but Penny and Dale were both dream roles! I've always wanted to play Mary Poppins [laughs], so let’s hope that it comes back one day! I also love the choreography in Saturday Night Fever! You just have to wait and see what happens.
Finally, if there’s anybody out there who has never seen Dirty Dancing, why should they come and see it?
Ooo, I love this question! If there is somebody who has never seen the show or film...
If there is anybody..?
Well, if they want to see some fantastic dancing and choreography then it’s a no brainer! There aren't many dance shows on in the West End at the moment which makes the show even more exciting. Anybody can sing along to the amazing soundtrack and there’s nobody who dislikes a good love story!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Dirty Dancing runs at the Piccadilly Theatre until Saturday 22nd February 2014.
Click here to read our interview with Paul-Michael Jones who plays Johnny.
Click here to book tickets.
Follow Charlotte on Twitter: @Charlotte_Gooch
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