Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is currently starring in the UK premiere of In The Heights which is in previews at the Southwark Playhouse ahead of its official opening on Thursday (15th May).
In The Heights opened on Broadway in February 2008 and was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, winning Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.
With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes, the UK premiere is directed by Luke Sheppard (Matilda’s Associate Director) and choreographed by Drew McOnie (Drunk/Curve’s Chicago).
Victoria was most recently seen starring as Diana in the West End revival of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. During her time in the show she was nominated for West End Frame’s Best Performance of a Song Award for her rendition of ‘What I Did For Love’, finishing fourth place.
She made her West End debut understudying and playing Lisa in Mamma Mia, before going on to play Stephanie Mungano/Connie in Saturday Night Fever (UK Tour/Scandinavian Tour) and Carmen Diaz in Fame (Aldwych). Victoria was chosen by Broadway company Sundance Productions New York to play Anita in West Side Story directed by Joey McKneely (International Tour).
Her theatre credits also include: Maria and understudy Susan in Desperately Seeking Susan (Novello), Alex in Flashdance (Tour and West End), Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy (Leicester Curve), Bohemian Rhapsody (International Tour), Cat in Oh What a Night (UK Tour/Hamburg) and Rizzo in Grease (West End).
I recently spoke to Victoria about why In The Heights is a particularly special show for her, what it’s like to be working alongside such an incredible cast and creative team, as well as why A Chorus Line was such an emotional show to be a part of and which three musical theatre songs she would take with her to a desert island…
How much did you know about In The Heights before you found out it was coming to the Southwark Playhouse?
I really didn’t know all that much about the show. I knew it had won four Tony Awards and was very popular, I also knew a few people who saw it on Broadway and spoke very highly of it. Andy Blankenbuehler, who I did Desperately Seeking Susan with, also choreographed In The Heights (winning him a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award) and I knew it was going to be amazing!
What were your first impressions when you found out more?
Over the last few months I’ve learnt more and when I found out it was coming over here I loved the concept of the show being purely about these people who have moved over from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and so on and set up shop in New York City. They’re American citizens but their culture is still so, so, so, so strong. I’ve been to the Washington Heights myself – I went to a Puerto Rican restaurant and there was no menu in English! No menu and very few people spoke English. I love the whole idea; it’s almost similar to my family on my mother’s side who came over here. Although she was brought up Catholic and spoke English, the culture from where she came from was still very strong. It changes how you live your life. So, for me, In The Heights is really exciting and quite close to home in a weird kind of way.
Victoria rehearsing for In The Heights
In The Heights sounds like it’s very different to anything else on in London at the moment. What do you think audiences can expect?
Even though it’s set in New York, I think is transfers over here perfectly – especially for young people. It’s very urban and very ‘now’ with the whole hip hop element and Dominican Latin beats as well as raga music which a lot of people listen to. It’s about society in London and the UK just as much as it is in New York. It’s about the struggles and tribulations of life – being short of cash, having your business taken away from you, failing and fulfilling your dreams. Of course there’s the whole love element and various stories and scenarios which so many people will be able to relate to.
How does the score come together? Does the hip hop element blend with a musical theatre sound?
Absolutely, the score is brilliant. It’s perfect because it has a hip hop, young vibe which is what makes In The Heights so passionate and fiery, but then there are great big musical theatre ballads and up tempo tunes. It’s a good mix of light and shade for everyone. I hadn’t realised that I like hip hop [laughs] as much as I do! I’m clearly a hip hop lover [laughs]! It’s absolutely brilliant and I’m so excited because I’ve never been a part of something like this before! It’s so new to me and I’m learning about a whole new world.
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| Victoria in A Chorus Line |
You are working alongside such a talented cast and an incredible creative team. What was the vibe like in the rehearsal room?
I’ve had such an amazing rehearsal experience. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of such a channelled rehearsal process. Everyone is so hardworking and driven to understand the project. I’ve never been part of a cast where everyone really listens; there’s been a different feel to it. Actually I’m going to say it – it is the most hardworking cast I’ve ever been part of!
What are Drew and Luke like to work with?
Everyone is on the same page. Drew (McOnie) is an absolutely amazing choreographer; he was joking saying “I’m just a middle class white boy”, but the way he’s portraying his choreography is just insane. That’s why his recent projects have been so successful, he’s on the ball and knows exactly what he’s doing. Coming from Matilda, Luke (Sheppard) is just a great and endearing director to work with.
You’re going from the Palladium to the Southwark Playhouse. They’re both renowned venues, but couldn’t be any more different. How do you feel about going from one of the West End’s biggest theatres to performing in a more intimate space?
Personally I’ve always enjoyed more intimate spaces. Yes, it’s amazing working in big theatres like the Palladium, but I also love these little off-West End venues. I like the fact that I can see people’s faces and bring them into what’s going on. I prefer it because it feels fuller; when you’re at the Palladium you can’t see anything – as soon as the lights are on you it is just one big black hole.
I have to mention A Chorus Line because it was such an incredible production and so many people fell in love with it. Looking back now, what was the experience like? It’s a show which means such a lot to so many people…
I know, I didn’t realise how strongly people who came to see the show would feel about it. I don’t think any of us were prepared for that, there were people crying at stage door – it was a slightly weird, unusual experience. The rehearsal process of A Chorus Line was incredible because we had Baayork Lee and Bob Avian and those guys are the show – they have been part of the show since the very beginning. It was a privilege to work with them. It was very emotional; you have to remember A Chorus Line is a very relative show to our own lives as performers. It’s difficult, year after year the longer you do it you can really relate to the struggle and how up and down it is. One minute you’re as happy as Larry in a show and it’s running, and then suddenly that show will close and you might not see work for a little while. For me A Chorus Line was very bittersweet because you really begin to go “oh my gosh, this is our lives.” I felt so exposed and so vulnerable. Standing on that stage on the line for two hours your mind can play all sorts with you. But overall I’m glad I did it, just to be part of one of the biggest musicals of all time. It was an incredible experience, but would I do it again? No! I don’t think I have it in me, it was very emotional!
Victoria and the cast of A Chorus Line
Imagine you had to go to a desert island and could only take three musical theatre songs with you… which three would you take and why?
Oh no! [laughs] This is insane! It would have to be… oh my gosh, ahh! Ok, ‘Cabaret’ from Cabaret, because that would keep me perky and sweet and happy, and I could have little private jokes with myself. What else? Ummm… ‘Sweet Transvestite’ from The Rocky Horror Show – it’s an absolute must-have! Ok, what else do I like? It will have to be something from Gypsy because it’s my favourite show. Or what about Sunset Boulevard? Hang on a minute, let me think this out! I think it would have to be ‘Rose's Turn’ from Gypsy. Why not?! Actually that or ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ from Funny Girl because I have bored so many casting directors with that song throughout my life. I know it far too well and I think they actually despise me when I sing it in the audition room [laughs]. So yes, I’m going to go with that just because I love singing it.
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| Victoria in Gypsy |
If I was a producer who had billions of pounds and could bring back any show and cast you in any role… what would you advise me to do?
Umm, I think it would be Sally Bowles in Cabaret. I would say Gypsy, but I did it at the Leicester Curve. I would love to do it again one day, but I would probably be too old when it comes around again after its revival in a couple of months. I love Sally Bowles, she’s fun and she’s a mess. I like messy girls [laughs].
Amazing!
Does that mean I have the job?!
[laughs] We’ll have to wait and see on that one! Last question, the theatre world may be small but there are so many loyal fans who will see you in something and then end up following and supporting your career. What’s it like having that kind of support behind you?
I’m very grateful to those people who have followed me over the years, that is what it’s all about! Sometimes people believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. It’s always nice because sometimes we can struggle, it’s not always easy – it’s not always difficult – but sometimes you can forget so many things about yourself so it’s lovely to have that support. Nice letters and chats at the stage door is such a nice touch. I’m very grateful!
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
In The Heights runs at the Southwark Playhouse until Saturday 7th June 2014 (availability from 17th May). Please visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit 2: Sam Mackay
Photo Credit 3&4: Manuel Harlan
Photo Credit 5: Catherine Ashmore
Can we see Victoria sing Rain On My Parade please! Nice interview x
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