Interview: Jill Winternitz, starring as Girl in Once

Jill Winternitz recently took over as ‘Girl’ in the West End production of Once. 

Following its Olivier Awards success, John Tiffany’s production is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015. Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is described as a “celebration of love, friendship and music.”

Last year Jill was nominated for a West End Frame Award for her West End debut as Baby in Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre, having previously played the role in the musical's UK Tour. 

Her other theatre credits include: A Handful of Soil (Drayton Theatre), The Seagull (Moscow Art Theatre) and Sunday in the Park with George (Interlochen Center for the Arts). Her film credits include The Sorrows and The Replacement Child.

Jill chats to West End Frame about putting her own stamp on her character, the secret to Once’s success, how she likes to unwind after the show and what it’s like to finally be singing in a West End musical…

How have you found your first few months in Once? Has the time flown by?

Absolutely, but then time always seems to vanish when you're doing what you love. Once has been the most inspiring, challenging and rewarding job of my career thus far. I'm having an incredible time.

Once is such a unique show as the cast are able to bring something new to their roles. Do you feel as if you’ve put your own stamp on Girl? 

We are supported by a phenomenal creative team who have always been passionate about us making the roles our own. We are all inherently unique - it's tapping into that which makes the story and characters come alive. I love rehearsal. It's one of my favourite aspects of being an actor - I especially enjoy the research and imagination that goes into discovering/fleshing out a character.

David Hunter & Jill in Once 

What is the secret to Once’s success? It holds a very special place in many people’s hearts!

Once dares to be subtle and show love in a very real, relatable way. It defies convention and resonates with us because of its humanity. Ultimately, it's about the healing power of music. It's very uplifting.

Last year you were nominated for a West End Frame Award for your West End debut in Dirty Dancing. The show couldn’t be any more different to Once, have you enjoyed the challenge of doing something completely different?

Yes! Another reason I love acting is because you get to look at the world from so many different angles, and even learn new skills. I hope to always have a career full of variety- that's the dream!

It must be wonderful to now be in a West End musical and have the opportunity to actually sing?!

Indeed – and to sing with such incredible musicians each night, not to mention with David Hunter, who still gives me goosebumps when he sings, is amazing.

The Once company have incredible chemistry on stage, but what’s the atmosphere like backstage at the Phoenix Theatre?

It's a great group of artists - so passionate and multi-talented. There is always something creative going on backstage, you only need to search YouTube and you'll find some real gems.

You rarely leave the stage throughout the show. Girl is a particularly demanding role which takes you on a huge emotional journey night after night. Do you ever feel drained? 

It's interesting because I had the same situation when I played Baby in Dirty Dancing. With Dirty Dancing it was physical exhaustion whereas Once is more emotionally tiring. Getting enough sleep is essential for me. After the show I love to unwind with a good book or TV series.

Imagine you had to move to a desert island and could only take three musical theatre songs with you. Which three would you take and why?

I would take 'Gold' from Once because it's so gorgeous and moving. Then 'I'd Give it All for You' from Songs for a New World, Jason Robert Brown is a genius! Finally I would take 'Season of Love' from Rent because it’s an amazing reminder that love is what matters most.

Jez Unwin & Jill

If I was a producer who had billions of pounds and could bring back any show/adapt anything into a musical and cast you in any role… what would you advise me to do? 

I'd like to do a stage adaption of Million Dollar Baby. I've always wanted to play a boxer, and who knows maybe it could make a cracking musical!

Shows like Dirty Dancing and Once have so much support behind them from theatre fans. It must be lovely having that support behind you?

I've felt so honoured on both these shows when it comes to audience and fan support. It's so great to know that people out there appreciate the stories we are telling. Thank you!

Interview by Andrew Tomlins (Editor) 

Once s is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015.
Please visit www.oncemusical.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett 

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