Known for her varied career, Pamela Stephenson-Connolly is currently busy with her brand new dance show entitled Brazouka. She is the writer, lead-producer and “driving force” behind the production. The show is directed by Arlene Phillips and has narration from Pamela’s husband, Billy Connolly.
Following its successful world premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival, Brazouka is set to make its London debut at the New Wimbledon Theatre later this month for a limited run between Tuesday 16th and Saturday 20th September 2014. The show will then launch an international tour, visiting South Africa and Australia.
Brazouka stars Brazil's most thrilling new troupe, who introduce the sensational dance language of LambaZouk and other authentic Afro-Brazilian dances in a stunning variety of styles.
Pamela Stephenson-Connolly began her career performing leading stage, film and television roles throughout Australia. In the mid 70’s, Pamela left Australia to study theatre worldwide. After arriving in London she was cast in new BBC topical comedy show Not The Nine O’Clock News. She has appeared in international films and worked as a stand-up comedian. She spent a year starring as Mabel in the West End production of Pirates of Penzance at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
After moving to the United States with her husband Billy Connolly, Pamela trained as a psychologist and received her doctorate in 1996. As an author, four million copies of her best-selling biography about her husband were sold worldwide. In 2008 Pamela returned to TV to present Shrink Rap and in 2012 she became a finalist on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing which saw her rediscover her passion for dance.
I recently spoke to Pamela about the inspirations behind Brazouka, taking her career in a new direction and Brazouka’s international success…
So let’s start with Strictly Come Dancing. Everybody told you not to do it…
Not just don’t do it… it was more like, “Don’t do it because you will make a total arse of yourself!”
