Interview with Nicole Raquel Dennis - [Effie White]
What’s it like to be back on stage and playing in such a culturally significant production with Black women at its core?
There were so many moments of the pandemic, where we were like ‘are we going to go back or are we not?’ so there was a lot of push and pull. So for it to be happening finally, and with this show, is so important. But to be playing these characters that are just so strong and so powerful after this past year is like the most dreamy combination. And for ourselves, as well as to uplift who we are as people to bring us back up into that place of feeling good about ourselves, our culture is incredible. Very, very humbled to be part of this show.
You’ve worked with Jennifer Hudson on The Voice UK, what was that like, especially now having this full circle moment?
When anyone says anything about Jennifer Hudson it still feels very surreal, like ‘that happened’. She was my coach on The Voice, I think because she came from a background of reality TV as well, she had a lot of genuine wisdom. She was so patient and so understanding.
Although you’re playing the same role, what do you bring to your version of Effie?
With something so iconic like this, it’s so easy to compare people who played this. But I think I have to remember I’m a completely different person to who they are, so I would never bring something that they’ve brought… I can also recognise who I am as an actress as well and put my own stamp on it. When I did it in the West End, I was the youngest Effie. I think it’s one of those things where over the course of the tour I can find new things that make it very personal and my own.
What are you most excited about on the tour? Are there any venues or towns that you’re looking forward to performing in?
I’m just excited to get around the UK, a bit around the UK, I’ve barely been around the UK. I think I’m most excited for Cardiff, I’m a massive Dr Who fan and most of Dr Who is filmed in Cardiff. But just being part of different audiences, hearing different reactions, accents in the audiences, all of it.
What life lessons have you learned through Effie?
She’s taught me a lot, in Act 1 we see Effie very overly confident, and we see her in a very different place in the second act she’s much older and wiser in some respects, it’s taught me to balance that a lot. I think staying humble in this industry is so important and you can get completely swept away with the industry and Effie has taught me that a lot. It’s a very strong female show which is so empowering, we’re going to empower so many women so many men and non-binary people. And I think it’s so empowering to know our worth, especially as black people to fully embrace that, she’s taught me about more self-love.
Interview with Natalie Kassanga - [Deena Jones]
What is it like being in such a monumental production, especially with three Black women as leads?
Dreamgirls has been a huge part of my childhood. I remember when the film first came out, I remember falling instantly in love with it. Seeing the role of Deena played by the iconic Beyonce, seeing that role in the film really inspired me and introduced and grew my love for music, but not only just for music and wanting to be a performer but falling in love with that era, the Motown era.
What was your favourite part of the film? Do you have any standout scenes or moments?
I fell in love with ‘I Am Changing’ sung by Jennifer Hudson because she as the character Effie has the most difficult journey out of anybody in the show. When she finally finds her crown, and she finds her voice again, she comes back stronger than ever and she says ‘you know what? It’s okay, I can do this. I can start again, I can find my path.’
What’s it been like getting back into the theatre back on stage after such a long time?
I’ll be honest and say that it was quite overwhelming, I think because it had been such a long time, it had been about a good 18 to 19 months just being out of the job I love. Being back in rehearsals and being around people who are like me and being in a show that is predominantly people of colour, instantly on the first day of rehearsals it genuinely felt like it was just a family already.
Have you learned any life lessons from the character of Deena Jones?
She’s a bit like me, she’s full of love, she’s all about family, she’s very driven, ambitious and wants to make her dreams come true. She wants everyone to achieve just as much as she does. And with Deena’s character, the sacrifice that she had to make in regards to being at the forefront and risking such an incredible friendship and sisterhood with Effie who she’s grown up with. Making that sacrifice does teach you that there are going to be times in life where you walk or have to take risks.
What are you most excited about on the tour?
The one town that I’m most excited about is my hometown, Milton Keynes. I was born in London, but I pretty much moved to Milton Keynes when I was about three years old. It’s going to be amazing for me.
What do you want the audience to take away from this production of Dreamgirls?
I want them to enjoy themselves when they come to watch the show. People may look at it and think it’s just a jukebox musical, but it’s got a lot of history, it’s very inspirational. Especially for people who may want to see themselves on stage, just live in the moment just enjoy it.
Interview with Paige Peddie - [Lorrell Robinson]
How have rehearsals been for Dreamgirls and getting back on stage?
It’s been amazing to come back, it’s been a long time. The anticipation was real. So, I’ve just been enjoying being back in a community of people doing what I love to do. It’s been amazing seeing the show come together.
What’s it like being in such a well-loved and inspirational musical?
It’s huge, this is one of my dream shows to be a part of. I remember watching the film and the impact it had on me as a young girl to see women who looked like me looking so beautiful and glamorous and succeeding despite things being stacked against them. So to be a part of that now and stepping into the shoes of all the amazing people that have done these roles before is incredible.
What’s it been like knowing you are now going to be a role model?
That’s amazing to me, I’m from Nottingham originally. I wasn’t surrounded by West End theatres, it’s incredible to me to step into this role and be a role model for other people. It’s a thing sometimes where if you see it, it feels like you can do it. I guess that’s the importance of the tour, going to the cities where not everyone can afford to take a trip to the West End.
What are your highlights from the film adaptation of Dreamgirls?
I love the song ‘I Love You I Do’ in the movie which is not in the musical, I love that song. One of my favourite moments is when the girls first meet Jimmy and he has this big production and they are on the road. Also ‘ Family’, I think that song is really beautiful, the harmonies and the togetherness.
Is there anything you have learned from your character Lorrell?
She wears her heart on her sleeves, when she’s thinking something she says it out loud. She has this joyful childlikeness about her. But also she can stand up for herself at the same time. So playing her naturally you have to be confident, and show off a little more than you would. So it’s allowing me to just be bold, kooky and funny and not take myself too seriously.
What are you most looking forward to going on tour?
Definitely my home town. It’s going to Nottingham Theatre Royal so I can’t wait for that, loads of my family and friends want to come down. Also when we go to Ireland, I’ve never been so I’m really looking forward to that. But just in general, I’m looking forward to the different audiences - they’re going to be different depending on where you are and they will react to things differently.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
Just being able to dream – dream big. That family aspect, keep hold of your nearest and dearest. Just to forget about everything else that is going on in life and to just enjoy the moment.