On November 17, the red carpet will be rolled out at Wales Millennium Centre for Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen, featuring the most iconic songs made famous by films.
Hollywood blockbuster songs and Oscar-winning melodies of the silver screen from Disney to Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing to The Greatest Showman and many more in between come to life on stage with an all-star cast of singers and the soaring sounds of The Novello Orchestra, celebrating the soundtracks that have captivated generations of movie lovers.
Conducted by David Mahoney, Movie MixTape will be hosted by Connie Fisher (winner of BBC’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?), and feature appearances from guest artists Lucie Jones (Waitress, Legally Blonde, Rent), Noel Sullivan (School of Rock, Tiger Bay The Musical), Ian H Watkins (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, vocalist in Steps), and Steffan Hughes (Only Men Aloud).
Seren Howells recently put questions to Lucie Jones about the show and her career on stage.
You’ve played many roles, which would you consider to be most like you?
When I play a role, I try to incorporate some of myself into the character, so it seems a natural fit. I also find that when I leave a role, I take some of the character with me. The good bits, I hope!
Has there been a role that has proven to be a challenge?
When I toured China with Ghost the Musical, there were many things externally to the show that made the job tough. Living on hotels, pollution effecting the voice etc so that was a pretty tough job. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde is a non-stop marathon of a role- so that one I would say has been the most demanding.
Do you have any advice for people going into the industry?
Be yourself. Watch as much theatre as you can, even if you think you won’t like it. Never stop learning. Most importantly, be kind and respectful to every person in the building. I have worked with a handful of people who are wonderful to fellow actors but awful to Dresser’s, crew members etc. It’s never ok!
How can parents support a child who’s wanting a career in musical theatre?
My parents were wonderful at supporting me growing up! They took me to see everything I possibly could, took me to classes and workshops whenever we could (there are plenty of free creative activities especially in Wales- we’re so lucky) and encouraged me to be a free thinker and have the confidence to try new things. I’d suggest being accepting and saying yes to your child when they ask to join a club, see a musical or try something new.
Stage star of West-End Success Waitress, Lucie Jones is among the line-up featured in Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen at Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre on November 17th.
You’ve appeared at the Wales Millennium Centre before; do you have a special memory of performing there?
I love the WMC- it is my favourite venue in the world. We’re so lucky to have it! I remember the first time I ever performed on the Glanfa stage with my singing teacher, I remember my first ever professional job in the Weston Studio, my first solo on the Donald Gordon stage, activities in the lobby and the function rooms with school- so many memories. I will never take for granted coming back to perform there!
Can you reveal a little about what you’ll be doing on Movie mixtape?
I’m so excited about the set list! All the singers have got some incredible moments with the orchestra. I’m super excited about one song that I’ve been singing for about 10 years and is really special to me. To do it with The Novello Orchestra, at home in the WMC, will be so incredible.
What is your favourite movie?
I have so many favourites. It all depends on my mood. I love the Harry Potter series, but I love a Rom-Com! Moulin Rouge is probably my favourite musical movie. But Singin’ In The Rain is so brilliant. As is The Sound of Music. ARGH can’t choose. Sorry!
Is there a dream movie role you’d like to do?
I’ve always wanted to be the twist at the end of a movie… that would be so cool.
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Movie MixTape: Songs from The Silver Screen, presented by David Mahoney Productions takes place at Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre on November 17th. Visit http://www.wmc.org.uk for details.