BEHIND THE GOLDEN CURTAIN:

What was your very first show with Get Your Wigle On?

I joined Wigle to play Bernadette in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Can’t believe it was only 2 years ago that I learned I’d got the part.

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Since then, you’ve played some brilliant roles - can you tell us a bit about your Wigle journey so far?

It’s been incredible. I’ve been so lucky to take on a real variety of roles. Annie will be my 7th show since I joined! There have been parts I never really envisaged playing - such as Fagin in Oliver!  Great character parts which I’ve had a lot of fun creating. It’s also been lovely that my husband Glenn has been able to take part in most of the shows.

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Now you’re stepping into the role of Daddy Warbucks in Annie. What excites you most about taking on this character?

I think this will be a bit of a change for me at Wigle - I’ve played character parts so far, which are great fun to play with, but a more traditional lead role takes a slightly different approach. It’s a bit more subtle and of course there needs to be a real warmth between Warbucks and Annie in particular. I’ll still look for a bit of humour though, I always do! 

 

Warbucks is such a well-known figure from the films and stage productions. How have you approached your character research so far?

I didn’t know the show at all - I’ve never seen the film or the musical - so I’m just learning about Warbucks now. I’m not a fan of watching other people’s performances of parts I’m about to play. I want to find my own character for him, but you also have to be aware of the audience’s expectations of characters they’re fond of. The big question on Glenn’s mind is am I going to shave my head! 

 

You’ve had quite a mix of roles - from the glamorous Bernadette to the mischievous Fagin, and now to the wealthy and powerful Daddy Warbucks. How do you prepare yourself to take on such contrasting characters?

I tend to start with a very broad brush character, trying different things out for size in rehearsal and in my personal preparations. Little things always change during the rehearsal process and you hone in on what feels right. I have to get to where I can feel the character I’ve got would absolutely say those lines and react in the way the writers intended. It can be tricky when a character has a sudden change in manner - I think this is true for Warbucks too - so I have to figure out in my head what motivates this apparent change of personality. 

 

What is it about performing with Get Your Wigle On that makes you keep coming back?

Apart from having had the opportunity to play so many great roles in the last couple of years - frankly at an age when the roles can start to dry up a bit - it’s absolutely the people. James and Ross, and everyone involved with Wigle, have made us feel part of the family so quickly. And I love the work ethic. I like to go to rehearsal and get on with it. Plus everyone piles in to do the backstage work, getting the set in and out, etc. It’s a wonderful team to be part of. 

 

Annie has such a wide cast of characters, including a lot of younger performers. How are you feeling about sharing the stage with the children in this production?

Ha! In the past I haven’t been particularly known for a keenness to work with children. How does the old saying go? But I actually loved working with the young performers in Oliver!, and working closely with our Charlie Buckets earlier this year. Maybe I’m mellowing in my old age! I’m looking forward to getting to know our 3 Annies. 

 

Do you have a favourite moment or song from Annie that you’re especially looking forward to performing or seeing come to life?

I’m particularly looking forward to seeing “Little Girls”. If not Warbucks, I’d have had a bit of a fancy for playing Miss Hannigan myself! I know Sarah will do an amazing job, I loved working with her in The Great British Bake Off. 

 

And finally - Daddy Warbucks is a billionaire… if you suddenly found yourself with a fortune, what’s the very first thing you’d spend it on?

As they say, I wouldn’t necessarily tell everyone but there would be signs. A place with a lot of land, more dogs, and a wildlife sanctuary which local schools and groups could visit for free - Glenn and I have got it all worked out!

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The sun will come out 13–16 November 2025! ✨ Don’t miss Annie the Musical’s shining run at Theatre Severn. Get your tickets today, before they’re gone tomorrow: theatresevern.co.uk/shows/musicals-1150/annie