Jodie Prenger is perhaps best known for winning the role of Nancy in the West End production of Oliver! through the BBC television series I’d Do Anything.
Most recently Jodie toured the UK in the classic musical Tell Me On A Sunday. She also played the title role in the national tour of the musical Calamity Jane and has starred in One Man, Two Guvnors both in the West End and on tour and as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot.
From Monday (March 27) Jodie, also a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2, will star in Shirley Valentine at Milton Keynes Theatre.
She went On Stage with Total MK...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
42nd Street, Grand Theatre in Blackpool. What a delight. My nan took me, something you’ll never forget.
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
I firstly joined the Les Mis cast in the West End before Oliver. I knew then that I was at home. They welcomed me as part of the family. I just loved that!
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
I ripped the arm off the chair in Tell Me On A Sunday. You don’t know your own strength. And yes, I did laugh.
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
I’d love to meet Doris Day. I’d ask her about her animal sanctuary, and if I could have a job there.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
Breathe… which does come in handy.
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
Always make sure you have the right costume on your rail.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour
I mean I’m happy with a late breakfast, a spa and a TK MAXX.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
Oh gosh… Nerves. The day I stop getting nervous is the day I’ll stop doing it. It shows that you care.
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
After recently playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in Panto, it was a wonderful thing to see so many kids having a great time at the theatre.
Sell Shirley Valentines to the Milton Keynes audience - what can we expect?
You don’t often come across a show that captures truthfulness, warmth and comedy within two acts. It’s a masterpiece from Willy Russell.
To book your seat click www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
