Carley Stenson is currently stage-stepping in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the musical 'worth taking a gamble on,' which arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre later this month.
Based on the classic comedy film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, DRS transports you to the French Riviera as two seasoned swindlers attempt to hoodwink a millionaire heiress...but there is only room for one of them.
Carley will be joined at play by Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan and Gary Wilmott.
The former Hollyoaks actress is used to fabulous roles – and has already starred on stage in Legally Blonde, as Elle Woods and as Princess Fiona is Shrek.
Carley went In The Spotlight with Total MK...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
I remember being on stage in a ballet recital with my grandma watching. I loved the attention from an early age!
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
I have never thought of being anything else. My first words were TV songs and I grew up watching Gene Kelly. No one in my family ever questioned my intentions.
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
There have been plenty of times the words have escaped me and I just made sounds hoping no one would notice! I’ve even had a costume come undone and had to carry on.
It seems such a big thing on stage but half the time the audience don’t even notice.
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
I would have loved to have met Gene Kelly and/or Bette Midler. I wouldn’t ask them anything… I think I’d just like to be a fly on the wall of their normal life.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
I tried early on to not start with any superstitions or routines as if I had forgotten one I would have freaked out.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business?
Showbusiness is business. Don’t take anything personally. Get back up again!
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve?
When I first started Legally Blonde I had a lot to learn. Coming from TV to West End was a bigger challenge than I first anticipated.
I was quite laid back and needed to show them that I had that fight and drive.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour?
I love seeing what local sights have to offer whilst on tour. I ask the locals ‘where do I have to visit?’. Or if the sun’s out I love to sit in the park and read a book.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
Opening night is mostly nerves but after that it’s always excitement. But it wouldn’t be right if you weren’t always a little nervous, it shows you care!
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Social media is a clever tool now with the younger audiences. We should encourage the parents to bring the children.
Once they’ve seen a good show, there’s no denying they would want to come back.
Maybe playing the music around the house first would help them to familiarise and connect with it.
Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.
- I adored Elle Woods. A massive journey for her and me. A wonderful show and my first major role. So that show and role both mean a lot to me.
- I love playing Christine now! She’s cute and surprising. Her songs and the comedy is second to none.
- Of course I loved playing a Princess too. Even if Fiona did turn into an ogre.
Finally, for those yet to take a ticket to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, sell the show.
The show is the funniest laugh out loud show! You will not be disappointed. I’ve never heard so many people say they didn’t know what to expect but they have never laughed more and they were so glad they came.
It’s gorgeous to watch, slick and cheeky! You’ll love it!
> See Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Milton Keynes Theatre between September 22 & September 26.
To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call 0844 871 7652.
