ON STAGE: Matilda star Rebecca Thornhill talks theatre with Total MK

Rebecca Thornhill is starring as Mrs Wormwood in Matilda, which is currently wowing audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Rebecca is an Olivier Award-nominated actress with an illustrious musical theatre background.  Her previous stage credits include lead roles in From Here To Eternity, Mary Poppins, Chicago, Ragtime, Witches of Eastwick, South Pacific, and Les Misérables.

In addition to her credits in the West End, Rebecca has appeared at the National Theatre in Singin’ in the Rain (for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award) and played Gertie in Trevor Nunn’s production of Oklahoma! opposite Hugh Jackman and Maureen Lipman.

Rebecca talked all things theatre with Total MK...

Tell us about your first memory of the theatre…

That would be doing amateur theatre when I was growing up and watching my mum perform who was amazing! Actress of the year once, proud!

And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling?

I guess my calling was when I realised I enjoyed doing it and people liked it too! And the fact I could do something I loved for a living was the best!

Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?

Soooo many! But I guess the one connected with Matilda was when on a 2 show day I forgot my pregnancy bump [in the opening scene]! Get out of that one!

Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?

I adore Judi Dench. I saw Stephen Delaney in a play a few years ago and never forgot his name, and I galso ot to see James McAvoy live on stage, who I love! There are so many great ones it would be hard to choose!

Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?

No, Not really. I love a warm up before a warm up and I love my yoga at the moment.

The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business?

Try to have versatility for longevity. And be lovely to the people on the way up as you are bound to meet them on the way down.

What do you think has been your steepest learning curve?

Getting over a bit of stage fright!

How do you fill your spare time while on tour?

Cinema, Netflix, yoga and searching out a great coffee and cake! And once settled a good book!

Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?

Both then enjoyment!

How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?

Getting people to realise it’s an amazing experience to open your mind and feelings in the theatre.

Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.

1. Lina Lamont in Singing In The Rain. I just fell in love with her and how misunderstood she was.

2. Sally in Me And My Girl. It’s one of my most favourite shows for characters all round. I loved her simplicity and strength.

3. Mrs Wormwood in Matilda The Musical of course! I’m in my third year and still loving finding new ways to play things.

Finally, what are the main reasons everyone should see the show?

There is something for everyone. Children will love the children and want to be them and do what they are doing, and the adults will enjoy going back to their childhood!

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