Interview: Sophie Evans On LORD OF THE DANCE!

Wales's recent sporting successes have enthused the nation - and none more so than singer and actress Sophie Evans. She made her name as one of the potential Dorothys in the BBC's 'Over the Rainbow' - and since then has established herself as a fine concert singer as well as regularly performing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the resident anthem-leader at major sporting occasions. (Incidentally, her sheer joy at the men's football team qualifying for Euro 2016 is delightful, as is her pride in the men's rugby team.)

Now, though, she's spending more time in the West End as she joins the cast of Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance', sharing the role of Erin the goddess. We talked to her to find out more...

Hi Sophie! How did the role in 'Lord of the Dance' come about?

I auditioned back in May and we were talking about maybe doing a show during the summer months, and it didn't work out. I was a bit gutted - I enjoy the songs, and the cast are lovely, and Michael was so enthusiastic about my singing - but it didn't happen, so I tried to just forget about it. Then about a month ago, they asked me to join in this time.

It must be a wonderful show to be part of - so spectacular.

It's definitely a spectacle. It's a world I haven't seen much of before so I was a bit naive to it all. The cast are so talented, and I didn't realise how much of a culture the Irish dancing is.

And Michael Flatley's name carries a lot of weight as well!

He's definitely one of the most well-known dancers ever - he's a real legend.

And you're combining this with your concert work as well, putting in a lot of travel time and miles.

Yes, that's my main work - I go round the country singing with different artists. I love it. I'm based in Wales and commute from there. Ask any performer, though - it's always all at once or nothing at all. Everything comes at once and I have to run around to do it all, but that's the fun of it - and singing the anthem is such an honour.

Sophie Evans plays the role of Erin the Goddess in Lord of the Dance, currently running at the Playhouse Theatre.