London Calling with Champagne Charlie January 2009

London Calling with Champagne Charlie January 6th 2009

Hi and a Happy New Year to one and all

Let's for starters kick away those post holiday blues with more examples here in the UK and the West End of how despite things around - people can really turn their lives around. As originator of Pop Idol and all its derivatives like American Idol etc we here in the UK know more than anywhere how these talent 'discovery' shows can just chew people up. One minute they're on top and the next they're yesterdays cruise ship singers!  

Not so for X-Factor favourite non winner Niki Evans. She may not have won. But the public loved her so much she landed the lead role in one of the surprise hits of the holiday season - a revival of the classic 'Blood Brothers!' One of last year's most popular X -Factor contestants has landed the much coveted leading role of Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell's classic musical.

Mum of two Niki Evans, from Birmingham, won the hearts of millions as one of the most popular female artists ever to appear in the hit TV show with her extraordinary renditions of such songs as 'Fields of Gold', 'Songbird', and 'All That Jazz'.  

Niki started in the regions with the show and then powered it into the West End and it's been going strong with sell out audiences since November 2008!  

She's not alone in playing the celebrated role of Mrs Johnstone and joins such luminaries as Kiki Dee, Barbara Dickson and Petula Clark! Blood Brothers has been running in London's West End since July 1988.  In the USA, it has had a record-breaking Broadway run, a hugely successful coast-to-coast tour, and was nominated for seven Tony Awards. The story is now a classic but so pertinent for these troubled times! It's the captivating and moving tale of twin boys separated at birth, only to be re-united by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret, the memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.

She was straight on the phone to me to tell me her run had been extended but I couldn't take the call. Choosing to chat by text as she got ready for that night's show we got straight to business and Niki being Niki opened here heart - even just using 121 characters of text.  

Champagne Charlie: When did you hear you had the job?

Niki: I auditioned for it on a Friday, told I had the part on the following Monday. I was in Planet Hollywood in Leicester Square at the time.

Champagne Charlie: Had you seen Blood Brothers before?

Niki: No, not before the audition.

Champagne Charlie: What do you think you bring to the role?

Niki: I'm one of the youngest Mrs Johnston's there has been and I make her very feisty - that's probably why!

Champagne Charlie: Why do you think Blood Brothers has lasted for so long?

Niki: It is such a fantastic story! The theme of hardship is so relevant today and the story of a mother fighting for her children appeals to so many people.

Champagne Charlie: How will you make this role your own?

Niki: I have two sons of my own and treat Mickey and Eddie as if they are my boys and someone is taking one of them away. I think you really need to be a mother and have the mothering instinct to play the part.

Champagne Charlie: How do you prepare for it before the run and each night - what kind of routine do you go through?

Niki: I play a lot of music in my dressing room to prepare myself, usually rock music.

Champagne Charlie: Despite your experience do you still get nervous and how do you overcome this?

Niki: No I don't really get nervous anymore, I have been performing since I was 13 so I'm really experienced. 

Champagne Charlie: You've landed this terrific role but if you could be in two places at once what other work around would you like to be in & why?

Niki: I would love to be in Strictly Come Dancing because I think people need to watch large people wobble around on TV!

Champagne Charlie: What was your first break?

Niki: I was singing in a pub at the age of 13 and was spotted by a music manager. This then led to me being signed with Stock Aitkin Waterman at the age of 16.

Champagne Charlie: They made stars of Rick Astley and Kylie Minogue didn't they...

Niki: They sure did! But it never happened for me with them really. But I kept going!

Champagne Charlie: Did you ever feel like giving up - how do you keep determined if auditions don't come or you don't get the parts you want?

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