BWW INTERVIEWS: Chloe Hart, London's New Tracy Turnblad In HAIRSPRAY

Hi Chloe, welcome to BWW:UK. How's it all going?

I'm having a fantastic time - the time of my life, it's an absolute dream.

You've only just graduated, haven't you?

Yes, I graduated last Saturday! I did the show, graduated, and went back and did another show. So this is my first professional job.

And how's your new mother [Brian Conley]?

He's very lovely. We just clicked, which is important as we're playing mother and daughter, and it really makes a difference. We just make each other laugh. He's so funny.

When I interviewed him, he said that I should ask you about food because you'll never stop talking about it...

He's so naughty! That's just because he takes me out for lunch and then I like ordering and eating. Of course I like my food! Brian and I have the same problem - when we put on weight, it goes to our faces and tummies, and we still have skinny arms and legs.

How's your wig?

They are so well-made. They've got great netting, and it's real hair, so it's just like having lots of hair, and we have a fantastic wig team.

What are your favourite numbers in Hairspray?

Without Love is my favourite. I love singing with Adrian [Adrian Hansel] and Verity [Verity Rushworth]. I like You Can't Stop The Beat as well, though; it seems the most daunting task until I get on stage and have the most fantastic time.

You Can't Stop The Beat needs a lot of fitness to get through, and then you've got that old problem of being fit enough to do the show, but not losing too much weight...

Yes, it's a catch 22. I can't eat rubbish, obviously, because I can't be unhealthy and lethargic. I've been looking up diets that will mean I'm fit and energetic enough for the show but not losing weight - so lots of potatoes and pasta!

And how's your Link?

My Link is the BEST. I love him so much. He's beautiful and talented, and we make each other laugh all the time. In the prison scene, something always goes wrong, and when we kiss it's always a kiss of laughter! I was a bit star-struck by my new dad, though - Nigel Planer. I saw him in Wicked, he knows everyone there, and now I work with him!

You're a Wicked fangirl?

Yes, I've seen it eight times!

Is that a show you'd like to go into, then?

Of course! I don't see why Elphie can't be a slightly chubby girl. In I'm Not That Girl, she sings about Glinda's "lithe limbs", which must mean she doesn't have lithe limbs herself, right?

I'd never thought of it like that! Do you have any other dream roles?

I'm all about Hairspray at the moment. I love singing, so I'd love to do a musical theatre cabaret at some point. Having said that, I'd love to play Scaramouche in We Will Rock You - my voice is on the rocky side of things, and I like playing comedy. I don't see why she can't be slightly chubby either...

Any idols?

Idina Menzel. I've got a picture of me with her in my dressing room. I was part of the West End Chorus for Chess in Concert, and so I got to meet her and have my photo taken. Afterwards, I just burst into tears.

Do you find it weird that soon little girls will be bursting into tears when they meet you?

I still can't get over stage door! I used to do that myself a few months ago, and now people are asking me for photos and my autograph. It's a dream.