BWW INTERVIEWS: Rebecca Lock, London's Carlotta In PHANTOM

Hi, Becky, and welcome to BWW:UK. What led to you wanting to pursue a career in the theatre? Was there a performance or performer you saw that inspired you?

Well, from as long as I can remember I know that I really wanted to do this. I used to watch all the great films with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. I just wanted to be Judy Garland. I've always sang from an early age. And then from the ages of 15 to 18 I joined the National Youth Theatre. Then at the age of 18 I decided I wanted to go to drama school so took myself off to do that and here I am. Thank goodness it worked out.

If you hadn't gone into theatre what else would you have wanted to do?

It was really only this that I wanted to do, although recently I've developed an interest in decorating cakes. I really enjoy it. So maybe in my twilight years I'll open a little cafe selling lots of cakes!

What was your first role?

I guess my first big break was Martin Guerre. I left drama school early to do that. I was in the middle of my second year and I was asked to be part of that show. I was only 19 and I had the chance to be in the show and record the album. I really got to learn my craft on the the job. Getting to work with the director Declan Donnellan and Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boubil who wrote the music for the show was just an amazing experience. It was scary but thrilling.

What attracts you to a role?

I don't really know. I know that I like the variety of going into different roles, otherwise it would get very dull. I know that I've been very lucky to be not pigeon-holed in the type of role I perform. I've gone from playing Kate Monster, the cutesy American with the belting voice, to Carlotta in Phantom with the ridiculously high notes.

Are there any roles out there that you'd want to perform?

I think that all girls would either like to play Elphaba or Glinda. I just try to keep working really. I'm very lucky given the economy at the moment to have a job and I just try to keep working as hard as I can.

How do you prepare for the show each night?

For Carlotta, I like to get here quite early as I have a ton of make-up to put on. I then warm up my voice singing along to a tape that the previous Carlotta made for me and then once I've got my wig on I'm good to go really. I'm having such fun, even though it's tiring. I'm playing the horrible one this time. It's lots of fun playing the baddie and Christine is my nemesis.

What was it like recording a song for Annalene Beechey's album?

It was a great honour. I was surprised when she asked me, actually. I went to drama school with her husband (Simon Greiff) but we actually met while we were doing Moonlanding at Derby Playhouse and we had such a laugh and we've been good friends ever since. I felt honoured that she let me start the song rather than me just coming in on the chorus or the second verse. It was lovely, giving me a bit of a highlight moment.

What was it like to perform at Scott Alan's concert?

It was amazing. I was introduced to his work by Annalene and Simon and just loved it. I love that you can connect with the music and I loved my song.

What's next for you in your career? An album?

I'd love to do an album. I don't know if anyone would want to buy it though. I'm just really enjoying the role of Carlotta at the moment and am just knuckling down to the job.

Rebecca is currently appearing as Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, London.