BWW Interviews: Helena Blackman

Hi Helena! Welcome to BWW:UK. How are things?

Things are very good, thank you!

We hear you've been busy in the studio recording your album; can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Yes, I've been recording an album of Rodgers & Hammerstein music with a 28-piece orchestra! We've taken a selection of songs from their shows and rearranged them, creating a fresh, invigorating and inspiring feel, which I hope adds to cementing them as masterpieces (should anyone have forgotten) and as relevant musical theatre songs in the modern world.

What is it about Rodgers & Hammerstein songs that you love so much?

Their music is magical, epic, sensitive and dramatic, all at the same time. I think they are ethereal musical theatre composers and their music touches everyone. Just think about how often those musical theatre feature films are shown on TV every year. No one can escape Rodgers & Hammerstein! They have been a part of my life not only because of their consistent presence within the media, but also because when I was taught to sing we would use their music. I won singing festivals as a child singing their songs. I was nominated for an award for my role as Nellie Forbush when I toured in their show 'South Pacific' and I competed in front of seven million people every week for a place in one of their musicals 'The Sound Of Music'. They are literally a massive part of my life!

What's your favourite song on the album and why?

This changes daily. I think I'll have to go with what I'm enjoying listening to most at the moment and that's 'Wash That Man' and 'I Have Confidence'. After singing 'Wash That Man' for a year on tour it took me a while to get used to the version we put on the album. I think the arrangement is genius and makes me look at the song with fresh eyes. I hope everyone looks at all of these songs with fresh eyes and a renewed hunger to sing and perform them.

You also have a gig coming up on Sunday at the Delfont Room. What can people expect on the night?

A wonderful variety of Rodgers & Hammerstein songs with my two special guests Jonathan Ansell and Daniel Boys, who both sing duets with me on the album. I'll also be singing a few other pieces, thrown in for good measure! I think the whole evening will be uplifting and romantic. Perfect for the night before Valentine's Day.

Helena will be performing this Sunday 13th February at the Delfont Room. The show starts at 6:30pm.