Preview: Julie Atherton Talks About Her Crazy Coqs Debut!

Julie Atherton makes her debut at Crazy Coqs this week (16th-20th February) with a set list that includes songs from her albums plus career highlights as well as new material. Julie is one of the West End's most versatile entertainers, with a distinctive voice and unmatched comic timing. The Preston-born star is well known as a supporter of new writing in musical theatre. She's always done the same in her recordings, and that continues in her latest album. 'Rush of Life'.

Best known for creating the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, and her role as Cathy in Jason Robert Brown's The Last 5 Years, Julie is one of the most prolific and successful young musical theatre stars in the West End, having previously played Sophie in musical Mamma Mia! and Serena in Fame. She is also an experienced concert artist, having headlined numerous musical engagements at venues as diverse as the Donmar Warehouse and the Royal Albert Hall.

When she talks to us at BWW:UK, she's just out of rehearsals, ready to begin her five-night engagement at the glamorous London cabaret venue - and she's excited to be joined by some fantastic special guests during the run.

"They'll all be singing duets with me!" she reveals. "I don't get a break. Except for the interval."

That means - depending on which night you're there - you could be seeing her sing with Mel Giedroyc (of Great British Bake Off fame, but the star of Eurobeat some years ago too), Olivier winners Katie Brayben and George Maguire, Laura Pitt-Pulford (fresh from her run as Nancy in the Curve's production of Oliver!) or Alex Gaumond (We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde, Matilda).

She's hoping for a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere, welcoming anyone who fancies giving the world of cabaret a whirl - and promises that it won't all be entirely serious or a set-list entirely of musical theatre repertoire - "It's not all legit!" she laughs.

Tickets are £30 and some are still available.

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