The smash-hit London Palladium production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to Milton Keynes this September. We caught up with West End singing sensation and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to hear about her starring role…
What can audiences expect when they come to see the show?
They’re in for a massive treat. It’s such a vibrant, colourful and exciting show that you can’t help wanting to join in with the songs, clap along or get up and dance at the end. It’s a feel-good show and that’s why I love it.
You’re returning to the role of The Narrator. What do you most enjoy about the role?
The Narrator is such fun. It’s an important role because she’s telling the story, along with Joseph and Pharaoh and the rest of the cast, but I’m quite giddy when I play her. It’s the only role I’ve done so far where I’ve felt I can just be myself. What people are seeing on stage is really just me – my personality shining through because I’m quite a goofy person and I play her in quite a goofy way.
What have been your other favourite roles on stage?
[Laughs] I’m sorry but there hasn’t been one I haven’t liked. I’ve been lucky enough to do Sister Act, Chess, Chicago, The Bodyguard – and all of them have been the most amazing experience. I’m not a trained actor or theatre performer, yet I’ve been blessed to have been given such fantastic opportunities.
The show is full of brilliant songs. Do you have a favourite to perform?
The opening number, Prologue (Some Folks Dream), is one of my favourites simply because of the message behind it. It’s telling kids to find their dreams and just go for it.
You rose to fame on The X Factor, but was theatre always part of the plan?
It’s been more of a nice, happy accident if I’m honest with you. I never, ever thought about doing theatre after X Factor because my mind was so set on music. I was only meant to do three months in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre and that turned into five years of non-stop theatre work. And gosh, it’s been wonderful!
Are you excited for the tour to call at Milton Keynes Theatre?
I love performing in Milton Keynes because it’s only 45 minutes in the car for me from my home in Hertfordshire so I can drive there, do the show and head home again!
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Mon 12 to Sat 24 September. Tickets are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes
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