Photo: Brenda Edwards by Paul Coltas
The multi-awarding winning musical, Chicago, comes to Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 November 2024.
We spoke to Brenda Edwards as she returns to the role of Mama Morton in the UK and Ireland tour.
You initially made your West End debut as Mama Morton, and have returned to the role on numerous occasions – what is it about Mama that keeps you coming back?
For me it’s the songs, the razzle dazzle of it all, and the character – she’s an amazing boss lady!
Are you excited to revisit the role for the tour, and will you be approaching her differently this time around?
Every time I do it, its with a different director, and this time with Tania Nardini, she has directed it slightly different. It’s not a different script, it’s more thinking about it differently. This time around I’m thinking ‘less is more’ and picking apart the script even more than what was done before, giving it a new angle and perspective.
You’re a regular panellist on Loose Women. What qualities make a good Loose Woman, and how would you describe the dynamic you bring to the panel?
I think to be a good Loose Woman you’ve got to have humour, empathy and be someone who likes to talk. I’d say I’m the bubbly one, however I do say what’s on my mind, and I’m quite straightforward with my thoughts – I don’t sit on the fence. But I like to think I bring the fun and the laughter, and every now and then I sing.
How do you find juggling the commitment between the tour and doing Loose Women.
I absolutely love being busy! It keeps my mind active, and it’s good to be doing a lot of different things.
CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history. Why do you think the production stands the test of time?
The music and the choreography go hand in hand, it’s a slick and smooth production, that’s timeless. It’ll never be outdated, it’s a classic. It’s also loosely based on real events that happened in the 1920s – it’s amazing to see that transformed into this musical in this way.
Touring a musical is no easy feat. How do you keep yourself on top form both physically and mentally?
Mentally I love to watch a good boxset – right now I’m watching Victoria. It keeps my mind straight and unwound. It’s also very important to eat well, drink a lot of water, and get at least 8 hours sleep, which I make sure that I get every single night!
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
I think setting up my son’s trust, the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust – all the great work that the trust is doing is amazing.
Is there a piece of advice you’ve received or that you would pass on to anyone hoping to go into the creative industry?
My advice is that if you’re going to do it, make sure you do it well and give it your all. If you do go wrong, make sure you do it wrong and strong, then nobody will notice!
Tickets for Chicago (Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 November 2024) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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