Interview with Wicked star Helen Woolf in the run up to Bristol Hippodrome shows 31 Jan- 3rd March
Posted on: 18 Jan 2018The world famous musical Wicked is at The Bristol Hippodrome from the 31st of January to the 3rd of March.
Even if you don’t know the story of Wicked, you’re likely to have seen its iconic image of ‘The Good Witch’ Glinda whispering to a young and beautiful ‘Wicked Witch of the West’, or heard the famous song, ‘Defying Gravity’. The musical is based on the 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ which re-imagines the characters of 1900’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and the 1939 film of the same name. The author, Gregory Maguire, wanted to explore the idea of evil, and what motivated The Wicked Witch of the West.
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With a spectacular set and extravagant costumes (where each and every element is unique to Wicked, even the trims and fabrics) alongside the compelling story and music, it’s clear to see why Wicked has captured the hearts of its audience around the world.
The cast for the run in Bristol is Amy Ross as Elphaba, Helen Woolf as Glinda, Aaron Sidwell as Fiyero, Steven Pinder as The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond, Kim Ismay as Madame Morrible, Emily Shaw as Nessarose, Iddon Jones as Boq and Nikki Bentley as standby for Elphaba.
We caught up with Helen Woolf who stars as Glinda in this years production at The Hippodrome. She shares her professional insight into the world of theatre, gives some expert advice and discusses the role of Glinda.
What was your first professional theatre job?
My first show was an adaption of Beauty and The Beast by children’s author Mike Kenny, at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. That would have been about five years ago now!
Did you always want to perform on stage?
I have always wanted to act, but I actually came into the whole business a little later in life. I wanted to travel the world a bit before going to drama school, so didn’t apply straight away. I went to the Royal Academy of Music in 2011.
Who has been your biggest inspiration/idol?
I grew up listening to Barbara Streisand and admiring what an incredible career she has had. But the list of people who inspire me is endless!
What is the most challenging aspect of Glinda’s character to play?
Glinda has a lot of very funny lines, and she often has a slightly ‘airheaded’ approach to things. But it’s important to play her with a truthfulness, as underneath the bubbly exterior she feels things very deeply. It’s also important to look after yourself vocally and physically to play the role eight times a week.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
The end of Act 1 is a really spectacular sequence which still gives me chills every night. It’s the perfect combination of the story reaching an amazing climax, an incredible song by Stephen Schwartz, and a total visual spectacle. I won’t say any more for those that haven’t seen the show yet!
What has been your career highlight so far?
Playing Glinda of course! She has become an iconic character in musical theatre, and it is so rewarding to be part of a show that puts a friendship between two strong female characters at the heart of the story.
What advice would you give to young people wanting a professional career in theatre?
I would say that you need to go into it whole-heartedly and always believe in yourself. There will be knockbacks, but I’ve always been a “chin-up and on to the next” kind of person, and that’s always helped me.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
I would say that life has a way of working things out, so don’t spend too much time worrying about the future. Oh, and don’t eat too much cheese. I love cheese!
Have you stayed in Bristol before? If so, do you have a favourite spot?
Yes I have been to Bristol before; I stayed near the floating harbour. I enjoyed visiting the Cathedral as my Grandpa has a bench there in his memory, as he used to be a volunteer. My father grew up in Bristol too and he attended the Cathedral school as a Chorister, so I’m looking forward to getting to know the area better.
To buy tickets for Wicked at The Hippodrome click here
Article by:
Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.
