In The Spotlight - Victoria Clarke

How long have you been performing in shows
I started performing in shows when I was 10 so I'll let you do the maths!

What got you interested in music / theatre
I went to church at Christchurch Methodist in Shepshed, which at the time was associated with Christchurch Theatre Club. In 1983 they started a new group called Christchurch Little Theatre Club. So I joined this new venture.

What was your first show
The first show I did was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat where I was an "Adoring Girl"

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
My favourite show has to be The Hired Man and I have been lucky enough to be in this show twice. The first time was Greasepaint's first show where I played May, a part I love dearly and will always remember with fond memories. The second time was with Loughborough Amateurs 3 years ago when I played Emily. An amazing role to play and one I never dreamed I would get the opportunity to do. Outside the shows I have performed in, my favourite musical is "Blood Brothers". A fantastic piece of theatre that has me crying at the same point in the show every time I see it!

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
During "sit down your rocking the boat" in Guys and Dolls, my skirt fell down and I was on the front row! The funniest moment is one that I will not be thanked for sharing but here goes. During a show week for G&S's Mikado we were all on stage in Act Two for the arrival of the Mikado when a certain gentleman decided to start singing at the wrong time. I know this happens a lot but this gentleman puts his heart and soul into everything so at a nice quiet moment out bellows "Bow, Bow For" at this point he realised he shouldn't be singing and stopped. We could not contain ourselves on stage! It was the hardest thing not to laugh out loud, shoulders were jigging and eyes were down. This was 18 years ago and it still makes me smile... thank you Shane!!!

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Difficult one, I don't think I've ever had a best and worst - lots of costumes I've been unhappy with but that's probably because they have shown too much of my flesh (I've felt sorry for the people watching more)

What has been your proudest moment
My proudest moment for myself was as Emily in the Hired Man but I have also never felt as proud as when I watched Greasepaint perform "Barnum" in the Big Top and this is for two main reasons. The sense of teamwork and unity within the group throughout the run of that week was overwhelming as an audience member and I was immensely proud of the performance Darryl gave throughout not only show week but rehearsals too. When you see shows like that you usually wish you had been in it but on this occasion being able to of be a part of the audience is a memory that will stay with me and although I wasn't apart of the production I am very proud of what Greasepaint achieved.

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
It's got to be Chicago. Fantastic music, great costumes and above all the opportunity to do some fantastic routines. You can't beat a bit of Bob Fosse!