In The Spotlight - Jade Waltham

How long have you been performing in shows
ooo lets see! Been dancing since i was around 5 years old so i've been performing for 14years. I was first with a theatre group in melton where i performed the kind and i, Oliver and wind in the willows. I also auditioned for a touring show of peter pan and to play the part as tinker bell but got told i was too tall and to heavy for the part! I then later auditioned to be one of the children in Joseph and his amazing technicolor dream coat with greasepaint and that's where greasepaint all began for me.

What got you interested in music / theatre
I suppose you could say my grandparents as they enrolled me into dancing school at a young age and i have since then grown the love for performing. Once joining my first theatre group i found i loved singing,dancing and acting all at once and therefore my greater love for musical theatre came into my life.

What was your first show
My First ever musical theatre show was Oliver. I think i was around 6/7 years old where i played the part of one of the workhouse/fagin children dressed... as a boy. Not a good look! But at 6/7 years old being involved in such a great show was all that mattered and I must say i loved every second of it!

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
My favourite show would be West Side Story where i got to play a main character called 'Anybody's'. It was my first ever main part in a show and the part just seemed to fit me. I Loved learning all the different skills of becoming a character and I also loved wearing a microphone as it made me feel.. "Cool". The show in itself it such a lovely and fun show to perform and i loved every second of it.

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
The best costume i've had to wear would have to be my 'anybody's costume as this was the most easiest costume to get in and out of and also very comfortable. Also less costume changes when all you have to do is look like a boy!
My Worst would have to be my carousel graduation dress. It was quite uncomfortable, went right up to my chin and just wasn't that nice, Although it did make me look older and quite mature.

What has been your proudest moment
Proudest moment would have to be when i got told i got my first main part. I never did have much confidence to audition for much but i thought i'll go for this and see what happens. My nerves were awful but i gave it a good old shot and i was just so chuffed when i got the part. Defiantly my proudest moment so far.

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
I think it would have to be 'Wicked'. I've been to see the show at least 3 times and think it is such an amazing piece of musical theatre. The dances and the songs are so lovely it would be a dream come true.

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
I'm afraid it's just really a hobby which i thoroughly enjoy. If i ever got the chance to have it as a career then no doubt about it i would jump at the first chance but for now it will stay as my most enjoyable hobby which i hope to carry on for many years to come :) x