In The Spotlight - Gillian Leeson
How long have you been performing in showsI first performed as Gretel in the Sound of Music with Loughborough Theatre Club when I was about 8 or 9, and then went on to do more shows with them, until in my teens I moved to working backstage, and did the props for them for about 10 years. After a little break I started helping backstage with Christchurch, and then after I'd had Jake and Ellie I decided I'd like to be in front of the curtains again, which is when i joined Greasepaint.
What got you interested in music / theatre
My Mum was in the Amateurs and then in Loughborough Theatre Club, so musical theatre is something I grew up with - much like my own children are doing now really.
What was your first show
My first Greasepaint show was Brigadoon, where I worked backstage. My first appearance on the stage for Greasepaint was in Singing in the Rain - heavily pregnant!
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
I've enjoyed all the shows i've been involved in. I guess at the moment i'd have to say that the Wicked Witch of the West is my favorite, because I got to fly so much. I was quite apprehensive about the flying, but from the first instant I was in the air - I just loved it - brilliant!
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Hmm - I love any excuse to dress up - I always have. Being green for a week was certainly interesting, especially during the day, because I always missed bits when trying to wash it off, so I was rather a strange colour for most of the week!
I've had quite a few glittery sequined costumes, and they'd always be my favourites!
What has been your proudest moment
Probably when I got the part of Patsy in Crazy For You. I had never tap danced in my life, and really wanted to be one of the Zangler Girls, so I joined a tap class a few months before the auditions so I could learn. I was amazed not only to be one of the girls, but to get the part of Patsy as well.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
I have no overiding ambition to be in any one particular show. There are so many great shows out there, and I just love being involved.
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Not theatre as such, but I have been having thoughts about Theatrical Costuming ..................... who knows - maybe one day. I'd love to work on something like a period costume drama for TV!