In The Spotlight - Joanna Hayes
How long have you been performing in showsI was in my first dancing show when I was about 4, continuing up until I was 18, but I was in my first musical when I was 11 and joined Christchurch Little Theatre.
What got you interested in music / theatre
Music has always made me feel stuff - be it happiness, sadness, empathy or just the feeling that I have to move to it.I was asked to sing in a dancing show and I realised that I adored it, despite terrible nerves. My dancing teacher suggested I join CLT to gain some confidence and when I joined I met so many people who accepted me for being me, and we had so much fun. It became addictive!!
What was your first show
Dracular Spectacular - I was a pretty lady :-)
What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
I loved my Little Mermaid/Princess Fiona/Gloria role in Wizard of Oz, and had an incredible time when I was at Uni being a Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors. I was the only non-music student so they let me sing whichever harmony I could get! My favourite show . . . I've loved them all!
What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
I very nearly walked out of my shoes walking on to the stage to sing I Know Him So Well with Kidge at a concert,which could have been very embarrassing, but I've been quite lucky really. I even managed to keep a straight face whilst having my feet tickled by a drumer whist sitting on the front of the stage in Wizard!
Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Worst - Jitterbug. Without a doubt! Head to toe spandex is not my friend!
Best - a gold dress my Mum made for me to play Asphyxia in Salad Days when I was 16. Loved it.
What has been your proudest moment
When we were singing There's Always Tomorrow at the end of the last night of Peter Pan - George spun round on his wire and was fighting back tears. The largely young cast had done so well, so much talent, old and new, had a chance to shine, the whole week was just magical. I was so proud to be a member of Greasepaint.
If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
Chicago, Sister Act, Les Mis, Phantom - oh, to be in Masquerade with those costumes, that music, those sharp moves. To be a part of something that stunning would be incredible. I would also LOVE to be The Lady Of The Lake in Spamalot because she is just so funny!
Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Nah - can't really see Andrew Lloyd Webber spotting me any time soon! Adore it as a hobby. I'm naturally very shy but when I get on stage in character I feel free. Love it.