In The Spotlight - Charley Richardson-May

How long have you been performing in shows
I have been performing since the age of four, this was mainly dance shows until the age of nine when I joined a theatre company and participated in shows consisting of dancing, singing and acting. I have also taken part in school productions.

What got you interested in music / theatre
Since a young age I would watch musicals with my mum as well as going to see my Grandfather in various productions, watching these made me realise I had a passion for performing as well as just watching these various musicals.

What was your first show
My first show was Wizard of Oz with Youth Arts, although I was in the ensemble I played many parts and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I loved being a part of the entire show and it made me determined to pursue musical theatre further.

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
Seussical with Youth Arts was my favourite show to be in, it had a happy atmosphere and music throughout. No matter how many times we sang Each song I enjoyed it as much as the first. It was such a great proudction and I would love to re do the show with another company to see how else it could be interpreted. Playing the part of a Wickersham brother was such an interesting role to play as it was a continuous part all the way through the piece.

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
During Wizard of Oz I played the part of the munchkin that belonged to the Lollipop Guild, I had to present Dorothy with a red lollipop on her arrival to munchkin land. I was so engrossed in the part, that I whole heartedly created a walk that consisted of me squatting across the stage with my bum almost touching the floor. My family watching this found it incredibly entertaining and it is very amusing to watch back on the DVD.

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
During a concert we performed 'Dancing Queen' from Mamma Mia. Only being about 10 I wore my mums silver sequined dress. It was incredibly baggy and hung to my ankles.

What has been your proudest moment
My proudest moment would have to be having a singing solo during a performance with Theatretrain at the London Palladium. Performing on a West End stage was a great experience and one I'll never forget.

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
So many great West End performances, which to chose from? It would have to be between Matilda and Wicked. They are both such energetic musicals, with such great, strong, leading roles but not only that the ensembles are so powerful within the shows they make the performance. The music in both are so great I would love to be a part of it.

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
I would love to continue Musical Theatre as a career, touring in different shows around the UK.