In The Spotlight - Gilly Clarke

How long have you been performing in shows
At the risk of giving away my age – 38 years!

What got you interested in music / theatre
We always had a piano at home and I started lessons when I was just 4. I also learned to play other musical instruments, including the flute, during my school years. My love of music grew during my time at Christchurch Methodist, Shepshed where I sang in services, Sunday School, the Junior Choir and when I joined Christchurch Theatre Club at the age of 7. I loved to sing and musical theatre gave me the chance to learn so many different types of music. Having not trained as a dancer, I picked up a few dance steps along the way too!

What was your first show
My first musical was ‘Brigadoon’ in January 1978 at Hind Leys Community College, Shepshed. However, it was much more fun when I did this show again with Greasepaint in 2002.

What has been your favourite show and/or character and why
That’s easy. My role as Eliza Doolittle in Greasepaint’s production of ‘My Fair Lady’ in 2002 was undoubtedly my most memorable. A wonderful timeless story, lovely costumes and wigs, singing to an 18 piece orchestra on a beautiful set and working with very talented people (you know who you are!) was such a privilege and an experience I will never forget. But there are so many other brilliant Greasepaint shows that I have been a part of, including ‘Cabaret’, ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘The Hired Man’ (in my opinion one of the best pieces of musical theatre ever written).

What has been your most embarassing or funniest moment in a show
The most hilarious show I have been in was Acorn Antiques in 2014, which brought so much laughter. camaraderie and many comic moments. Not least dashing off for a quick change and getting my wig caught on the shop window outside on the way back on. Visible to everyone I had to reverse, unhook it, and race back on while everyone waited onstage for my line. Thankfully this piece was written for comedy just like that!

Describe the best and worst costumes you have had to wear
Probably the worst was a leotard that revealed far too much in the Greasepaint’s 5th Anniversary concert ‘Let’s Face the Music’. Put it this way I did my upmost not to face the back for too long! It’s difficult to choose a favourite, but big dresses and beautiful wigs have helped to create my most memorable characters.

What has been your proudest moment
There are just too many to list, but these moments haven’t usually involved just me. My proudest moments have been where Greasepaint has achieved something as a team, in productions where talent has been recognised, friendships forged and musical memories made. Isn’t that why we do it?

If you could choose any show to perform in, what would it be and why
My favourites are those that look back in time and re-live events of the past that shouldn’t be forgotten. I was rubbish at history at school, but have learnt so much more about what lives have been like for others through musical theatre. I also love a good tap routine! If I have to pick one, I would like to be in the ‘Sound of Music’ again, ideally covered from head to toe in a nun’s habit!

Do you have any plans to pursue theatre as a career
Despite gaining a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies, I don’t have what it takes to work in professional theatre and have since pursued a career that I love. The opportunity to perform with this ‘professional’ theatre company, though, has given me so much more than I could have ever gained if I’d have headed down that road. Thank you Greasepaint!