Quote:
“Francesca (Joanne) carried out an exclusive Interview for Broadwayworld.com Click Here for more info.
R.G: You began singing/performing at an early age (I can remember hearing you sing "Part Of Your World" when you were around 10! And I remember it was pretty fantastic.) At what age precisely did you begin? And what began your interest in musical theatre?
FRANCESCA: My parents say it all began with my role of Percy the Polar Bear back in nursery school! I began dance classes at the age of five (you would never guess though) and then I went on to join my local theatre group, Glantawe Players, at the age of eight and then Swansea Amateur Dramatics Society. I then joined the National Youth Music Theatre, so I really can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in Musical Theatre!
R.G.: You also made your West End debut at quite a young age - as Bet in Oliver!. What do you remember about that experience?
FRANCESCA: It was just amazing!!! I can't tell you how uncontrollably excited I was when my Mum got the phone call saying I'd got it! I don't think I've seen my Dad happier as we all jumped around the room! It literally was a dream come true and I still to this day can't believe I got my dream so early on in my career! I learned such a great deal in Oliver!, working so closely with people like Robert Lyndsay (Fagin) and Sonia Swaby (Nancy). I really believe I gained a lot from those people!
R.G.: I gather that while you studied at Mountview, you shared an apartment with Connie Fisher? What can you tell the readers about Connie?
FRANCESCA: Yeah, Connie and I lived together for five years throughout Mountview and beyond. There was never any doubt she would do well and the Maria programme was a great vehicle for her to jump-start her career. It was fun living together and I must mention our other housemate Spencer Cartwright, who is also currently making his West End debut in Billy Elliot – it must have been a lucky charm of an apartment!! We are all so incredibly lucky to be in work, and in the West End together! R.G.: A year or so ago you were in the UK touring cast of Tonight's The Night. What role(s) did you play and what was that experience like?
FRANCESCA: I was in the ensemble and also covered the parts of Dee Dee and Mary!! I had a fantastic time doing this show especially when we performed in places like Cardiff and Glasgow where the audiences were just so enthusiastic, joining in with all the songs and up on their feet dancing at the end!! To perform at the Cardiff Millennium Centre was amazing in itself - the theatre is an incredible venue and it was great to be performing so close to home. For me the best experience was in Glasgow, where I got to play Dee Dee for two weeks! The audience sang along to every song with such enthusiasm you actually couldn't hear yourself singing! That was incredible!
R.G.: And now you're about to play Joanne in the eagerly anticipated new production of Rent at the Duke of York's. How did you get the part?
FRANCESCA: Well, I actually auditioned last October and was offered the role almost straight away. It was quite a quick audition process, I only had two recalls. I have to say they were the loveliest auditions I've ever been too, the panel were so complimentary and the casting director (Neil Rutherford) made sure I always felt at ease and confident.
R.G.: How did you approach preparing for the role of Joanne? And what is it like working with Denise Van Outen?
FRANCESCA: Well since I have had the role since last October, it's given me plenty of time to prepare. Joanne is a well established lawyer in New York so I have spent a lot of time leading up to rehearsals researching the profession and life in NYC. Also, it's a big sing - so I've increased my regular vocal training to build up stamina and strength in my voice. I just cant wait to get up on that stage!!!
As for Denise, it's so exciting to be working with someone with her profile! I still find it strange calling her Den when to me she is THE Denise Van Outen. But she is lovely and so much fun, she constantly has us all in hysterics. We're lucky that we've been able to forge a great relationship in such a short amount of time - especially seeing as she is my on stage lover and we have to be intimate throughout the show!!
R.G.: It has been well advertised that this production of Rent will be quite different from the Broadway production and previous UK stagings. In what ways is it different?
FRANCESCA: To clear up any confusion straight away – we are still set in New York! The main changes are to the music – it's been updated to target today's younger generations. All of the melodies are still the same but there are newer, fuller and beautiful orchestrations.
R.G.: I'm sure you're quite excited about this part and this show. But is there any other particular role and/or show that you would dearly love to be in on the West End one day?
FRANCESCA: Blood Brothers! I've always wanted to play Linda and when I'm old enough, Mrs. Johnston. I would love it if Cameron Mackintosh brought back Oliver! as I would love to get the chance play Nancy as well. It's also been an ambition of mine to create a role in an original cast - and in the long term I would love a career in television! So much to do... so little time!!
Hello guys
Right now I'm in the interval of our final run in the rehearsal room before we get on stage! Aahh! I really am nervous! The shows looking in great shape and I think getting into the theatre this afternoon is going to move us all up another gear!!
Me and Denise are now finding out that we can't actually keep a straight face when we're on stage together...which causes a little bit of a problem seeing as everything we do is TOGETHER!
She makes me corpse and then that's it - we're gone for the whole scene! It does make rehearsals a lot more entertaining though! I've got to go back in now to do act two!
Oh god...take me or leave me!!!!
bye xxx
Name: Francesca Jackson
Role: Joanne
You Ok Honey?: I am today, feeling very positive, I've done a lot of cosmic ordering this morning, so everything's going to be fine.
December 24th, 9pm...Best Christmas Present (received or given)?: Giving my boyfriend books and scrabble for our first Christmas, and making him feel extremely boring (bless him...he's not boring, I promise!)
What would be the title of your 'One Song Glory'?: The Eastenders theme tune...after the Coronation Street theme, which comes a very close second.
Today 4 U or Tomorrow 4 me?: Today for u, definately!
Out tonight?...(Cat scratch) Club or a (Life) Cafe?: Life Cafe, I love food, if there's food I'm happy
If you had to add a line into 'La Vie Boheme' to dedicate to 'something', what would it be?: To 'never doing things by halves'
What would be your order at the Life Cafe?: I would order more of Pip (Philippa) touching me up on the line 'Taboo' (and Shepherds Pie)
Wine or Beer?: Wine
Is anyone in the mainstream?: (laughs) no-one in this is
Happy New Year! Let's make a resolution...?: It was to not moan a lot, but that's gone wrong already
How do you measure a year?: Well this year it was measured on how many days I had left in my crap day job, before Rent started
Who's your favourite character in the show?: Mimi (mainly because I love Siobhan)
Favourite rehearsal moment?: Leon didn't want to hold a pretend mobile (prop) to his ear, throughout 'Your Eyes' because of radiation...! There are so many 'Leon moments' that have made my week!
Most embarrasing stage moment?: I was in Oliver (at the Palladium) when I was young and I was playing 'Bet' and the final scene in the show is Bet on her own on stage, and my skirt fell down...it was a vile experience!
Favourite Rent quote?: "I am forbidden to produce milk" (Maureen)”
Firstly sorry about the length of the post.
I know some of you may have already seen or read some of this before but feel it gives a much better insight into Fran and especially why she took part in IDA. The interview was done in about August/September last year I believe, may have been done earlier but not posted till then.
Really wish I had managed to get to see Rent as I know I would have loved it.
I swear they spent almost half an hour talking about trees and birds, only to squeeze the Nancy bit into all of about 5 mins. I only watched because I knew the girls were on, but don't think I'll be bothering again!
