Quick Questions: Laura Tyrer on ChicagoDate: 20 October 2009
Southport born Laura Tyrer is one of many unsung heroes in musical theatre. As part of the ensemble, her high-kicking routines are often overshadowed by the names above the billboards. But playing 2nd cover for Velma on the current tour of Chicago means that audiences will get to see her versatility. Having starred in Spamalot in the West End and Thoroughly Modern Millie and Beauty And The Beast on tour, she is looking forward to returning to the North-West. We caught up with her for some quick questions.
Chicago continues to be a big draw, both on tour and in the West End. Why do you think this is? It’s a sleek, chic, sexy show with fantastic music. It’s timeless. Also, there’s been a lot of big name celebrities working on it over the years, that always brings in the crowds.
Talking of which, the West End production is often associated with celebrity casting. What are your views on this? The majority of the time, I support it, as most of the celebrities have had some form of musical theatre training or acting based training. They keep the audiences coming, which helps keep musicals alive and kicking! However, occasionally these ‘celebrities’ are just ‘reality TV’ contestants gone wrong and don’t actually deserve such fantastic roles.
What’s the best thing about being on tour? Seeing the country and making amazing friends.
And the worst? Missing family, friends at home and having a ‘base’. A lot of people need to give up flats and live like a traveller for a year.
What’s been the funniest/most memorable incident that has happened on stage on the tour so far? For me, I think, it has to be when Velma (
Twinnie Lee-Moore) fell off her chair at the end of "Velma takes the Stand."
Why would you pay to see Chicago as a member of the audience? Because it’s such a fantastic show! It’s clever, funny, sexy with an occasional celebrity thrown in!
Laura Tyrer was speaking to Glenn Meads
Chicago, is currently on tour and it arrives in Manchester at the Palace Theatre from 27th October until 7th November. For further information, please visit the tour website.
- by Glenn Meads
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