RAISE YOUR HEMLINES…
AND REWRITE THE RULES OF LOVE AS
‘THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE’ COMES TO TOWN
A spectacular evening of song, dance – and the kind
of comedy genius guaranteed to give your chuckle muscles a proper workout…full of show-stoppers… not to be missed’
– REVIEWS HUB
The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, is based on the Academy Award-winning film starring Julie Andrews, taking you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when ‘moderns’ including a flapper named Millie Dillmount were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines and rewriting the rules of love.
Broadway’s Smash Hit, Thoroughly Modern Millie, is coming to the Jersey Opera House for five days this summer from Tues 31 July – Sat 4 August. Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Shameless, Waterloo Road) is in the title role of Millie with Lucas Rush returning as the evil proprietor of the Hotel Priscilla for ‘Single Young Ladies’, Mrs Meers. From explosive tap numbers to a ‘Fred and Ginger’ dance routine on a window ledge, songs Gimme Gimme and Not For The Life of Me this is a brilliantly funny and entertaining show for the family.
As the UK Tour progresses Hayley Tamaddon takes time out of her busy routine to tell us a bit about herself and this amazing show.
When did you start acting?
I started at six and went to my local drama school in Blackpool and loved it. Then I went to London aged 16 to attend drama school where I trained in everything, dancing, singing and musical theatre.
What was it like working on two of the UK’s most popular soaps?
I loved being in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, they are both brilliant shows and they taught me so much. I had great fun and made life-long friends. My character on Emmerdale, Del Dingle, was a brilliant character to play! To this day people still ask me about her. Andrea in Coronation Street was great fun and working alongside Craig Charles and Simon Gregson everyday was amazing! I didn’t stop laughing!
Which character (Delilah or Andrea)did you prefer playing?
They were both so brilliant I couldn’t possibly choose! Delilah was my first big role, which had a huge impact on my life. When I later played Andrea I was older and wiser. They were both brilliant roles to play! I’m a lucky woman.
Audiences will also recognise you from winning the fifth series of Dancing on Ice – how tough was it to learn to skate and dance?
I loved Dancing on Ice and I was so lucky I got to do the show twice! It was so hard to learn how to skate but I completely fell in love with it. I still am in love with it! Unfortunately I haven’t been able to skate for a long time due to being in stage shows. Torvill and Dean are absolute legends and are now good friends. Dancing on Ice is like family now!
You have been in many stage productions – which has been your favourite role to play and why?
Well I seem to keep getting all my dream roles so it’s hard to choose just one. I loved playing Roxie in Chicago, Morales in A Chorus Line and obviously Millie, which I’m playing right now! Millie is by far the biggest role I’ve played to date.
What do you prefer – acting on stage or screen – and why?
I love both stage and screen and I feel very lucky that so far in my career I have managed to do both. Stage is so much more nerve-racking though because it’s live and if you go wrong everyone sees it! I also love filming so much. I find television and film just magical.
What attracted you to the role of Millie?
The role of Millie is one of those dream roles for a female. It’s a huge part and I’ve always wanted to play it.
Tell me more about Thoroughly Modern Millie – what can audiences expect?
Thoroughly Modern Millie is a musical set in the 1920’s. I play the title role of Millie Dillmount, a young girl who leaves her home in Kansas for New York in search of a rich boss to marry! It’s such a fun show with lots of fantastic songs and brilliant dances, audiences will leave the theatre tapping their feet!
What has been your favourite moment of the show so far?
My favourite moment of the show is the final song I sing. It’s also the scariest moment as it’s just me alone on stage, it’s a pinch myself moment.
Are you superstitious? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I’m a little superstitious. My favourite shoes broke in the middle of a show the other day and I refused to put on a brand new pair in case something happened!
What has the audience reaction been like on the tour so far?
The first few weeks have gone brilliantly! The audiences seem to love it and we’ve had standing ovations, which have made me cry with pure joy!
Thoroughly Modern Millie will be showing at Jersey Opera House from Tues 31 July – Sat 4 August with five evening shows and three matinees.
Why not take a break from the surf and book yourself and your family/friends tickets for a show of madcap merriment, spectacular dance routines and great songs!
Contact the Box Office on 511 115 or book tickets online at www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk
