Well, I started my journey after entering myself into the BBC's 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria'. After a whole summer of challenges and exciting Saturday night live shows, I came away 2nd runner up with perhaps, an ever-so-slightly relieved smile on my face (Lets face it, back then, I couldn't have done such a beautiful role justice... "Could I actually pull this off without even so much as a drama lesson under my belt?!!!"), Without a doubt, some unbelievable experiences and lessons learnt, some great friends made and a whole load of fantastic memories!... Oh yeah, and a record deal!
Andrew Lloyd Webber actually announced during the live Saturday night final, that "a major record label" were interested in working with me... Perfect!
I wrote songs for my album with a huge number of people whilst with Polydor, Universal.... Eliot Kennedy- possibly the most modest and talented producer/writer in the industry, Stuart Crichton and Tommy Lee, Sasha Skarbek, Judie Tzuke, Phil Thornally, Karen Poole and Producer Mike Peden.
So due to unfortunate circumstances the album was never released but that wasn't going to stop me!!! I continued writing with great people until I heard that David Ian was casting for Grease in the West End!.... Approximately 3 days after I got in touch with David, he offered me the role of the hyper-active, slightly annoying, (far too enthusiastic!) head cheerleader! Patty Simcox.
During my 12 month contract at the Piccadilly theatre I was also fortunate enough to be the primary understudy for Sandy and Marty. A perfect opportunity which only made my hunger to be a lead character even stronger!!!
So I hung up my pom-poms and baton at the Piccadilly Theatre in June and headed out to Nashville TN USA to write some songs!!!
I spent the summer hopping from one writing session to another until - extremely reluctant to leave the songwriting behind, but equally excited about my new challenge- I jumped straight into rehearsals for "Can't Smile Without You"!!! My first lead role as Mandy. Playing alongside the One and Only Chesney Hawkes! In a musical jam-packed with Barry Manilow tunes and slap-stick comedy! I'm loving it! xxx
Now here I am, and will continue to
"make every night, opening night"
(As The beautiful Ms Connie Fisher once said abut her first lead role of Maria)
The UK tour draws to a close on the 29th November so check out the website and come see us! x
Much love xxx
www.kenwright.com
Whoops, I forgot, myspace is a great promotional tool. Amy Macdonald has about 35,000 friends now and KT Tunstall has almost 100,000. They use the site to sell albums and promote tours, you won't regret coming here.
Thanks for adding me to your friend list, now you have a friend in the Pacific Northwest. I'm always looking for role models for the young women in my family and you fit in quite nicely. After Ruth wilson caught my attention in Jane Eyre, over here I signed up with www. liveuktv. com (now shut down) and managed to catch Andrew Lloyd Webbers reality TV and became even more impressed with the talent in the UK. Thoroughly enjoy your music, keep up the good work :)
Hi Siobhan! I am honored to be one of your "top friends"! I hope the best of luck and success on your career and i hope the next time youre in the U.S. youre not kept to yourself writing and get to perform as well! (pref. in the nyc area!) ;) cant wait for the new tracks!
Hey you, I've only just got your comment. Thank you so much :) As you know by now, I don't have an agent or manager so if you are happy to help then I would be ever so grateful for anything you can suggest. If you need to know anything at all, then please just Facebook me or write to me here. You're a star and an angel xxx
Hey huni, Great to see you back on here :) I hope everything is working out for you and would love to have an update on how you're getting on. I've put a video up on my page of me singing 'Bring him home' from Les Miserables. Would love to know what you think :) Take care, Tj xx
