HOLLY LIBURD INTERVIEW
The Bodyguard
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Tuesday 22nd January - Saturday 2nd February 2019
The Bodyguard
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Tuesday 22nd January - Saturday 2nd February 2019
We chat to Holly Liburd who comes from Essex and will be making her professional debut in The Bodyguard starring Alexandra Burke.
Holly trained at The Urdang Academy and her theatre credits whilst training include: Deloris in ‘Sister Act’; Holly in ‘The Wedding Singer’; Angelica in ‘Hamilton’; Frenchy in ‘Sweet Charity’
Holly tells us about her nerve wracking audition for the show and what it's like working alongside Alexandra Burke!
Holly trained at The Urdang Academy and her theatre credits whilst training include: Deloris in ‘Sister Act’; Holly in ‘The Wedding Singer’; Angelica in ‘Hamilton’; Frenchy in ‘Sweet Charity’
Holly tells us about her nerve wracking audition for the show and what it's like working alongside Alexandra Burke!
You graduated from The Urdang Academy. What was the appeal of going to that particular drama school?
I had a good friend who went and loved every minute of it which was how I heard of the school. I also knew it was well known for its dance training and dance was what I wanted to work on and improve.
This is your first professional role. How nerve wracking was the audition process and do you have any interesting audition stories leading up to this (obviously) successful one for The Bodyguard?
The audition process for The Bodyguard was nerve wracking because I had to learn most of the Whitney Houston songs in quite literally 2 days but luckily every knows all the Whitney hits. The creative team in the audition room were amazing and made me feel calm and at ease which helped a lot.
Had you seen the show before you auditioned?
I actually hadn’t seen the show before I auditioned, I had only seen the film.
What's it like working alongside Alexandra Burke?
It’s amazing working with Alex, she’s a very kind, hard working and energetic woman, and her enthusiasm and love for the show is infectious which pushes us all to do better.
I had a good friend who went and loved every minute of it which was how I heard of the school. I also knew it was well known for its dance training and dance was what I wanted to work on and improve.
This is your first professional role. How nerve wracking was the audition process and do you have any interesting audition stories leading up to this (obviously) successful one for The Bodyguard?
The audition process for The Bodyguard was nerve wracking because I had to learn most of the Whitney Houston songs in quite literally 2 days but luckily every knows all the Whitney hits. The creative team in the audition room were amazing and made me feel calm and at ease which helped a lot.
Had you seen the show before you auditioned?
I actually hadn’t seen the show before I auditioned, I had only seen the film.
What's it like working alongside Alexandra Burke?
It’s amazing working with Alex, she’s a very kind, hard working and energetic woman, and her enthusiasm and love for the show is infectious which pushes us all to do better.
Tell us about your role in the show and also about being understudy for both Rachel and Nikki's roles?
So I am Ensemble/Backing Vocalist in the show which means when Rachel Marron is performing as an artist in the show I am one of her backing singers. Covering both lead female roles is the most incredible and challenging part of my job, it means I never get bored because there’s always something to be learning and I could go on at any time.
Is it frustrating learning their lines with the possibility of perhaps not even going on?
Definitely not, I love the fact my brain has to always be switched on and active just in case I have to go on. I was also fortunate enough to go on as Rachel Marron in the first month of the tour which was an amazing experience to say the least.
Are you looking forward to touring?
I am so looking forward to touring, we are going to so many places I have never been before so I can’t wait!
What's your luxury dressing room item?
My luxury dressing room item is Polaroid pictures of all of my loved ones that I hang up in every dressing room.
What's your best warm up tip before a show?
Definitely wake up early and drink as much water as you can and start warming up early to get your voice awake as soon as you can to avoid injury.
What's your dream role and why?
My dream role is Elphaba in Wicked, it was the first show I saw that made me want to do musical theatre as a career and I feel I can really relate to her witty, sarcastic and strong but insecure personality. And of course every song she sings is full out!
So I am Ensemble/Backing Vocalist in the show which means when Rachel Marron is performing as an artist in the show I am one of her backing singers. Covering both lead female roles is the most incredible and challenging part of my job, it means I never get bored because there’s always something to be learning and I could go on at any time.
Is it frustrating learning their lines with the possibility of perhaps not even going on?
Definitely not, I love the fact my brain has to always be switched on and active just in case I have to go on. I was also fortunate enough to go on as Rachel Marron in the first month of the tour which was an amazing experience to say the least.
Are you looking forward to touring?
I am so looking forward to touring, we are going to so many places I have never been before so I can’t wait!
What's your luxury dressing room item?
My luxury dressing room item is Polaroid pictures of all of my loved ones that I hang up in every dressing room.
What's your best warm up tip before a show?
Definitely wake up early and drink as much water as you can and start warming up early to get your voice awake as soon as you can to avoid injury.
What's your dream role and why?
My dream role is Elphaba in Wicked, it was the first show I saw that made me want to do musical theatre as a career and I feel I can really relate to her witty, sarcastic and strong but insecure personality. And of course every song she sings is full out!
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDRA BURKE HERE
Alexandra Burke will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at all evening performances only.
Alexandra Burke will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at all evening performances only.
Tickets from www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135