INTERVIEW
JENNY GAYNER
ANNIE
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea
27th May to 1st June 2019
JENNY GAYNER
ANNIE
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea
27th May to 1st June 2019
What’s the best thing about playing Lily?
In this production Nikolai Foster, our incredible director, wanted her to be darker and more menacing, not just a ditzy blonde. Having those layers to Lily makes for a more dynamic and zestful role. Also, I get to dance the incredible steps of Nick Winston. His choreography is electric. Working along side our brilliant Miss. Hannigans and my partner in crime Rooster, Richard Meek, is a highlight. We are known as ‘The Villians’ on stage
There’s the old adage about working with children and animals and you have both to contend with in Annie! How is that working out for you?
I am the biggest animal lover, so having Amber, our Sandy, with us is simply wonderful. Before each show I normally spend at least fifteen minutes having cuddles and kisses with her. It’s very therapeutic to have her with us. The children are brilliant. Exceptionally talented and always polite and happy. It’s lovely to see them everyday. I watch them performing ‘Never Fully Dressed’ from the wings ever night and am always blown away by their talent and commitment at such a young age.
Craig Revel Horwood is renowned for being a bit of a Mr Nasty on Strictly but what’s he really like to work with?
To quote the man himself, he is absolutely “Fab-u-lous, Darhling”! I’m loving every second, on and off stage. An incredible talent and a very kind man. And wow, what a dancer. I have to almost leap down the stage in the ‘Easy Street’ reprise to keep up with him. Legs for days!
Do you have any pre-show warm up routines or superstitions?
We always do a company physical and vocal warm up together. This also brings the company together before the show ,which is always nice. You wouldn’t want the first time you set eyes on someone that day to be in a scene on stage. For me, personally, before I go on stage, I take time to focus, centre myself and re stretch. (i have to make sure I can do the spits on both legs!) Every show I always take a moment, before my first entrance, to remind myself how lucky I am and how grateful I am. I think that’s very important. Other than that a nice coffee and listening to up lifting music as I do my make-up is always a must.
What are the best and worst things about touring?
Seeing all the beautiful theatres and travelling to places I may never get to visit. (I’m currently siting looking at the beautiful yachts and sea in Plymouth). Bringing a stunning musical to people who may never have the opportunity to get to the West End. Worst things are missing my beautiful dog, Bailey and my Mum and Dad. We are exceptionally close. And I miss my lovely home.
Obviously Southend is your hometown - what’s the best thing about living here and will you be advising your fellow cast members to visit when you’re here?
The beaches! Being near open water is one of my favourite things. I’ve already invited my cast mates to try paddle boarding, sailing and kite surfing. Followed by fish and chips and the famous Rossi ice cream, of course! I cannot wait.
In this production Nikolai Foster, our incredible director, wanted her to be darker and more menacing, not just a ditzy blonde. Having those layers to Lily makes for a more dynamic and zestful role. Also, I get to dance the incredible steps of Nick Winston. His choreography is electric. Working along side our brilliant Miss. Hannigans and my partner in crime Rooster, Richard Meek, is a highlight. We are known as ‘The Villians’ on stage
There’s the old adage about working with children and animals and you have both to contend with in Annie! How is that working out for you?
I am the biggest animal lover, so having Amber, our Sandy, with us is simply wonderful. Before each show I normally spend at least fifteen minutes having cuddles and kisses with her. It’s very therapeutic to have her with us. The children are brilliant. Exceptionally talented and always polite and happy. It’s lovely to see them everyday. I watch them performing ‘Never Fully Dressed’ from the wings ever night and am always blown away by their talent and commitment at such a young age.
Craig Revel Horwood is renowned for being a bit of a Mr Nasty on Strictly but what’s he really like to work with?
To quote the man himself, he is absolutely “Fab-u-lous, Darhling”! I’m loving every second, on and off stage. An incredible talent and a very kind man. And wow, what a dancer. I have to almost leap down the stage in the ‘Easy Street’ reprise to keep up with him. Legs for days!
Do you have any pre-show warm up routines or superstitions?
We always do a company physical and vocal warm up together. This also brings the company together before the show ,which is always nice. You wouldn’t want the first time you set eyes on someone that day to be in a scene on stage. For me, personally, before I go on stage, I take time to focus, centre myself and re stretch. (i have to make sure I can do the spits on both legs!) Every show I always take a moment, before my first entrance, to remind myself how lucky I am and how grateful I am. I think that’s very important. Other than that a nice coffee and listening to up lifting music as I do my make-up is always a must.
What are the best and worst things about touring?
Seeing all the beautiful theatres and travelling to places I may never get to visit. (I’m currently siting looking at the beautiful yachts and sea in Plymouth). Bringing a stunning musical to people who may never have the opportunity to get to the West End. Worst things are missing my beautiful dog, Bailey and my Mum and Dad. We are exceptionally close. And I miss my lovely home.
Obviously Southend is your hometown - what’s the best thing about living here and will you be advising your fellow cast members to visit when you’re here?
The beaches! Being near open water is one of my favourite things. I’ve already invited my cast mates to try paddle boarding, sailing and kite surfing. Followed by fish and chips and the famous Rossi ice cream, of course! I cannot wait.
To see Jenny in ANNIE at Southend's Cliffs Pavilion go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk for tickets
The smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Southend for one week only direct from London’s West End. This ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Mon - Thu 7.30pm - £44.00, £41.00, £34.00. Premium £49.00
Fri and Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm - £46.00, £44.00, £39.00. Premium £51.00
Wed 2.30pm - £41.00, £39.00, £32.00. Premium £46.00
Concessions £2.50 off (exc Fri and Sat performances)
Senior Citizen Midweek matinee special £34.00, £29.00 (exc. groups)
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free
The smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Southend for one week only direct from London’s West End. This ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Mon - Thu 7.30pm - £44.00, £41.00, £34.00. Premium £49.00
Fri and Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm - £46.00, £44.00, £39.00. Premium £51.00
Wed 2.30pm - £41.00, £39.00, £32.00. Premium £46.00
Concessions £2.50 off (exc Fri and Sat performances)
Senior Citizen Midweek matinee special £34.00, £29.00 (exc. groups)
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free