'Oh, What a Night' for Rosie.....

..... when on 27th July she made her West End debut in the hit musical "Jersey Boys", performing the role of Francine (as well as other minor roles). Rosie graduated with honours from the Guildford School of Acting and since then has many theatre show credits to her name including Kinky Boots (on board for Norweigan Cruise Lines) and the UK and Ireland Tour of Legally Blonde. Once she had settled into her latest role we caught up with Rosie to get the inside track from the West End.

What was the audition process like for a West End role/how did it differ from other roles you've gone for?

Jersey Boys was actually my first in-person audition for 3 years! Because I was away doing Kinky Boots and then we had the pandemic and after that it was mostly self tapes. So it was actually just really nice to be in the room acting with people! I think I had 5 rounds in total. This can vary, I’ve had up to 11 rounds for jobs in the past so this was quite good. Most big shows have a similar audition process, the first round for me was singing and acting, then after that a few days later we went back to dance. The initial rounds are normally the team working out who they like and who is right for the show and then the next few rounds, I worked the the musical supervisor, dance captain and associate director basically prepping all the material for the final which is filmed and sent to the American team and producers that have the final decision. The team for Jersey Boys are so lovely it was a really fun and friendly audition process.

How has your previous experience helped you to prepare for your West End debut?

I was lucky to go to a great drama school which definitely made me ready for the industry. I feel like you also learn so much on every job that you do and take that into the next. I have toured and done jobs away from family and friends so working in the West End and being in one place actually feels a lot easier in many ways! 

What is your performance schedule and how do you make sure you're on top form when it's so busy?

We do 8 shows a week, a show every night apart from Tuesdays and then we have matinees Thursday and Saturday. At the moment we’re in cover rehearsals too so we’re in everyday rehearsing understudies. I’d love to give you tips on how we stay on top form but I’d be lying if I said we don’t enjoy a drink and a McDonalds after the shows! I absolutely love my job so it makes it easier when you’re tired! 

What does this role mean to you and how have the initial performances been? Have they lived up to expectations?

The first few months have been amazing and flown by! I’ve had so many people come to watch already! I feel so lucky that I have the most supportive family and friends. The show is really special to me because I grew up absolutely loving the music and hearing my dad singing it while emptying the dishwasher! I remember going to the show when I was about 16 and watching the girl singing ‘My boyfriend’s back’ thinking I want to wear that pink sparkly dress and sing that, and now it’s me!

We wish Rosie every success for the rest of her run in the show and her future career. I'm sure many of us would also love to hear Rosie's dad Phil (OB 1967-72) singing too!!