MALVERN is set for a wacky start to May with a star-studded cast coming to town to perform the world-renowned story of The Rocky Horror Show.
Malvern Observer editor Nigel Slater spoke to former X Factor and chart-topper Diana Vickers on her role and how it has took her stage career to new and exciting dimensions.
MUSICAL THEATRE and former X Factor star Diana Vickers says she is looking forward to returning to Malvern when she plays a leading part in an adaptation of one of the world’s most craziest shows.
Vickers plays Janet Weiss in the stunning production of The Rocky Horror Show appearing at Malvern Theatres from Monday to Saturday next week.
Tickets have sold well for the week-long shows with only a limited number left available across the six days.
The famous show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet (Vickers), two squeaky clean college kids, who meet Dr Frank‘n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house on their way to visit a college professor.
Vickers, 24, first came to public attention in 2008 when she was a finalist on The X Factor, before signing a record deal with RCA Records and getting a number one single and album.
After her second album, Diana starred in the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, for which she received excellent reviews from the press and the role won her the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards ‘London Newcomer of the Year’.
She then went on to star in the West End production of Duck House alongside Ben Miller and Simon Shepherd.
Speaking to the Observer, Diana said the challenge of playing in such a world-renowned show was a big attraction for her.
“I am loving every minute of the tour so far, it’s been great,” she said.
“It’s a great group of people to work with and I’m really enjoying it.
“It is a classic show which has great history and world acclaim, so to play Janet Weiss was a great honour. Lots of actresses would love to have played her on stage and it is great for me to say ‘I’ve done that’.
“There’s a lot more musical theatre involved with this show compared to others I’ve done before on stage.
“I actually found the rehearsals quite difficult having to keep up with the dancing and the singing. It was hard but I love a challenge and I feel proud that I’ve achieved something.”
This will be Vickers’ second visit to Malvern Theatres and she said she was thrilled to be coming back.
“I have performed in Malvern before when I did Duck House, it’s a very quiet town and it’s so beautiful and picturesque,” she said.
“I can’t wait to come to Malvern again and do nice walks there. I’m sure I’ll have a great time.
“Touring is great as you get to see the UK and we always try to keep active and see the places where we are performing.”
For a 24-year-old, Diana has already enjoyed a wide-ranging career including her time on the X Factor which gave her a platform to which she has now excelled.
“It is coming to up to nine years when I went on the X Factor and I was a young pup back then,” she recalled.
“It was a great decision to go on the show because I always loved performing when I was younger and saw it as a great platform to showcase my skills.
“I don’t look back at all. Since then I’ve done an album, had a number one single and now gone into acting so I can’t really complain.”
The Rocky Horror Show was first performed in June 1973 and continues to break box office records around the world, currently selling out in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Austria.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music and encourages audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in your most outrageous fancy dress.
Many stars, including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Jerry Springer and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past four decades.
To buy tickets or for more information visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk or call 01684 892277.
