Radio Times (3-9 April 2010)

Jonathan Creek's sidekick is baffled by magic and scared of Crimewatch

Which TV series would you take to a desert island?
Band of Brothers. My fella [actor Ross McCall] is in it, so it would be a way for me to see him. I could sit and stroke the screen.

Would you like to confess your guilty TV pleasure?
Where do I start? Deal or No Deal, Airline, A Place in the Sun... I'm in Legally Blonde: the Musical in London's West End, so I've got most of my days free at the moment - and I love daytime telly.

Who was your first TV crush?
The Bros twins, Matt and Luke. I even named two goldfish after them. And Pat Sharp from Fun House - though I'm not so proud of that.

What programme did you last change channels to avoid?
Crimewatch. They say, "Don't have nightmares", but I do! The music alone scares me. I can watch it with other people, but not on my own. Any little noise and I think someone's breaking in, or it's a ghost.

Your character Joey Ross in Jonathan Creek is a sceptic. Do you believe in magic?
I shared a flat with a magician - my friend Neil - for six years and I watched him do close-up magic. But I never wanted to know how it was done. I loved just being baffled. He would do a trick in which you'd sign a playing card and it would end up stuck to the ceiling. When we moved out, the ceiling was covered in cards. The landlord was furious.

You've played Ralf Little's girlfriend in both The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Were you gutted when he traded you in for Miranda Raison in Married Single Other?
But I've traded him in for Duncan James in Legally Blonde, and he's a great kisser. When we finished filming Two Pints, Ralf and I worried we'd never be cast as girlfriend and boyfriend again. It feels a bit as if I'm cheating on him, but I think we've both done very well.

As the owner of three dogs you are, by any measure, a dog person. Are dog people better than cat people?
My dogs - Barry Manilow, Enid and Trish - are lovely, and dogs are so much more pleased to see you than cats ever are, but above all, I'm an animal lover. I don't trust people who don't like animals. That said, I do get funny looks sometimes shouting my dogs' names in the park.

Would you go on a celebrity reality show?
I can't swim, I'm afraid of heights and I couldn't do the bug stuff, so I'd be useless in the jungle. Duncan did Dancing on Ice in 2007, but I would hurt myself. I prefer to watch from the safety of my own home.

What's your favourite radio station?
We like Heart in our house: the dogs love it and I'm a sucker for a ballad. I have karaoke nights at my flat and you have to come dressed up, Stars in Their Eyes - style, as your chosen singer. I do Dolly Parton, with big fake boobs and everything, and sing 9 to 5.

How are you with technology?
I recently bought a laptop because Ross lives in LA and we Skype - I'm just getting the hang of it.

What was the last thing you listened to on your iPod?
I live in a garden flat, rent my flat upstairs to three friends and borrow their music. It ranges from I am What I Am to Wham! I'm a gay man in a woman's body - and I love it!

Ok Magazine (April 2010)

Something strange and rather wonderful has happened to Sheridan Smith - she's suddenly found her inner girlieness, and it's all down to her starring role in London's biggest new smash-hit show Legally Blonde: The Musical. Time was when the popular British actress only played 'chavs and slappers' - and no, we're not being rude, those are her own words! - but now Sheridan's surprised herself by just how much her portrayal of high-maintenance American socialite Elle Woods is rubbing off on her.

'Everyone knows me as that chavvy, tracksuit-bottomed bird off Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and I've always reckoned I was a bit of a tomboy myself,' says 28-year-old Sheridan. 'But now I'm in this show, I'm definitely finding my inner femininity. I've never worn pink before but pink is suddenly creeping into my off-stage wardrobe!'

In the show, which sees Sheridan perform a staggering 18 songs and 16 costume changes, Elle is abruptly dumped by the love of her life, snooty Warner Huntington (played by Blue's Duncan James) when he wins a place at Harvard Law School, citing a need for a more 'serious girlfriend'. She resolves to follow him but waiting cutely in the wings is another guy who slowly but surely proves to be Elle's true Mr Right - goofy fellow law student Emmett Forrest, played by the very presentable Alex Gaumond. 'It's a slow-burn romance, that kind of takes the audience by surprise', says 31-year-old Canadian Alex, 'and by the end of the show everyone's rooting for me!'

As ever with a hot-ticket West End show it's a relentlessly busy schedule for out on-stage sweethearts so Sheridan and Alex were very swiftly tempted with the promise of a fabulous lunch at Brasserie St Jacques in London's Mayfair just a few hours before curtain-up at the Savoy Theatre. Joining the pair was an extra guest in the form of Bruister, one of five adorable Chihuahuas who take turns to play Elle's ultimate handbag accessory, all of whom Sheridan is compelled to take home and sleep in bed with to achieve that special girl dog bond'.

Sheridan, congratulations on the runaway success of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Were you always confident it would be such a hit with the public?
Absolutely not, I thought we'd get slated! When you first hear the idea of Legally Blonde: The Musical, it does sound a bit ridiculous, and a bit of pink fluff, but when I saw the Broadway version I just fell in love with it. I thought it was so clever and witty - and when I heard it was coming to London, I phoned my agent and said: 'You've got to get me seen!"

One review said you were 'infintely more likeable than Reese Witherspoon in the film'. How does that feel?
That's amazing - and I love Reese, I adore her in the film, she's amazing. I also loved the Broadway version. But I think with British audiences, it's got to be a bit more tongue-in-cheek. I like to give a little wink to the audience and send up that LA lifestyle a bit and show that we're not taking ourselves too seriously.

Are you a girlie girl like Elle?
I didn't think I was, but my boyfriend disagrees - he says I am very girlie and that I fight it and pretend to be a tomboy because I've played those parts in TV shows like Two Pints and Benidorm. I usually play chavs, slags and slappers - working-class tarts with hearts. I like to call them - whereas this part is such a rich, homely LA girl, and so far removed from my image that I'm finding my inner femininity. I have to get my nails done for the show and I'm kind of enjoying it. Elle's dinfinitely rubbing off on me - but I'm 28, so I suppose I am becoming more womanly.

How are you coping with all the singing, dancing and mad costume changes?
I used to dance between the ages of four and 16 when I was in Scunthorpe at the Joyce Mason School of Dance! Then I stopped when I moved to London and I didn't exactly need dancing for telly work, so it's kind of been fun to return to my roots. The only thing I found difficult at first was singing and dancing at the same time, because I get a stitch walking to the car - I'm the laziest person ever!

What's it like working with Duncan James?
Duncan is lovely, but I do tease him. During a performance the other day he walked into the set by accident and I just went: 'Ooh, mind that!' completely in character, LA accent and all. The audience were in stiches. About five minutes later I had to leave the stage the other way and I made a point of stopping and walking around the set and got a round of applause. Later Duncan said: 'I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe you brought so much attention to it!'

But never mind Duncan, he's the baddie - your proper love interest is the very sexy Alex Gaumond as Emmett!
Alex is adorable and it's very easy to fall in love with him every night. Emmett sees through Elle's ditzy exterior to her true self and they end up together. Their most romantic moment is the song Take It Like A Man, in the second half - it's the first time she sees him properly and stops thinking about Warner, who she's been obsessed with through the first half.

Alex, many people coming along to the show might assume Duncan James is the leading man, but really it's you, isn't it?
I totally agree with what the producers have done - Duncan is a household name and he sells tickets. But it's nice because I really come from nowhere - I show up half an hour into the story and then it's a real build-up to when suddenly the audience is on my side, fighting my corner.

Sheridan, you mentioned your boyfriend before we asked - who's the lucky fella?
He's Ross McCall, a British actor who's living in LA. We were friends ten years ago and he moved to America five years ago and we lost touch. He came back at Christmas and said he was coming to watch the show and we got together and it's been great ever since. It's a long-distance relationship. We Skype every night - I can even Skype him in my dressing-room on my laptop.

Would you like to get married?
I'd like to hope so, but I feel like I've got plenty of time. I'm only 28. But of course I'd love that. I can picture living in a nice stone cottage in the South of France with lots of doggies, but there's a bit more grafting to do yet!

You were going out with James Corden - are you still friends?
Yes, we're really good mates. He hasn't come to see the show yet but he's promised he will. He's said he'll leave me to settle in and then he'll sneak in but James can't sneak in - you can always hear his booming laugh, so as soon as he's in I'll know. He'll probably come in wearing dark glasses and a cap!

What's it like going to the stage door and meeting fans after the show each night?
Sheridan: That's my favourite bit of the night! London theatre isn't a cheap night out so it's quite something for people to come and choose your show and then wait in the freezing rain just to say hello afterwards. The least we can do is stand out there for a good hour. They bring me gifts - Elle things, teddies with blonde wigs on, chocolate. I make sure I meet everyone there waiting.
Alex: We've been overwhelmed by the audience response, which has meant they've had to move people from the stage door to the front of the theatre so at the end of each performance there's a bit of a crowd that gathers. There are some very enthusiatic fans. Playing the nice guy, I tend to do well with teenage girls and their mothers! I'm fully aware that they're mainly here to see people like Duncan and Sheridan - their signature is probably quite a coveted thing. But it's nice to show up and they cheer foryou; they go 'Oh, there's Emmett!'

Sheridan, who's the best kisser - Alex or Duncan?
If I say Alex, Duncan will get jealous and vice versa. They're both brilliant kissers - but not as good as Ross!

Sheridan, it's such and energetic part, do you have to keep a check on your diet?
That's the best thing. I can eat what I like because I burn it all off, sometimes two shows a day, which means I'm running around with 36 songs in one day. So I eat burgers and all the usual rubbish. Sorry, Mum, if you're reading! I have stopped smoking though!

Have there been any unpredictable on-stage moments with the dogs?
There've been a few. I actually turned to the audience the other night and went: 'Never work with what?' He usually runs and jumps onto the bed - and on that occasion he wouldn't move!

Has your family come to see the show?
My mum's seen it so many times. She brought bus-load of 50 people from our village, Epworth. She calls them the SAS - the Sheridan Appreciation Society! And my dad and my brother came for opening night. They had a pink carpet and my dad walked in front of the paps wearing a T-shirt with my picture on and it said 'I'm the Daddy'!

Is your dressing room pink?
Because I've got so many pink cards and flowers it is kind of. And there are pictures of Marily Manroe and Dolly Parton, my idols! Not camp at all!

You Magazine (7 March 2010)

Ten minutes into my interview with actress Sheridan Smith, and I'm struggling to reconcile this soignee, stylish young woman, hailed as the West End's classiest new star, with her trashy, tracksuit-bottomed television alter ego.

'I know, I know just what you mean!' she chirrups delightedly in her high Northern voice. 'I usually play slappers, and if someone told me that the chavvy bird off Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps had been cast as the all-singing, all-dancing lead in Legally Blonde, I'd assume she'd be rubbish, too.'

But here's the thing: Sheridan, 28, isn't rubbish, she's utterly sublime - glamorous and sassym with a powerful pair of lungs, a fabulous figure and impeccable comic timing. Janet from Two Pints - aka 'Our Ant'ney's' girlfriend Emma from The Royle Family, and Rudi, the gobby sister of Smithy in Gavin and Stacey - gives a flawless performance as high-maintenance Californian rich-girl Elle. Sheridan so completely inhabits the role created by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film on which the stage musical is based that I didn't think of Witherspoon once; or maybe just the once, to marvel at how I wasn't thinking of her. Her transformation from superficial airhead to legal eagle, via 18 songs, 19 costume changes and two magnificent blonde wigs, has won Sheridan a standign ovation at the Savoy Theatre every night since the curtain went up in January.

'I prefer theatre to television - you get to feel the love,' she says, without a hint of sarcasm. 'I spend up to an hour every night after the show signing autographs and posing for photographs and feeling so touched that people are enjoying the show. The actor David Tennant wrote to say how much he liked it, and choreographers Arlene Phillips and Jason Gardiner [from Dancing on Ice] both came backstage and were so lovely to me that I had to pinch myself.'

Today, dressed in a pretty Alice Temperley polka-dot strapless dress over thick tights and biker boots, Sheridan has a rare freshness about her. When we meet, she gives me a hug and plants a hearty kiss on my actual cheek, rather than the industry-standard air kiss. She also touches my arm repeatedly with can't-help-herself enthusiasm and exudes a diva-next-door warmth that makes her seem younger than her years.

'I'm a very tactile, open person, and when I moved to London on my own as a teenager, I would get into tricky situations because guys would think I was coming on to them, rather than just being friendly,' she says. 'As a result, I developed quite a tough, tomboyish exterior, which was reflected in the roles I got. Appearing in Legally Blonde has helped me find my inner girl, although at the beginning the director was constantly telling me off for sitting like a boy, with my legs apart, while wearing a cocktail dress and heels! I've even let pink start creeping into my wardrobe - I used to wear nothing but jeans and a T-shirt but now I've got a shocking pink bag from Topshop and a gorgeous pair of pink and lilac suede Nicholas Kirkwood shoes.'

For the uninitiated, the Legally Blonde film is the sine qua non of chick-flicks; a candy-pink souffle of girl power and to-die-for accessories. Bubbly sorority girl Elle, who is majoring in fashion merchandising, is abruptly dumped by the love of her life when he wins a place at Harvard Law School, citing a need for a more serious girlfriend. So she resolves to follow him, onfounds expectations by breezing the requisite exams, takes on the snobbish might of the Ivy League establishment, complete with It-girl tiny dog, and wins hearts and minds along the way.

'I've heard people questioning whether a dizzy blonde with a chihuahua in a designer handbag is really a good role model,' says Sheridan. 'If there's a message, it's that a lot of shallow people will judge you on how you look and speak, but you should remain true to yourself regardless. When it comes down to it, it's two and a half hours of entertainment, not Chekhov or Shakespeare. The audiences want feel-good escapism from the weather and the economy, and that's what we're giving them.'

Sheridan was born in Epworth, in Lincolnshire, to parents Colin and Marilyn, a country and western duo who performed as the Daltons. It was watching and occasionally appearing on stage with them that sparked her passion for performing, and she successfully auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre. She was cast as Tallulah in Bugsy Malone, which had a run in London when she was 16. Instead of going back home, she was signed up by an agent and moved into a flat with her fellow cast member Hannah Spearritt, who went on to be in S Club 7.

'I'm really grateful to my parents for having the confidence in me to let me go,' she says, in retrospective awe. 'I was terrified I might have to slink back to the village with my tail between my legs, and treated every job as though it were my last - I still do - but fortunately I got work and things seemed to slot into place.'

A part in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods brought Sheridan critical acclaim; in 1999, when she was 17, a prescient broadsheet article about the newest crop of talent to watch photographed her alongside a puppyish Jamie Oliver. Parts in The Royle Family and BBC3's Grownups followed. Then came ITV comedy Benidorm and a role in BBC1's Jonathan Creek. Sheridan was also cast in Gavin and Stacey, and embarked on a high-profile on-off relationship with James Corden, who played her brother, Smithy, and co-wrote the show.

Although early in 2009 Corden was reportedly talking of marriage, the couple went their seperate ways towards the end of last year, but still remain friends. Reading between the lines, Sheridan's single-minded dedication to her craft may well have been a factor in the split, as she admits that she was filming constantly in the run-up to Legally Blonde rehearsals, and that once they began, she could think of nothing else. 'James is very proud of me and it's entirely mutual,' she says with real affection. 'He's an amazing person and I had a great time being with him. It was sad that things didn't work out, but I wouldn't ever want to lose him from my life and I hope he's happy.'

I ask Sheridan if she fancies Duncan James, the TV presenter - of ex boy band Bleu - who plays Warner, the handsome but spineless boyfriend Elle pursues then rejects in a glorious, punch-the-air moment of self-determination. 'Of course I do, who woudln't?' she responds. 'I get to kiss him every night on stage, which is very nice, although he winds me up by slipping the tongue, and its a real struggle not to giggle.'

But any flirtation with her leading man can be deemed harmless, because there's another reason for Sheridan's joie de vivre. She's dating, or as she euphemistically puts it, while blushing furiously, 'hanging out a lot with' Scottish actor Ross McCall, whom she's known for years. Based in Los Angeles, where he appears in the US television series Crash, McCall, 34, who was once engaged to Jennifer Love Hewitt, is currently in the UK and staying at Sheridan's North London flat.

'Ross and I first met ten years ago in London, but lost touch. Then he looked me up on Facebook a couple of months ago and we got together and, yes, I know I have a silly smile on my face, but I can't help it,' she says. 'He's great; handsome and charming and kind and he makes me laugh. He also gets the fact that I'm totally focused on my work, because he's the same way.'

Later, McCall turns up to watch Sheridan's YOU photo shoot, and the pair are as unguardedly smitten as teenagers. 'And one of the best things is that Ross has a dog, so he isn't at all fazed by the fact I have three - or that I regularly bring home each of the five chihuahuas who appear in the show and sleep in bed with them, to bond'

Sheridan says this as though it were perfectly normal. Then she explains she owns a shar pei christened Enid, a Japanese spitz called Trish and a pug who goes by the name of Barry Manilow, by which time a rather sweet streak of eccentricity becomes apparent. 'I'm a bit of a slack mum - I'm hopeless at discipline, so they just run riot,' she sighs, with exasperated indulgence. 'Barry Manilow's the worst; he tears up the upholstery, and since Ross came along he's been cocking his leg to mark his territory: Barry, that is, not Ross - he's completely house-trained.'

Although it may be tempting to infer that Sheridan has led a charmed life, her success has been tinged with tragedy. When she was eight years old, she watched her eldest brother, Julian, grow frail and die of cancer, aged 18. 'People think that little kids don't notice what's going on around them, but I remember the whole sequence of events vividly, like it happened yesterday.' It's a subject she has only recently talked about in public, and her eyes pool with tears as she speaks.

'Julian would spend more and more time just lying on the couch and I would do little shows for him. When I was being an annoying little sister, he would still find the strength to hold me at arm's length, laughing as I flailed around punching the air, trying to get at him. I wish he was still here to see me. Maybe he is. The upshot is that it's made me want to achieve all I can and make the most of the opportunities I've got, because I've seen how precious and fragile life is.'

Sheridan is close to her other brother, Damien, 34, who plays in indie rock band the Torn. When she goes to his gigs, he plays a song he wrote for her, called 'Wild Girl', which always makes her cry. It's evident that the whole family are supportive of one another. 'On the gala night of Legally Blonde my dad walked down the pink carpet wearing a T-shirt with my picture on it and the words "I'm the Daddy". My mum is bringing two coachloads of aunties, uncles, cousins and friends down to see the show soon; they call themselves "SAS", as in the Sheridan Appreciation Society.'

It's a fan club with a rapidly growing membership; reviewers have variously described the show as 'ridiculously enjoyable', 'perfection' and 'hysterically funny'. Sheridan herself wins hyperbolic praise. Meanwhile, she insists she's looking no further than the end of her contract in October, although bookings are being taken until February and it beggars belief that anyone else could play the role Sheridan has made her own.

'It's hard work. At the first rehearsal we were all made to skip for an hour to get our stamina up. It lasted about a minute because I was the sort of girl who got a stitch walking to the car. Now I'm so fit I've gone down from a size 12 to an eight and can eat burgers every day because I'm burning it all off,' she says, patting what passes for a tummy. 'I love being part of the show; I was so worried that no one would be able to take me seriously after years of being typecast, and that I would be shot down in flames, but I was wrong. Not having gone to drama school, I always feel like a bit of a fraud, but so far it looks as though I've not been found out.' Quite the reverse: Sheridan Smith has been discovered. The chavvy bird has turned into a beautiful swan and is gracefully stretching her wings while we all look on in wonder.
 

Bent Magazine (March 2010)

Best known for playing Janet in Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps and Smiffy's sister in Gavin and Stacey, Sheridan Smith is now being utterly adored (and rightly so) as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Simon Savidge got to pass the time of day with her to see if a woman who spends every evening dressed in pink, dancing in glitter and holding a Chihuahua could be anything other than utterly camp.

Apart from Legally Blonde, which is pink, glittery and so camp it hurts, what would you say the campest thing you have ever doen is?
Oh, can i not say this musical as it's utterly; utterly camp; really, really camp and I do so want to be the Queen of Camp. Will you know if I make something up? (Laughs) I do have a dog called Barry Manilow. I have been performing at places like Trannyshack recently. That's been very camp, me with a lot of fabulous drag queens. I did Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, that's a very camp part, getting eaten by a plant in a negligee and fluffy mules. I like playing a nice camp part.
Getting eaten by a plant in mules is indeed a good one. We also love the idea of just making something up because she wants to be the Queen of Camp. 8/10

Kylie or Madonna?
Kylie, no question. I like early Madonna before all the weirdness. Kylie is cutesy and she always wears the most to die for amazing outfits at her concerts and I am all for that.
We couldn't have put it better than 'the weirdness' ourselves, we also like the fact as gay men Sheridan assumes we know exactly what she means and we do. 8/10

Do you like a gossip, and do you have any?
I have to say I am rubbish with gossip, my friends all know everything before I do I am last to know. Though not knowing it doesn’t mean I don’t revel in it when I hear some juicy stuff. I have been so busy rehearsing and then doing the show I haven’t any. Shall I make some up? (Cackles with glee and then puts on a very steamy yet camp voice) Let’s make up some vicious gossip (giggles). You must have some… come on… tell me…
Oh yes… let’s make up some indeed! We also love the revelling, we have all been there and sometimes being the last to know makes it all the more special when you find something out. 9/10

When did you last have a diva strop?
I am not too good on diva or stropping. I spit my dummy out occasionally. I am good on high drama over the littlest things. Like, I could burn the toast and be in floods of tears saying ‘I can’t do this, I can’t make toast’ you know with your hand to your head in drama mode. It’s the smallest things that annoy me, like with the toast I will then be wailing ‘I will never be a cook’ and take to my bed.
Crying over toast has to be our new favourite morning breakdown and we will all be doing this for the rest of the year, ‘taking to my bed’ classic. Utter drama 11/10

Dressing room demands?
Well you’re in it so you can see… I don’t really have any. I wish I did, I would have loads of puppies. What would I do with them afterwards? I would take them home of course. My dream is to have a dog’s home… I already have three though -Barry Manilow, Enid and Trish – that’s enough. I get so many funny looks in the park. I would like another one called Dolly Parton. She’s my idol; I have karaoke parties at my house and sing 9 to 5… (grabs my knee) you HAVE to come to one.
Dogs with those names… Dolly Parton parties… oh goodness that almost breaks the scale. 12/10

Prada or Primark?
(Without hesitating) Primark, is that wrong? As Elle Woods I can say Prada, but as Sheridan it’s Primark, is that bad? No? Good.
We like the multiple personalities and the fact her role may have warped her into even camper territory if that’s possible. 7/10

How many gay friends are too many?
There are never too many gay friends in my world. I want to be Queen of the Fag Hags actually. That would be a good musical wouldn’t it, or a TV show? I never have a better night than if I go out with my gay friends; outfits are fierce, music is fierce, it’s all fierce. I was out at G-A-Y the other night dancing on some tables. I live with a couple of gay guys – it’s amazing. Obviously I have straight male friends too. It’s not all just gay men, though that would be fabulous. Can I be your fag hag? Can I? Yay!
We think Sheridan might be collecting gays and small dogs in some secret underground bunker… we are so joining the queue. 9/10

What’s your biggest extravagance, apart from Primarni?
Hmmm, I love my shoes, I really love my Loubies (Louboutin’s) mind you they have started to go a bit chavvy haven’t they as everyone loves the red sole. (We tell her Jennifer Lopez has done a song called Louboutin’s) Oh she hasn’t, really, no, oh no. I haven’t heard that… my gays haven’t updated my iPod with that number.
We love the fact she called a huge designer chavvy as they are on the verge of being so ‘last decade’ and the real shock of La Lopez’s next move. 7/10

What’s your best put down line?
(Waves her hand like she has a wand) You… turn to shit! I got that from a joke about a taxi driver who is driving a gay guy and the guy leaves his brolly in the car. The cab driver says (in a very butch accent) ‘oi fairy you left your wand’ so the gay guy gets it, waves it and says ‘turn to shit’. You have to do it with a fairy godmother swish though.
Oh… we… love… that one. Could carrying a wand in your man bag be the way forward? We might have to steal that and make it our own. 9/10

Do you like a good drama?
Do you mean watching one or being in one… oh you don’t mean a TV drama (laughs) silly me. Oh I love a bit of drama… we all do though don’t we? As I mentioned, I can have a drama over some toast. Yes, I am a bit of a drama queen. I think any actor is naturally very dramatic, it’s in our blood and we can’t be blamed… well that’s my excuse. I have been seeing someone new who says I am dramatic and I find myself saying (in a rather dramatic voice) Dramatic? Moi? Maybe I should make some up when I am bored?
We like the mix up though it almost became a sensible interview and that would never do. We also love a drama queen and one who wants to invent it. 9/10

89/100 – It’s official – Sheridan Smith is camper than camp and frankly we want to join her in her mission to have a dogs home filled with homo staff… now wouldn’t that be fabulous. All hail – Queen Sheridan of Fag Hags.
 

Group Leisure Magazine (March 2010)

As bubbly and charming as her stage counterpart, Sheridan Smith talks to Rebekah Tailor about her starring role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical.

Legally Blonde has enjoyed phenomenal success so far, extending until 2011 after only a couple of months. Why do you think the show has proved an instant hit with audiences?
Well we were shocked really. It did quite well on Broadway but nowhere near the kind of success it's had here, so we're absolutely gob-smacked! I think a lot of it is to do with the credit crunch and the terrible weather - it's just a great tonic for people. People just want to have a great night out, forget their troubles and leave with a smile on their faces and I think the show definitely does that. We're thrilled it's doing so well and I hope we'll be able to keep it up.
Elle Woods is so different from some of the television characters you're so well known for. What are you enjoying most about playing this character?
It is so different to the parts I usually play, you know in Gavin and Stacey I was playing quite a chavvy, Essex character and then a scouse slapper in Benidorm, and then Elle is a real American, home-type girl. When I saw it on Broadway I fell in love with the show and with the part. I've always loved doing musical theatre and I said to my agent, "please get me seen for it, it's my dream role". I never actually thought I'd get it - there are so many other talented, amazing people that could have done it so I'm just pinching myself.

Is there one cast-type you prefer, or are more comfortable playing, than the other?
I've loved doing all the parts I've played. I've always been a bit of a tomboy so it's been nice dressing up in all these girly clothes and long blonde hair. It felt so alien to me at first - there were a couple of times they had to say to me, "Sheridan, cross your legs" because I was sitting wrong! Playing Elle has made me more girly and it's been great to do something completely different.

Having worked with a number of favourtie British actors, Alan Davis (Jonathan Creek), Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey) and now Peter Davison (Legally Blonde) - are there any famous names you would love to work alongside in the future?
Loads! I'm so honoured to have worked with everyone I have so far. I've walked into each job trying to learn from everyone and I've been so lucky, like working with Caroline Aherne in The Royle Family - all these amazing women that I've watched along the way.

Can you name any influential actors who have inspired you so far?
Kathy Burke always inspired me. I'd watch her in Harry Enfield and Chums and she would play all these different characters with different accents and she didn't care what she looked like so long as it was funny. You see Hollywood films where they're all pouting and looking very gorgeous, and then I saw Kathy Burke who would just throw herself into stuff, and that made me really want to become an actress.

You didn't go to drama school. How did you first become involved in acting and when did you know that you wanted to make it your career?
My mum and dad are a Country & Western duo and I used to love performing with them when I was a little girl. Then at school it was only really drama that I loved and my teacher told me about the open auditions for the National Youth Music Theatre. A producer saw our production Bugsy Malone and put it on in the West End, so my mum and dad let me move down to London on my own at 16, which is probably terrifying for a parent but they knew it was what I really wanted to do. Luckily my agent saw me in Bugsy and, touch wood, I've been going nearly 12 years.

You're probably best known as a comedy actress, and this is evident in Legally Blonde, which also shows off your comic talent. Do you worry about being type-cast and would you be keen to take on more serious roles in the future?
Comedy has always been my real love, so I don't really worry about getting type-cast too much. It's fun to play different roles and to challenge yourself as an actress so I'm just thankful for each job and for working with all these great people. I did miss doing theatre though - I love that live buzz and hearing people laugh.

You're currently appearing in eight shows a week, sing 16 out of the show's 18 songs, and are on stage for most of the production. How did you initially prepare for this physically demanding role and how do you manage to keep it up night after night?
I'm the laziest person in the world - I get a stitch just walking to my car, so when I realised how big the show was I kind of panicked. Lucily the American team that brought it over from Broadway are hardcore! Jerry Mitchell, the director and choreographer, had us skipping for an hour every morning right from the word go, as he knew what a demanding show it was. At first I was out of breath after just one song, but your stamina builds up and now it's all in my muscle memory. The hardest bit was building that up and opening the show but hopefully now it's fine... although I am still eating rubbish. But it's great because I can then work it off!

Legally Blonde stars a lot of household names, and celebrities appearing in popular musicals are sometimes identified as a tool for 'putting bums on seats'. How would you respond to this critique?
My biggest fear was that people would say, "oh it's that guy from Blue (Duncan James is a former boy band member) and that bird from Two Pints of Lagera and a Packet of Crisps trying to do a musical." Even though I started in musical theatre, I knew that's what people would probably think so I felt like I had to prove myself and work even harder. I didn't want to let anyone down but once we started the previews and I saw the audience's reaction and everyone was buzzing I though, well great, the audiences like it, and now everyone's enjoying it so I'm over the moon.

Can you reveal a backstage secret from Legally Blonde The Musical?
There might be some naughty ones involving Duncan James (laughs). I'd never noticed the shoes that he wears in the show and they're so cheesy with a great big buckle on the side. So I was taking the mickey and we were laughing about it, but of course then we had to go on stage and I looked down at his shoes and just got the giggles. We managed to get it together though.

Can you sum up Legally Blonde The Musical in no more than five words?
I'd love to say, "Oh my god you guys!" But if people haven't seen the show they might not get that, so I'd say it's a fun, family, pink night out!

Marie Claire (February 2010)

Best known for her role as Janet in sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, actress Sheridan Smith, 28, is now starring as Elle Woods in the West End musical version of Legally Blonde. She grew up in Epworth, Lincolnshire, with her musician brother Damien, 34, and her parents, Marilyn and Colin, who form country and western duo The Daltons.

What's it like being famous and from a small village?
Sheridan: It's one of those villages where everyone knows everyone. They're really supportive. Mum puts a piece in the local paper when I'm on telly, saying, 'Everyone watch Sheridan,' and I'm like, 'Mum, shuddup!' She brings coach trips down, too.
Marilyn: We're called the SAS - the Sheridan Appreciation Society.
Sheridan: [Laughing] Oh, stop it, Mum!

It must have been hard to see Sheridan move down to London.
Marilyn: We're a really close family so, thankfully, she comes home all the time.
Sheridan: When I have time off, I'm straight up on the M1 with my three dogs. Mum said I'm not allowed any more livestock!

You were only 16 when you left home to attend the National Youth Music Theatre. Was that a daunting prospect?
Sheridan: I did get really homesick, but it was exciting. I was this little naive 16-year-old living in a flat with five other teenages, and we used to live off jam sandwiches. It was amazing.
Marilyn: She lived with Hannah [Spearitt] from S Club 7. I came down to check it out, because it was those two and four boys squeezed into the other bedroom.

Did you give her any advice?
Marilyn: Just to be careful, and don't go wandering off on your own.
Sheridan: You used to tell me to march out like I knew where I was going and, if I had to take an A to Z with me, to hid it in my coat, so I could have a sneaky look.
Marilyn: If you're walking along the street hesitantly, you never know who might follow you or pounce on you.
Sheridan: Oh, you're so dramatic!
Marilyn: As a mother, you worry, especially with you being so far away.
Sheridan: A lot of parents wouldn't have allowed their baby to leave home so young, but mine were really supportive, because they knew how much I wanted to follow my dreams.
Marilyn: We're all very proud of her including her brother, Damian. She lost her first brother, lovely Julian. He died when he was 18.
Sheridan: I was only eight.
Marilyn: His cancer came from nowhere and he did all the treatment, but it just kept coming back. Both the children were very resilient to be able to get over that and get on with their lives and make a success of them. It shows strength of character. He would have been delighted wouldn't he, old Julian? Sorry, love.
Sheridan: I've never spoken about it before. It's nice to hear Mum talk about it, because we don't really discuss things like that. We haven't really spoken about Julian properly in years.

You've obviously got a strong relationship. Is there anything that's out of bounds?
Marilyn: Not really. Maybe, over the years, there have been different opinions - on boyfriends, for example.
Sheridan: I'm a fiesty one sometimes, but Mum rarely gets angry. You got on with all of my boyfriends, didn't you? But no one is going to be good enough for your little girl.

Is that true?
Marilyn: When she was with her ex-boyfriend [Tv funnyman James Corden], I read in the papers they'd bought two shih-tzu puppies, 'to celebrate their love'.
Sheridan: To celebrate our 'engagement' wasn't it?!
Marilyn: Oh yeah, he was gonna marry you. [Laughs.] So I'm hearing this for the first time and...
Sheridan: She went mad on the phone, and I'm like - it's not true! But you realise that now, don't you, Mum?
Marilyn: Yes. I did wonder about the dogs.

Group Leisure Magazine (February 2010)

Front Row Review: Legally Blonde The Musical


Currently buzzing in a hive of publicity, Rebekah Tailor went to check out Legally Blonde The Musical, the lastest Broadway import to storm the West End.
Based on the 2001 Hollywood hit starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical is the lastest Broadway import to storm the West End stage. Having written off the film version as just another girlish romcom - sufficiently enjoyable but ultimately unmemorable - I was expecting the musical to evoke a similar reaction.
Playing to a full house, despite the less-than-desirable weather conditions, what followed was 125-minutes of sheer entertainment - a colourful and fast-paced production, packed with hilarious comic moments and a dynamic cast - guaranteeing a feel-good factor to chase away the winter blues.
Standing by the film's original storyline, our leading lady is sorority sweetheart, Elle Woods, a vision in pink who heads in hot pursuit to Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III, who claims he needs 'a Jackie, not a Marilyn' Elle sets out to subvert her blonde stereotype, winning hearts along the way and proving the value of remaining true to yourself.
Legally Blonde is every bit as cheesy as the plotline suggests, and broken attempts to push the show's main message - always be true to yourself (in case you were wnodering) - are lost on an audience swept up in the unfolding comic action. This is no bad thing, especially at a time when sought-after escapism is preferential to a lesson in morality.
Sheridan Smith sparkles as sorority socialite turned Harvard law student, Elle Woods. Stealing every scene, and not just as a pillar of hot pink amongst the dreary 'Harvard chic' attire pageanted by her fellow cast members, Smith's flawless comic timing and sheer likeability elevate her as the uncontested star of the show. Jill Halfpenny was excellent as Paulette, the ditzy beautician with a big heart, as was Alex Gaumond, who plays love interest Emmett Forrest.
As with any production headlining an ensemble of celebrity names, while there is rarely any doubt about their ability to pull in audiences, there is always a slight scepticism with regards to how they will perform. For me, Peter Davison as Professor Callahan and Duncan James playing Elle's slippery ex-boyfriend Warner, just didn't make the grade. Despite a loyal fan base (judging by the chorus of cheers and whistles as the former boy band member made his entrance, the audience was clearly full of female admirers), their mediocre performances were further emphasised by the zeal of the other talented cast members. Personally, I was more enraptured by the canine members of the company; cute Chihuahua, Bruiser, and charismatic Bulldog, Rufus.
The action moves along swiftly, largely thanks to Laurence O'Keefe and Neil Benjamin's infectious musical score. The opening number, Omigod You Guys (yes, seriously), sets the light-hearted tone which carries the musical and promises to stay in your head for a long time afterwards, along with other memorable numbers, So Much Better and Bend and Snap (accompanying dance moves compulsory).
This modern musical score is superbly complemented by lively and polished choreography - including a nod to the Irish with a random tribute to Riverdance (confusin, quirkym, and yet it works). Worth a particular mention is the electric routine led by Aoife Mulholland (Brooke Wyndham) in the opening number of act two, Whipped into Shape, skilfuly choreographed with skipping ropes.
Props are cleverly used throughout the production, along with an imaginative stage set which lends itself to the production's comic elements. Who would have thought that a witness box and judge's pulpit could double up as a sink and toilet unit?
With the current hive of publicity surrounding Legally Blonde The Musical, and its array of big name personalities, I have no doubt that this fun-filled production will be an instant smash-hit, however the real test will be its longevity. Unlike the film, this musical version is immensely entertaining and memorable, both of which make for long-term success.