01 March 2010
You're over halfway through your run in Blood Brothers, how do you feel it is going so far?
I am having an incredible time in Blood Brothers. It is such a wonderful show, and Mrs J is such a great role. The cast are fantastic and really have made it all so much fun. I'll miss them when I go. I don't think my time at Blood Brothers could have gone any better. I felt I could do a good job, but receiving the Olivier nomination has blown me away.
Do you find it difficult to let go of Mrs. Johnstone's troubled life when you step off stage and go back home to your family?
The show is incredibly emotional and that can stay with you for some time, but seeing fans at the stage door and getting home to Scarlet soon cheers me up.
Have you been able to find a balance between doing 8 shows a week and your family life?
I've found working and having a baby really difficult. I have a lot of help and it's still tough! I'm amazed how other mums cope. I love my work but I miss Scarlet too. I'm looking forward to a little time off together.
You'll be playing Mrs. Johnstone until the end of April, do you already have any idea what you will be doing once your theatre run has come to an end?
I am starting work on my new album very soon. Don't want to say too much yet but keep logging on and all will be revealed!
Do you already have ideas of who you plan to collaborate with on album number five?
At the moment I'm thinking about songs and producers. It's early days!
In October it was exactly 10 years since the release of your debut solo album Northern Star. What would you say are now your favorite songs from the album and why?
Northern Star - I'm very proud of this song lyrically, it really captures that moment of my life.
N.B.T.S.A. - my first UK solo number 1 and collaborating with Lisa was amazing
I turn to you - my biggest international hit!
Ga Ga & Be the one - working with Rick Rubin was incredible. He is a legend and the nicest guy you could ever meet.
Why - I adore this song, I think it is beautiful and unusual. I worked with another of my favourite producers on this Marius De Vries
Feel the Sun - I love the haunting and unusual quality of this also. Lyrically is really captures my state of mind at this time too.
In those past 10 years you have toured all over the world, are there any of your concerts which hold special memories to you? Any venues you would love to go back to?
I have so many great memories. London gigs have been great, venues like The Astoria, no longer with us. Shepherds Bush Empire, the Barfly.
The shows on the Liverpool to Leicester Square tour.
The Royal court Liverpool, Sydney,New York, The Mayan in LA.
Loads of European shows and festivals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Italy, France, Spain and anywhere I've forgotten!
The Markthalle in Hamburg when Liverpool won the Champions league.
My solo acoustic gigs on the Spice tour, The Mint in LA and Grand Ballroom in New York.
The Toronto show at The Phoenix on my last tour
And maybe my all time favourite Isle of Wight Festival in 2007
I'd love to do them all again!!!!
