“Dreamgirls” is coming to Birmingham!

 

Exciting news… The smash hit musical “Dreamgirls” is heading to Birmingham for the Christmas season – direct from the West End!

 

The multi-award winning musical (also made into an Oscar-winning film) is the story of The Dreams – a R&B girl group in the 60’s, and features a smash hit soundtrack including “One Night Only”, “Listen” and the show-stopping “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”.

 

 

This week we were lucky enough to be invited to a special preview! As well as hearing some fantastic vocal selections from the show we also got to sit down with Paige Peddie who plays Lorrell:

 

Firstly, welcome to Birmingham! Have you been here before?

Thank you! Yes, my grandad actually lives in Birmingham, which is where he’s from, but I can’t wait to spend a full month here, and also perform for Birmingham audiences for the first time!

 

So, “Dreamgirls”, is this a “dream” for you?

Yes, absolutely, it’s a dream show to be in and a dream role. When I first saw the West End production that was a solidifying moment for me that I wanted to do theatre. I thought “I can do this”. And five years later here I am! An absolute bucket list moment.

 

The show opened on Broadway in 1981. The UK had to wait a long time for this show (35 years).

I know. Well they do say good things come to those who wait! The main thing is it’s here now and it’s been so well received. Also a whole new generation are getting to experience it which is fantastic.

 

The show is packed full of fantastic songs. Do you have a favourite?

Oh, I have so many! My favourite changes all the time. I do love “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” though. It’s got a great vibe, and without any spoilers there is a great reveal moment!

 

As well as being a fantastic spectacle of a show it also covers some serious themes doesn’t it?

It does. The show is set in the Motown era of the 60’ and 70’s. There were things going on that were awful (some of which still go on today) but they’re dealt with in the show a way that we see how these characters dealt with it and their journeys. Those issues are important to their stories and important that they’re told. It’s a privilege to tell them. If a musical can get those important things across as well as giving you a good time that’s a great musical.

 

That was a golden era for R&B music wasn’t it?

Oh absolutely, and this show really captures that. It was a real turning point for black artists. Those people were pioneers, and they opened doors. The fact that their music is still played today is testament to that.

 

Is the musical based on any specific group?

I think there are many artists that the story takes inspiration from. This could’ve been any group’s story really. The show represents a time in musical history.

 

This show is what I’ll call a MOBO – musical of black origin. What does it mean to you to be part of something like this?

It’s incredible. I grew up in church singing black gospel so to have a musical where that style of singing is represented on stage is amazing. Also when I first saw it, to see myself represented on stage was very important and inspiring as a performer. Hopefully other people coming to see the show will have that same experience, especially in Birmingham which is very diverse.

 

Tell us about your character.

Lorrell is very bubbly, excitable and probably wants to be in a girl group the most out of all of them. She’s very starry-eyed! She’s a bit naïve but we do she her strength come through as the show goes on. We see her grow. We see all the girls grow. The musical covers quite a number of years. It’s a journey for all the characters. It’s very rare that you get three female leads that get a story arc like this. It’s great.

 

Finally, would you have liked to have been in a girl group?

When I was little I was obsessed with The Cheetah Girls! So yes! I love the whole sisterhood thing, and that’s what we have in the show. I guess I am in a girl group now!

 

Dreamgirls runs from 6-31 December at The Alexandra Theatre.