Actress, singer, dancer and musical theatre star Carly Mercedes Dyer sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 Questions. Carly is due to star as Faye Treadwell in the tour of The Drifters Girl. Tour details and tickets can be found here
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Hadestown, which I was in at The National Theatre, when it was first here in London and Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester).
Favourite book?
The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Favourite theatre?
Curve, Leicester
Favourite song?
Glow by Victoria Monét
Favourite music?
I have an eclectic taste so depends on my mood. RnB, soul, Latin, funk, disco, classical, musicals, jazz.
Favourite food?
My mums yellow soup
Favourite drink?
Elderflower fizz
What is your favourite role?
I’ve had a few favourites but one close to my heart is Erma in Anything Goes.
What was your first role?
First job was in High School Musical at Hammersmith Apollo and first role was Helene in Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse with Rebecca Trehearn as Charity & Amy Ellen Richardson as Nicky.
And what role would you really like to play?
Speaking of Amy Ellen Richardson, she’s currently being fabulous playing Mrs Wormwood in Matilda in town and I would love to have a go, or Adelaide in The Bridge Theatres version of Guys and Dolls for sure!
If you weren’t a performer what would you be?
A vintage clothes curator if that’s a job.
What made you decide to be a performer?
I got into dancing because my nursery friend Alice went and I wanted to go with her. Over the years we took part in singing competitions, went to amateur dramatic groups and my love for all things theatrical grew and knowing that I could do this as a profession, I was sold.
Do you enjoy touring?
Yes it’s great to see the country and the audience response is so different depending where you are.
What advice would you give 16 year old Carly?
Trust your instincts and be yourself, everybody else is taken!
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
Absolutely!!
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Odyssey at The National Theatre; stunning, wholesome and magical.
Favourite line from any show?
“Yes….A little bit more..” from The Grinning Man. It won’t make any sense as a stand alone line but you can trust myself, Daniel Boys and Chris Jenko that it was a hysterical moment.
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
Beyoncé because who wouldn’t want to be.
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
A flyer that had been mocked up as an award with a side of sugary goodness. So generous and the loveliest humans x
Can you tell us what you will be up to next?
Heading off on tour with The Drifters Girl as The Drifters Girl, Faye Treadwell.Carly can be seen on tour for the next few months. Tickets can be found here