Actress, singer and musical theatre star Sharon Sexton sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Sharon is currently playing Sloane on tour in Bat Out of Hell the Musical. Due to appear at Leeds Grand Theatre from 21 April, tickets available here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Phantom of the Opera has a really special place in my heart as it is the first big scale production that I had ever seen and it was the moment I knew this is what I wanted to do.
Favourite book?
One Day by David Nicholls
Favourite theatre?
It’s probably not classed as a theatre but I absolutely love performing in the Crazy Coqs in London, they are such a wonderful company to work with, the sound is amazing, the atmosphere is so special because the audience are in the palm or your hand and it’s so intimate. I have many, many fun memories of wonderful concerts and shows here.
Favourite song?
There are too many to choose from, but if I must make a decision today, then I will say Let’s Dance by David Bowie.
Favourite music?
I’m a big 70s music fan so I love the music of Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Bowie and I’m also a big closet Motown fan.
Favourite food?
I love a good omelette
Favourite drink?
Gin & Tonic
What is your favourite role?
That I’ve played – Sloane. That I would like to play, Mamma Rose.
What was your first role?
Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat aged 10
And what role would you really like to play?
Oh I’ve mentioned it already but I’ll give you a second one – Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd
If you weren’t a performer what would you be?
A teacher
What made you decide to be a performer?
It was never really a conscious decision, I have been performing since I can remember and it was always what I wanted to do. I always followed my passion and when I learnt that it was possible to do large scale productions and do this as a profession, I was quite young but that was it. Decision made.
Do you enjoy touring?
I enjoy it because I have my family with me but other than that I have toured enough now. It’s fun when you’re young and have nothing but a backpack and freedom to explore and sleep in and enjoy places at your leisure. As you get older life becomes more complicated and responsibilities make it trickier to tour – life is too short to be away from the ones you love and the home comforts you create, so I’m a bit more selective now about touring. Bat Out Of Hell is always a joy to tour with as my husband is on the road with me and our little boy is small enough to also come along. The show feels like our extended family.
What advice would you give 16 year old you?
Dream bigger.
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
I have a Masters in Directing for Theatre, as it’s something I used to do a lot of but I stepped away from it for a while to focus on performing but I may turn my hand to it again. It’s a totally different skill set and is all encompassing, but I love it.
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Musical in London’s West End. It took my breath away.
Favourite line from any show?
That’s showbiz kid – from Chicago
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
Probably my son, just to get a little insight into his wonderful world and imagination.
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
The weird ones are too weird to mention, but I do get some lovely gifts, especially personalized dolls, bikes, t-shirts, really thoughtful and useful little presents.
Can you tell us what you will be up to next?
Myself and my husband are recording an album with all of our original songs under our SEXTON & FOWLER label, with a London producer and Studio, so we are really excited about this and we will be launching an album tour in the autumn.
Bat Out of Hell the Musical is on tour around the UK. Tickets can be found here