Ahead of the world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical opening in September we caught up with some of the cast to find out more about their favourite past performances and what they are looking forward to getting up to when here in York!
Hear from Caroline Sheen (who plays Susannah), Rachael Wooding (who plays Krissy) and Ashleigh Gray (who plays Terri), three talented performers who are playing some of the Military Wives in the show…
Where did you grow up?
Caroline: I’m a proud Welshie, but I’m married to a proud Yorkshireman, so I’ve spent lots of time exploring Yorkshire and I’m looking forward to doing it more.
Rachael: I am Yorkshire born and bred! I’m from Harlington and all my family still live there. I went to the Jorvik Viking Centre as a kid with school and still remember the smell… I love Yorkshire!
Ashleigh: I grew up in a small mini village, Newtongrange, in Midlothian Scotland. I have never been to York itself, but I’ve heard such great things about the city!
What drew you to this project/what do you find more exciting about it?
Caroline: I love Debbie’s work and have enjoyed being involved in the workshops for this show. It’s a real honour to bring the stories of these remarkable people to life.
Rachael: I’ve always wanted to work with Debbie, and the cast are epic, so it was a no brainer. I also love the idea of women holding up other women, it really speaks to me.
Ashleigh: The fantastic story. It’s one of friendship, love and of a group of women coming together and finding support where they least expected it. I think it’s really going to resonate with our audience. It’s always exciting premiering a brand-new show. I can’t wait to hear what the York Theatre Royal patrons think of it.
I also love working with the writer/director, Debbie Isitt. She is the very best of people; a huge talent and a joy to work with. I’ve been lucky enough to work with most of the creative team before, so I’m looking forward to a little reunion!
What was your favourite past performance, and why?
Caroline: I’ve been lucky enough to have so many lovely memories of shows, but not much can beat flying over the audiences in a flying car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and flying with a magical umbrella as Mary Poppins!
Rachael: Playing Rose in Standing at the Sky’s Edge, at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, Yorkshire! I could talk about it all day to be honest – a joy and a privilege.
Ashleigh: Probably playing Elphaba in Wicked. It was a dream of mine to play that role after seeing the show when it opened on Broadway and I was lucky enough to get to do just that, both in the West End and across the UK. Bringing such a massive show to the Edinburgh Playhouse, where I grew up watching theatre was particularly special. Elphaba is an incredibly complex character to play with an amazing story arc and some of the biggest songs in the musical theatre world. It was a real challenge – but very rewarding.
What are you looking forward to about coming to work in York?
Caroline: I’m a bit of a history nut, so I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the history of York. I’m also obviously looking forward to Betty’s tea rooms!
Rachael: Being closer to family and I’ve worked there before on a tour and the people were wonderful. The idea of creating new theatre in Yorkshire makes me excited.
Ashleigh: I’m really looking forward to exploring the city in my downtime. I’m bringing my family with me too, so looking forward to seeing all that York and its surroundings have to offer.
The world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical opens in York on 10 Sep – don’t miss out on this brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story.
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