From Nancy to Joseph
Aug 30 2008 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal
A veritable feast of reality TV talent (in the real sense of the word) are on the cast list at the Theatre Royal this week. Sam Wonfor talks to actress Tara Bethan.
SHE may have come to the nation’s attention in a show called I’d Do Anything, but I get the feeling Tara Bethan is many miles away from the ilk of reality TV stars who would live – and have lived – up to that notion.
For anyone who hasn’t found themselves wrapped up in the all-singing luvvie drama fest that is the BBC’s series of talent-searching musical theatre shows (How do You Solve a Problem Like Maria; Any Dream Will Do; and I’d Do Anything) Tara got down to the final 12 ladies competing to become Nancy in Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver.
By week three of the live shows, she was packing her bags... but although probably crestfallen at the time, in hindsight, she reckons it couldn’t have worked out better.
And who can blame her, within days of performing her farewell rendition of As Long As He Needs Me, she was being chased by Bill Kenwright (in the most professional of ways... not a la Benny Hill) to take the demanding role of the Narrator in a touring production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The show comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Monday for a two-week stay.
“This year has been absolutely crazy,” says the former Welsh soapstar.
“I had the first audition (for I’d Do Anything) in February and I think it was on TV by mid-March... and then I started in Joseph in mid-May.
“It was around a week after I left the show that I got the call. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be handed the Joseph script... and especially not the part of the Narrator.
“I had to admit that I didn’t know the part... and hadn’t even seen the show,” she adds, with a residue of remaining embarrassment.
“But I tried a few of the songs, and started in the show a couple of weeks after that... and yesterday was my four-month anniversary.
“It’s an amazing part and one which always keeps you on your toes,” she says.
“I wouldn’t change anything about the way things turned out.
“I wasn’t and still am not interested in being famous, I just want to be successful in my job. I wanted to win the show, of course, but I wanted to win because people liked the way I could sing... not because I was their favourite personality.
“It was basically a very quick route into the world where I wanted to be, so I don’t regret being a part of it at all and would do it again tomorrow.
“But given that I didn’t win, I’m pleased I went out relatively early in the competition because it means I don’t really get recognised that much, so am judged on my performances.
“Craig is obviously recognised much more.”
She’s speaking of Craig Chalmers, her Any Dream Will Do counterpart who made the final five in the search for a West End Joseph, but who was picked up to play the lead role in the tour, alongside Tara. “There are quite a few people in the show from the Joseph show,” she says, “so we do talk about our experiences a bit, but mostly we just concentrate on making this show as good as we can.
“It’s a really upbeat show and I still watch it quite a lot. I have two performances off each week, and it’s always nice to remind yourself of the show that you’re in.
“It’s such a different experience seeing it from the audience’s perspective... you think ‘oh my god, I’m actually a part of this huge production’... usually you just feel part of the manic chaos back stage!
“But it’s so rewarding to think that you’re partly responsible for people having such a great time. I love it.”
Well, she’s certainly sold it to me... look out for my review in Tuesday’s Journal.
Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plays Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday until September 13.
For tickets, call 08448 11 21 21 or visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk
