Jenny Fitzpatrick has had an extremely successful career in Musical Theatre starring in roles in London’s West End and around the UK.
Some of Jenny’s credits include; Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Justice in Rock of Ages and Nancy in Oliver! which she has just been nominated for a British Black Theatre Award for ‘Best Female Lead Actor in a Musical’
Ahead of Ghost the Musical in Concert, Jenny was kind enough to spend her time answering some of our questions about the show and how she feels to be reprising the role of Louise which Jenny originated back in 2011!
Q1) When did you first audition for Ghost the Musical, were there many audition rounds?
So I auditioned for the first cast of Ghost back in 2010. However initially I was never actually submitted to audition and remember being really gutted that I hadn’t been called in. Then the evening before the finals I got a message from David Grindrod asking if I’d be interested in coming in for the part of Louise to cover Oda Mae and I was like, YES! Then realised I had one night to learn everything, ha. My friend Sandra Marvin had done the workshops so I remember calling her and she taught me Oda Mae’s song, ‘Are You a Believer’ over the phone and then the next day I had a dance call, and then my final and then booked the job.
Q2) You were in the original cast of the musical and created the role of Louise. What was that process like?
It was intense. Amazing but intense, mostly because of all of the illusions. There were so many sections that were really intricate it was such a technical show. If I remember rightly, we had around 5 weeks rehearsals and then a further 4 weeks in tech. Career wise, It was such an amazing time of my life though. Getting to create something so new and original and getting to work with people like Matthew Warchus and Ashley Wallen. And then perform onstage with Sharon D Clarke, Caissie Levy, Richard Fleeshman. It really was such an experience. Also, because we started the show at Manchester Opera House, living away from home meant we all became a lovely little family.
Q3) Do you have a favourite songs from the show?
I obviously love Believer, it’s absolutely joyous and getting to sing with Sharon and Lisa Davina Phillips was incredible. I think my favourite song/part of the show is actually the end of Act 1 Suspend my disbelief/I had a life. It’s so perfectly arranged and how musically the orchestration builds towards the end of the number moves me every single time. It’s beautiful.
Q4) What was your favourite memory from being in Ghost the Musical?
My favourite memories are probably from the technical rehearsals up in Manchester. We really were such a tight company. It was such long hours and we used to have really long days where we would be working on the ‘subway’ scenes and often we would all become a bit delirious which made for a lot of hilarity.
Q5) Ghost is such an iconic movie and we are so lucky a musical was made! What other iconic movies do you think should be turned into a stage musical which haven’t been already?
Oooh I’m not sure, anything with a distinct era is always good. Ha, I half don’t want to say one in case I want to attempt to write it myself… But maybe something like Bridget Jones would be a gooood musical comedy and strong female lead! Which we obviously love!
Q6) You have had such an incredible career so far, what advise would you give to someone wanting to go into the performing arts industry?
I think believe in yourself and follow your own path. Try not to be too distracted by what other people are doing in their careers and just stay focused on your own journey. Sally Ann Triplett said to me once, this industry is more like snakes and ladders and I think that is so true. So just keep focused on what your journey is and trust in what you have to offer.
Q7) Do you have any idols? How have they impacted you as a performer?
I tend not to really have idols as such but often admire the people that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’ve had the pleasure of working opposite some incredible talents and try to absorb as much as I can from them all. In Ghost Caissie, Richard, Sharon and Andy definitely taught me how to lead a company. Their support, patience and grace to everyone was admirable. I really do look up to so many people I’ve worked with.
Q8) Out of all the roles you have played so far, what has been your favourite and why?
For me, it has to be Nancy in Oliver! I was 2nd cover in the west end production back in 2008/9 at Drury Lane but never got to go on and then last Christmas I was offered the role in the Leeds Playhouse production and it just felt like a real full circle moment. Nancy has been a dream role of mine for as long as I can remember (I love a strong alto belt, ha) so getting to play her alongside Chris Bennett and Steve Furst was a career highlight. The director James Brining and his vision and the themes that he showcased in this version were so moving and real that it allowed us as performers to really give such an organic, raw portrayal of the characters. It really was such a special time.
Q9) Ghost is returning to the West End for one night only in concert. How excited are you to be reprising your role and why should people book tickets?
Oh I’m in heaven! It’s been so much fun! I just wish it was for longer! I’m obsessed with these songs and all the music in this show and hearing Lucie Jones and Oliver Tompsett singing this material is just a dream. Being reunited with my beautiful friend Lisa Davina Phillip is an absolute delight and feels like we only did the show together yesterday, rather than 12 years ago, ha. And the whole cast is a bunch of amazing, insanely talented performers, so it’s gonna be an absolute treat! It’s pretty much the full original west end band too, so it really is gonna sound and look amazing. It’s one of my favourite scores I’ve ever heard so I’d book a ticket for that alone. Come see us!
