Lauren Varnham from the cast of From Here To Eternity The Musical
The world premiere production of Tim Rice’s From Here To Eternity The Musical opens this Wednesday 23rd October at the Shaftesbury Theatre London
The musical is adapted from American author James Jones’ debut novel published in 1951, which is said to be loosely based on Jones’ experiences in the pre-World War II Hawaiian Division’s 27th Infantry and the unit in which he served, Company E (“The Boxing Company”). It is said by many to be one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.
With this not just being a new musical but one with Tim Rice producing and writing the lyrics for, this is obviously a musical that many actors wanted to be a part of. Lauren Varnham is in the cast and earlier today she gave me some feedback on being a part of this new musical.
You have joined the cast of From Here to Eternity. Do you enjoy auditioning or is it just a tough ordeal?
Normally it is a tough ordeal because the competition is so hard out there. But I always enjoy the process, it doesn’t freak me out like it used to. When you start to see friendly faces at auditions it’s great because you are all going through the same thing, I like to think we help each other out and calm each other’s nerves.
Where were you when you were told you had got a part in this new musical?
I was in my digs in Chichester where I was doing The Pajama Game, and I was going over my understudy stuff in my room at the dressing table- and I got a phone call. It was great!
You are performing the role of a Congress Club Girl. What can you tell us about your character and how she fits into the storyline?
Well my character is Violet and she’s one of many beautiful congress girls! We are the entertainment for the boys while they are away from friends and family serving in the army. The boys in the army need some loving care and it’s what us congress girls do. So our number is a little raunchy.
Are you excited about creating a role?
It is always exciting being able to create your own unique character in a show. There is something to be said for not having to walk into a rehearsal room and being told to move where the ‘old’ character used to. Our director Tamara Harvey has been so wonderful that she’s let us explore for ourselves what we think our characters would do. And if we went off track she’d rein us back in.
What does it feel like to be performing in a world premiere production of a musical, and produced by Sir Tim Rice?
Well obviously it’s a great pleasure to perform in From Here To Eternity produced by the Sir Tim Rice. He has been in a lot watching. I feels special too because he has not done a musical for so many years.
Why should everyone go and see From Here to Eternity?
Because not only does it have a stunning stand alone story, the musical arrangements within it are beautiful. We have an amazing cast, who are sensational and stupidly talented, and have put every bit of energy they have into making the show what it is.
Many thanks Lauren and best wishes to you, the cast and creatives in From Here To Eternity The Musical.
Neil Cheesman
@LondonTheatre1
Monday 21st October 2013
