Next month, Sam Lavery will be playing Tiger Lily in Peter Pan at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, alongside a cast including Matt Lapinskas (as Peter Pan) and Cleo Demetriou (as Wendy), with the show open over the Christmas period from 8th December until 7th January. Having started her career in music, Sam made her musical theatre debut as Whatsername in the UK & Ireland Tour of Green Day’s American Idiot, which also had a run in New Zealand, and, in September, she supported Natalie Imbruglia at Durham Cathedral. Sam is a radio presenter for Capital FM North East, with her Weekday show running from 4pm – 7pm, and this week, she has announced her new show Club Capital Dance, launching on Capital FM around the country, from 7pm – 10pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Recently, Sam spoke to us about her upcoming role of Tiger Lily in Peter Pan at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, playing Whatsername in American Idiot and being a presenter on Capital FM North East.

What can audiences expect from your portrayal of Tiger Lily in Peter Pan at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House later this year and what do you think the character will be like to play?

Lots of feisty energy, I’m pretty fierce in this!

What are you looking forward to for opening in Peter Pan and performing in pantomime over Christmas?

Playing so close to my hometown of Durham, so all my family and friends can watch me this year. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a very special place too, an absolutely gorgeous theatre.

What is it like learning a pantomime script and do you have a process for learning lines?

I don’t find it too difficult, I have a photographic memory, so I am usually OK.

How is it interacting with a pantomime audience and seeing families getting involved?

I think it’s absolutely magical and the panto season starting just leads us all into a special time of the year for everyone.

Who do you think will enjoy watching Peter Pan at Tyne Theatre & Opera House?

I know my nephews will be enjoying it on Christmas Eve, but this is for everyone, good, old-fashioned, family fun.

You played Whatsername in the UK & Ireland Tour of American Idiot, what are some of your favourite memories from working on the Green Day musical?

It was an incredible experience and I loved touring, especially New Zealand.

How was it making your musical theatre debut with the show and how did you find the experience taking the tour to New Zealand?

It was huge in New Zealand, the audience there were very passionate about the show. There were lots of Americans that travelled over to New Zealand just for the show.

You are the presenter on Capital FM North East on Weekdays 4pm – 7pm, can you tell us about your show?

We play all pop music; our audience can relate to what I’m saying on the way home and we basically just have a giggle!

What do you enjoy most about being a daily presenter for Capital FM?

I simply love what I do, day in, day out. We have great fun and it’s an honour to entertain the audience on their way home from work.

Do you have any stand-out highlights from your time as a radio presenter so far?

Every day seems to stand out, as I said, we giggle a lot.

How was it supporting Natalie Imbruglia at Durham Cathedral in September?

Again, as this was in my hometown, it was amazing. She was just a delight to work with too.

Where does your love of presenting and performing come from and how did you get into both?

My granddad. He was a singer, Ernie Peachey, and I loved watching him perform.

What are some of your favourite music artists to listen to?

Any type of ballad, Whitney Houston is my hero, as is Adele.

How do you like to spend your time away from your career?

I am a self-confessed gym bunny and a sponsored athlete from Supplement Needs. Any time just spent with friends and family is a bonus.

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