This Friday (12th April), Hope Dawe is making her professional stage debut as Sandy on the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease, when the show opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, working closely with Marley Fenton as Danny. The musical is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, and after the run in Bromley, the show heads to Dublin on 23rd April, continuing throughout the year at venues around the country, with the tour booking until November at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. Hope graduates from Mountview this year, and whilst training, she played Judy Bernly in 9 to 5 the Musical, Regina George in Mean Girls the Musical, and performed in the choir for Magic at the Musicals at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Answering our questions, Hope told us about starring as Sandy on the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease, making her professional stage debut with the musical and her time at Mountview.
How does it feel to be making your professional stage debut as Sandy in the UK & Ireland Tour of Grease, which opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 12th April?
I feel absolutely ecstatic and grateful to be making my professional debut in this exciting new version of Grease, as well as such an iconic role.
What was it like finding out you’d booked the leading role and what is Sandy like to play?
When I found out I’d booked the role I was in utter disbelief. I feel very lucky I was given the opportunity so early into my career. Sandy is exciting and vibrant, a strong and powerful role model for younger girls with complete control over her narrative in the story.
How is it learning the music and choreography and how are rehearsals going so far?
The music is so iconic and fun to learn, I have had the best time getting to bring these numbers to life. The choreography from Arlene (Phillips) is exceptional and getting to watch the cast bring together these high energy numbers is amazing.
How do you think you’ll find the experience touring for the first time?
I’m so excited to tour the UK and get to see new cities I haven’t been to before, as well as perform in incredible theatres I could only dream of being in. As well as being able to travel with the incredible company, it’s going to be the best time.
What are you looking forward to for being part of the musical and performing as Sandy to audiences?
I’m excited for people who love Grease to come and see the show as well as people who may not be familiar with it. Our new version is a lot grittier and we delve more into the real life people these characters have been based on. We focus on telling the true stories of these people.
Why would you recommend booking tickets to one of the dates of the Grease UK & Ireland Tour?
Our new version of Grease is so exciting and the cast are explosive with talent. You won’t be disappointed!
You are graduating from Mountview this year, was there anything that encouraged you to train there and how has your time been as a student?
When I first arrived at Mountview, I knew instantly that it was an exciting and friendly place to train. I had the most amazing time at Mountview and would be nowhere near the performer I am now because of them. Not only were the staff absolutely outstanding, I was surrounded by incredibly talented, supportive people within my year group. One of my biggest accomplishments to date is having trained at Mountview.
Whilst at Mountview, you played Judy Bernly in 9 to 5 the Musical and Regina George in Mean Girls the Musical, what were both shows like to perform in?
Both of these characters were so exciting to get to perform and create. As female empowering roles go, these two were up there for me. I had so much exciting creative license to get to invent my own new take on both of these characters which Mountview constantly encourage throughout the training.
How was it being in the choir for Magic at the Musicals last year?
Being in the choir last year and getting to perform in the Royal Albert Hall will forever be a pinch me moment for me. As well as singing backing vocals for Grease, creating such a huge full circle moment for me! I’m very grateful for all the opportunities Mountview gained me.
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
One of my favourite shows I’ve watched recently is definitely Cabaret. Every performer is hitting every moment with so much passion and care for the material. With such an emotional and important narrative, the show left me with goosebumps and I can’t wait to see it again.
Is there anything you enjoy most about having a performing career?
There is just no feeling like performing on stage, I feel eternally grateful that I get to call it a career and do it every day. I hope we can bring the audience as much enjoyment as we have performing it!
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