Interview: Actress Melissa Jacques on NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL
Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, which is currently touring the UK & Ireland. We caught up with the wonderful Melissa Jacques who plays April in the new musical.
Most people will be familiar with the Now That's What I Call Music albums, but what is the musical about?
The musical is about friendship. Two best friends: April and Gemma. They were best friends at school and in 1989, April left for LA to pursue a career as an actress leaving Gemma to live her dream life back in Birmingham becoming a nurse, getting married and having children. Fast forward to 2009 and it's the 20 year school reunion…..will April turn up?!?!?!
Can you tell us a bit about your character? How much do you relate to her?
April is wonderful. Dramatic with lots of personality. Glamorous. I have adored creating her. She’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of Mel in there .
How does it feel to be appearing on stage alongside such a range of 80s pop music icons?
Sinitta has been wonderful. Of course, there are a few of us in the company that remember these stars the first time around. I’m especially looking forward to having Carol Decker with us. I was obsessed with T’Pau when I was a teen!
What is your favourite musical number to perform in the show? And what is your favourite 80s song that doesn't feature in the show?
My favourite number to perform in the show is probably ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’. Lots of female empowerment, a chance to really let loose with the vocals and also I love to see all the groups of women in the audience react to it when it starts.
It’s hard to pinpoint one of my favourite songs from the 80’s as I adore so many of them, but I do love ‘Africa’ by Toto.
Why do you think the music of the 80s has stood the test of time so well?
I think 80’s music has stood the test of time due to the fact that it was a pioneering time for music from a production side of things. Electronically. Synths etc. There was such excellent songwriting back then and also great celebratory anthems.
What was it like to return to your home city of Sheffield with the tour? And where else on tour are you particularly looking forward to visiting?
Playing Sheffield was extremely special for me. I had never played Sheffield since starting my career and this year, I have played it twice! We had the gala night there too which was so special to bring my family to.
I’m actually really looking forward to Belfast as my best friend is from Belfast so I have a teeny bit of a connection to the city and it’s also a wonderful place. I’m also really looking forward to Brighton….they’re gonna love the show there.
Having appeared in so many big name shows over the years, what has been your career highlight to date?
My career highlight up to now is probably playing Margaret New in Everybody's Talking About Jamie. That show is extremely special to me being set in my home town of Sheffield but also, it was the show that saw me play a leading role in the West End for the first time. We also took the show to LA for 5 weeks. It changed my life and career path.
What are some things you'd still love to achieve in your future acting career?
Career goals for the future….. sounds like an age old story but more TV and film. I love to sing and I’ve been very fortunate for my voice to land me a lot of wonderful jobs but I really love acting and to play a brilliant scene.