Interview: Vicki Manser on joining the UK tour of ROCK OF AGES
Having appeared in hit musicals including Six, Sunny Afternoon and Beautiful, Vicki Manser has joined the UK tour of Rock of Ages this week. We caught up with Vicki ahead of her first performance in Woking.
Rock of Ages is about 17 years old now and has a very loyal fan base. What do you think makes the show so popular?
THE MUSIC! It’s epic … tune after tune, banger after banger! If you think of your favourite rock anthem, it’s probably in the show! Also the comedy is on point! It’s very funny, and there are ad-libs left right and centre so you never know what you are going to get.
The characters (and the show!) is so iconic. How have you approached putting your own stamp on your character, Regina, whilst still giving audiences what they want?
I find my feet with a character when I have other actors and audience members to play against, so it’s a process … I don’t go in with a strong and final idea. I’m always open to changing to what I have in the moment. I’m doing it in front of an audience for the first time tonight so we will see if they like it or not - haha! I also haven’t really watched any previous versions so I am completely basing it off of the text given and what I feel in the moment … which I think at the moment is quite a sweet but potentially crazy Regina.
You have performed in several jukebox musicals now. What do you think makes a good jukebox musical?
Sounds obvious but the music. I love a jukebox musical where the music is actually the focus … I love that the band is on stage in Rock of Ages and they are part of the cast … you feel like you are at a rock concert and that’s what people want. It was the same with Sunny Afternoon, with the band playing the music live. And obviously with Beautiful, it was all about writing the songs … so you don’t feel like they are wedged in for the sake of it.
You were really catapulted into the spotlight performing in Six in London and on tour. What has the experience of gaining a large fan base been like?
It’s been amazing because having that much support consistently from so many people is very special. I am very grateful to the fan base because its allowed me to do my own music and push that. If it wasn’t for those people supporting me and listening and buying my music, I wouldn’t be able to do it .. so thank you!
What is your favourite song to perform in the show? And what is your favourite song in the show that you're not in?
‘Hit Me Wth Your Best Shot’ is hilarious. I also really enjoy ‘Final Countdown’. ‘I’ve been waiting for a Girl Like You’ is a favourite song of mine anyway, so it would be that one that’s my fave that i’m not in. It’s also the song I remember the most from when I saw it in town many moons ago!
The show is packed full of songs that everyone will know. Are there any songs from the 80’s that you wish were in the show that aren't?
I LOVE the 80’s. I listen to Heart 80’s everyday so there are tonnes of songs I could list! Basically every single 80’s tune I’d be down for being in the show, haha…but that would be incredibly long. Maybe ‘Cherry Pie’ or ‘Juke Box Hero’ - I LOVE those songs!
What's your favourite thing about touring? And are there any challenges that come with moving venues every week?
Seeing different cities I would never normally go to…and performing in some of the most beautiful theatres in the country. Sometimes it’s hard to get into a routine when you are only in places for a week … but I’m hoping if I think ahead, plan what I am eating, when I am going to the gym etc … hopefully it will stick throughout the tour!
Why should audiences come to see this production of Rock of Ages on this tour?
It’s hilarious…and it ROCKS! Surely that’s all you need right?!!
Rock of Ages is currently playing Woking and continues to tour until May 2023, with tickets for select touring venues available here.