Rowetta Interview

Interview with fabulous Rowetta
Starring in the The Songs of Sister Act

Manchester born Rowetta began singing as a child, performing in talent competitions before singing in clubs as a teenager. Her musical CV includes working with Simply Red, DJ Graeme Park, Mike Pickering (M-People) and so much more, including being part of the Happy Mondays. with a top five single 'Step On' and place in Manchester's 'Madchester' musical period to boot. She has also been involved in numerous other projects including last year where she co-hosted a show on Gaydio Fm throughout August. We decided it was time to catch up with the Mancunian performer as she tours with The Songs of Sister Act.

What prompted you to star in The Songs Of Sister Act?
I loved the idea of being dressed up as a nun, and the prospect of working with Sheila Ferguson was just fantastic!

So you will be touring the UK with the show, what’s the response been like so far from the general public?
Fantastic. Every day I seem to be getting messages and emails and from websites, people are so excited about the project. Even if wasn’t in the show I think I would still go and watch it, even just seeing the posters for the show gives you a great buzz.

It must be nice to be back in your own town at The Palace as part of the tour?
I love Manchester and I don’t like being away for too long. The people are fab and it’s just a great place to live.

Has it been a difficult production to prepare and rehearse for?
At the moment we are just learning the songs and have just got all the backing tracks, but we are rehearsing for a full week before the show, a lot of the songs you think you know but then you realise you don’t, that’s been the hardest thing for me remembering the songs! We have done a couple of duets and are just having the costumes made, it’s very exciting!

Have you performed at The Palace Theatre before?
Yes. Back in June of last year. It was called ‘Best of Broadway’ and this was my first big musical, it went really well and was actually sold out. It was a huge cast and a fabulous show. The Palace is so good to perform. In fact when I was 4 The Palace was the first Theatre I was on stage at with Danny La Rue and he called the children onto the stage including me!

Moving away from the theatre production, I believe you went to the Hacienda reunion night over the Christmas period at Sankey’s did it bring back some memories from 'back in the day?'
Yes it did. It was fabulous. I was supposed to be on with Hooky at about half past one so I didn’t go too early - I saw a lot of my old mates and Hooky was going at it dj-ing I think I eventually made it on stage at about 2.30am in the end. It was good singing house tunes, a brilliant night – as close you’d get to the Hacienda experience, you’d never totally re-create that again now. I went with Olly Wilson, Tony Wilson’s son, it was quite an emotional experience but we partied into the night it was brilliant.

What was the best music track in your opinion the stand out dance tune?
Candi Staton’s - You’ve Got The Love. It reminds me of The Hacienda times.

Of course you was in the Happy Monday’s band from those times, these days do you still keep in touch with everyone from the band?
Everybody but Shaun. (Ryder). Bez is like my brother. It was brilliant he won big brother, fabulous. We are really close, Paul Ryder and the rest there all great.

Obviously you had a show on Gaydio last year with Terry Longden would you like to go back?
If I can yes, we did drive time every day for a month (just a couple of days off) but its just so time consuming, you just get so involved with stuff maybe we will do one show a week or something who knows!

SILLY QUESTIONS
Favourite colour: BLACK & WHITE
What would you do to change the world: STOP WAR AND HUNGER!
All the rich people should give money to the people who are starving in the world. There shouldn’t be anyone starving in the world.
Any Phobias: Just in case I ever get asked to Go on I’m a celebrity I am not telling! Rats!
Something you love: My kids and my dogs.
Something you loath: Nasty people and greed.

Rowetta stars in The Songs of Sister Act which is touring the UK and is on at The Palace Theatre, Manchester on Friday 8th February. For bookings information at The Palace, telephone: 0844 847 2328 or visit www.livenation.co.uk