In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
Answering our questions this week is Christie Prades. She’s playing the lead role of Gloria Estefan in Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet!
1. My route into theatre was…
In the Heights introduced me to theatre when I got the chance to play Vanessa, because I was recording music, acting and dancing separately.
2. My West End idol is…
Sir Ian!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Focused, hyper-organized and caring.
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in) is…
I haven’t had a chance to see many recent shows since I’ve been working on ours the past three and a half years, but if I had to choose I’d say Wicked or Hamilton. I am going to see Waitress on my evening off soon, so looking forward to that too.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
This moment right now, having accomplished a run on Broadway, our national tour, and now in the West End.
6. The hardest part about my role is…
Taking vocal rest and not being able to socialise as much as I would like to.
7. If I didn’t work in theatre I would be…
In broadcast journalism. Possibly in entertainment television or sports.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I love to write.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Be yourself in the audition room. Everyone casting in any show wants each of us to succeed in our audition. So being ourselves and knowing that the energy in the room is FOR us and NOT against us is very important.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Relax. Life is about enjoyment, and everything works itself out. So trust the process.