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 the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Nicola-Dawn Brook, who’s currently playing Rosie in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre.
Find out more about Nicola-Dawn and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
I caught the theatre bug very early. I first stepped on a stage at about 4 and was smitten. As a youngster I was in a TV movie, adverts, as well as lots of amateur dramatics. After my A Levels I started a BA course in theatre but then crashed an audition for Chess, got the job and never looked back.
2. My West End idol is…
Judi Dench.
Judi Dench receiving her 8th Olivier Award, 2016.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Hopefully I’m reliable and fun to be around. But who knows what other people think. I just try to be the best I can be as a human and as a performer. Sometimes I manage it and sometimes I don’t, but heh, at least I’m honest.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Little Shop Of Horrors.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Playing the Albert Hall in Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
Maintaining my stamina. Being on stage is the best bit. It’s after work that counts. It can be difficult to recuperate with just one day off a week. I wish the musical theatre industry would humanise the schedule of theatre performers to accommodate a 5/7 day work week. Also being out of work can be a strain on the soul and the morale if you let it.
Arcangelo Ciulla (Pepper) and Company of Mamma Mia!. Photo by Brinkhoff & Moegenburg.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
A crafter. I make stained glass items and art and I love it. I think I would do that full time.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m a wee bit shy.
Kate Graham (Tanya), Mazz Murray (Donna), Nicola-Dawn Brook (Rosie) and Company of Mamma Mia!. Photo by Brinkhoff & Moegenburg.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Concentrate in French class girl—you’re gonna marry a French Canadian! Showbiz/Life wise: Bullies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Listen, forgive, smile & move on.
You can see Nicola-Dawn’s work in action in the hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia!.