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.
This week, we’re talking to Rhiannon Porter who will be starring as Agnetha in the upcoming production of Abba Mania playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 21 May – 6 June.
Since its formation in 1999, Abba Mania has been enjoyed by over three million audience members and we’ve got to say, it’s the perfect party for theatre fans as we head out of lockdown. This two-hour production brings to life ABBA’s last ever concert and is a celebration of the timeless joy of their songs.
As the all-singing, all-dancing party prepares to welcome its audiences, we spoke to Rhiannon to find out more about her!
1. My route into theatre was…
When I was 16 I became a Bluecoat at Pontins for the summer, then at 19 I went to an open audition for the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour and went on to cover Fantine & Eponine for a year!
Rhiannon as Eponine (cover run) in Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour
2. My West End idol is…
Kerry Ellis. She’s played every role I’ve ever wanted to play!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
The crazy Welsh one!
Rhiannon as Sporty Spice in Wannabee The Spice Girls Show, Edinburgh Fringe 2019 (Photo credit: Rhian Cox)
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Being in the final to represent the UK at Eurovision is a massive career highlight but I’d have to say that my first performance as Fantine is something I’m extremely proud of!
Rhiannon in Eurovision You Decide 2018, BBC (Photo credit: ESC Extra)
6. The hardest part about my role is…
Agnetha is a very demanding sing so I have to make sure I keep my voice healthy (and trying not to fall over in those platform boots!)
Rhiannon as Agnetha in Abba Mania
7. If I wasn’t an actor I would be…
Cabin crew
Rhiannon in The Voice Of Kazakhstan, 2018
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I can recite every single line and lyric from the Buffy The Vampire Slayer musical episode
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
You are braver than you think, more talented than you know and capable of more than you imagine.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Everything happens for a reason!
Tune into Theatre Chat Live on Tuesday 18 May at 6pm on Official London Theatre’s Instagram channel, where we will be joined by Rhiannon to talk about Abba Mania, theatre returning #BackOnStage and plenty more stagey fun!