Robert Barry, member of NUI Maynooth Drama society interviews Aoife Mulholland from the BBC TV programme How do you Solve a problem like Maria and who now plays Roxie Hart in The West End show Chicago.
You came fourth in the show How do You Solve a problem like Maria but do you see this a blessing in disguise as you have still managed to secure such a successful role?
I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and looking back it wasn’t such a bad result for me to come fourth, what with playing Roxie now. But at the time I must admit I was gutted.
Tell me about your first audition, what age were you?
My first audition was at the age of 11, I auditioned for the role of Brigitta in The Sound of Music funnily enough. There were loads of kids up for the same part but I just went in and gave it socks. I was so used to performing at home that it didn’t faze me at all and ended up getting the part. My brother Eddie ended up playing Frederick.
How has your life changed since landing a lead role in a West End Show?
I can now afford to live properly in London and enjoy myself a bit more, it’s an expensive city. Although ironically I now live the life of a nun! Being on stage 6 nights a week, 8 shows a week means you really have to look after yourself, eat well and get enough sleep and stay off the booze!
I’m getting a lot more work offers which is great.
How exactly did you get the part of Roxie Hart in “Chicago”?
I got a call from one of the producers asking me to come in and audition. They had seen me on the Maria show.
What was it like rehearsing with complete strangers for Chicago and what is the rehearsal process like?
You’re going to be rehearsing with strangers all the time in this business so you just get used to it.
The rehearsal period lasted 3 weeks. For the first 2 weeks I worked with the director alone and in the last few days they brought in understudies to play the other characters. The first time I worked with the real characters ie Brenda Edwards who plays Mama, Julian Simms who plays Amos, was at the dress rehearsal.
What has been your most embarrassing experience while playing the part of Roxie Hart in Chicago?
One night Julian who plays my husband Amos, forgot to come on for one of his scenes, where it’s just me and him on stage. So I had to improvise and start doing what I can only describe as a Shakespearean soliloquy. Eventually after what seemed like eternity (about 5 minutes!) Julian arrives on in his bare feet, and I just said, “Amos where the hell have you been?” He replied, “There was an accident on the tram.. blab bla..” I never wanted the ground to swallow me up as much in my life!
Unlike other workers you really cannot afford to be late for work but has it ever happened? What do you do?
No I’ve never been late for work; I always make sure I’m at the theatre least 2 hours before curtains up. If someone was late, the understudy would prepare to do the show.
When and how did you realize that music and musical theatre was what you really wanted to do?
I’ve always know really, I was just too afraid to just go for it. Until finally about 2 years ago I realized I couldn’t deny myself any longer and started applying to Drama Schools in London and the rest is history.
Everyone has their favorite character and dream role in a West End Show, apart from Roxie Hart what would yours be?
Annie Oakley in Annie get your Gun
Has living in the spotlight changed you at all?
Not a bit
Is it easy for you to socialize and have holidays with such a demanding schedule?
Sunday is my only day for socializing; holidays are a thing of the past. It’s hard to plan anything because you never know where, when or for how long your next job will be. I’m dying to get home and see the family, haven’t been home in 6 months so hopefully I’ll get back in April.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
I’d like to do a bit of TV, film.
NUI Maynooth offers a Bachelor of Music degree similar to the one you studied in UCD. How has the degree helped you?
Being able to read and write music is such an advantage. Being able to play the piano is also a big help because usually if you get a recall for an audition, you’re given one or two songs to learn and you can knock out the notes rather than learning from a CD (bad idea!) or going to a singing teacher.
What did you enjoy most during your time at college in UCD?
If I’m honest, it was probably hanging out, drinking tea with my friends! I loved going to the debates too, such craic!
The choir was good too.. We did Handel’s Messiah one year.
What would you say to Irish people who dream of making it in Drama but find it difficult especially with the lack of resources?
I would say move to London, get the training and take it from there. There are so many more opportunities over here than back home I’m sorry to say.
We have very little professional musical shows staged in Ireland; do you think the market is there?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s enough of a market there.. its different in London because of all the tourists but back home, it would be more of a local thing and I just don’t think there would be enough people interested to fill a theatre 6 nights a week.
What is a typical day in the life of Aoife Mulholland?
I get up at about 10 am; have a big brekkie because I usually can’t eat that much before the show. Then I might read, watch a bit of TV, ring home, check emails, play the piano, and generally just relax. I try to make it to the gym in the afternoon, or go for a swim, or a walk. I might meet friends for lunch too. Then I leave my house at about 5 and its show time!
What’s the worst part of being in show business?
When you’re in between jobs, ugh, such a depressing time. After the Maria show I was doing auditions for about a month and nothing was coming through for me. You really have to believe in yourself and not take criticism personally.
Is it essential to have a lot of experience to make it in professional musical theatre or is raw talent enough?
You can’t beat raw talent but I believe you still need a bit of experience, even if its generally theatre etiquette like knowing stage right from stage left..
Thanks a million for taking the time to answer all these questions but lastly Aoife, what is the most important advice you feel you could give to someone wishing for a career in musical theatre?
Practice everyday, expand your repertoire, see as much live theatre as possible, get trained and go to one of the more well known respected colleges. And most important, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
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