The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Shanay Holmes. Shanay will be performing her first solo concert at the iconic Cadogan Hall on 11th July; as well as being the star of musicals such as Oliver! and being the co-creator of the annual Musical Con and co-founder of West End Musical Productions.
Hi Shanay, how are you doing today? Thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into the industry?
Hello readers! I’m Shanay Holmes. Award winning actor, producer and recording artist. I have just finished my critically acclaimed run as Nancy in Oliver! I’m also the co-creator of Musical Con and the co-founder of West End Musical Productions.
Your first solo concert is coming to the iconic Cadogan Hall on Saturday 11th July. Can you tell us how the opportunity came about and how excited you are for your first-ever solo concert?
I am beyond excited! Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of headlining my first solo show and now we're here! I will get the chance to perform some of the greatest musical theatre songs ever written with the royal philharmonic concert orchestra and I can’t wait. This feels like a long time coming.
The concert is only two months away now. Have you started planning ideas for the setlist already and can we maybe have a hint on what to expect?
I am going to be reimagining some of the biggest songs in musical theatre. The concert will also give people the opportunity to hear me perform some of the biggest moments from career so far and so if you missed the chance to catch me in anything you will get to see it on July 11th its going to be very special.
From productions such as Oliver!, Miss Saigon, Rent and The Bodyguard (just to name a few), is there a standout role or moment from your 15-year career so far?
So many. I love Rent it has to be my favorite musical in the entire world. I loved Miss Saigon and playing Ellen was a unexpected highlight of my career, but Nancy is the one that has forged the women I am now. She reminded me of who I was and what the next chapter must be.
My blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?
I could tell you that but I would then be giving one of my best ideas yet away. It’s a book that I love that I am developing into a musical, it’s a passion project of mine. If I had to tell you one though now that I also think would make a beautiful play or musical it would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you have never read it I implore you to go read it, its changed my life and the way I think about love, dreams and destiny. It’s a beautiful story but also something to live by.
And finally, why should people book tickets to see your solo concert on 11th July at Cadogan Hall?
They cant miss it! If you know of me you know I have dedicated my life to this industry, I have worked for over 15 years reimagining some of the greatest musicals ever written and now it is time to celebrate that, to step into becoming who I am fully and really showing the world what I can do. I believe everything has led to this moment and it’s going to be an unmissable evening. Tickets are available here.
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