Success becomes a habit for Alex
SHE flew to stardom in 2008 after winning the X Factor with her almighty vocal talents and that hair-raising collaboration with Beyonce.
Since then, Alexandra Burke has been nominated for several Brit Awards, had three number one singles – with her debut single Hallelujah becoming the top-selling single of 2008 – and replaced Beverly Knight as Rachel Marron in West End musical Bodyguard in 2014.
And soon, the 28-year-old who has taken the lead in the Sister Act musical as Deloris van Cartier, will grace Venue Cymru’s stage to perform the hit musical.
But the Broken Heels singer has admitted how taking on such a big role has taken her out of her “comfort zone”.
She said: “Sister Act is very different to Bodyguard, it challenges me in other ways and takes me completely out of my comfort zone.”
“Doing comedy was not something I ever thought I would be able to do – I remember reading the scripts for the first time and thinking I wasn’t suitable for the role.
“But here we are almost a year later and it’s going really well. I blinked and a year is almost approaching since we began.
“I didn’t ever see myself doing theatre so soon after doing X Factor. I know it’s been eight years but it’s not something I ever saw myself doing.
“I always thought music was going to be my first love and my priority.”
Sister Act the musical, written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, is based on the 1992 film made famous by Whoopi Goldberg.
It follows lead character Deloris van Cartier, whose life takes an unsuspecting turn after she witnesses a murder.
Burke added: “I love how vibrant and sassy Deloris is. She’s quite bold and brave and I love playing that kind of character.
“I always put my heart and soul into everything I do so I did feel a lot of pressure taking on such a big character.
“They are big shoes to fill but in the same breath, it’s amazing.
“Playing Whoopi is a dream come true for me – I’m a massive fan of hers so to play such an iconic role is a blessing.
“I’m really enjoying doing something I never thought I would ever be able to do.”
The play is directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Mr Nasty, Craig Revel Horwood.
Burke said: “He is completely different to how he comes across on TV – he’s just a big old teddy bear with a heart of gold.”
As well as travelling up and down the country with Sister Act, the singing sensation has still had time to work on a new album.
“There’s no date at the moment but it has been a long time coming so I am really excited to get it out there and for people to hear it.”
Alexandra Burke stars in Sister Act at Venue Cymru from Monday, May 22 to Saturday, May 27
You can book tickets via the box office on 01492 872000 or on the Venue Cymru website.