YOUR THEATRE ACTOR
Name: Ellie Rose Goddard
Hometown: Bury
Job: A Level student
Which theatre company are you involved with?: BAODS
Are you taking part in any productions at the moment?: The Wizard of Oz
Who is your character in the production?: Dorothy Gale
How long have you been with Bacup Royal Court Theatre?: Since May
What do you like/dislike about the character you are currently playing?: I admire her courage and determination to get back home no matter who or what she comes across. I like how easily she makes friends and how kind she is to people. The Wizard of Oz was one of the first big movies to have an independent female lead and I like how strong and courageous her character is. Sometimes she can be quite annoying with her whiny voice and crying but then again she is a young girl who has been torn away from her home.
What do you most enjoy about doing this?: I really enjoy doing dances and working with the cool props and set. I love the rehearsals and becoming different characters, especially with this character because I can be dramatic. BAODS made me feel really welcome and I am enjoying working with the professional cast, directors and backstage team
Have you been in any other productions?: I took part in three different Christmas productions with Proper Job Theatre Company at the Met in Bury. I took part in school productions with pieces that we devised for GCSE’s. I played the part of Fanny Hawthorn in the play Hindle Wakes with Tottington Amateur Dramatic Society. Last March I played Dorothy in the RSC Wizard of Oz at my college Canon Slade Sixth Form in Bolton. I regularly perform in a variety of concerts such as the Mayor of Rochdale’s charity ball and investiture, weddings, charity fundraisers and last year I sang the tribute to Lee Rigby at a charity concert at Middleton Arena alongside West End star Philippa Healey!
Who is your favourite actor and why?: Tom Hanks. I think he is extremely convincing in everything I’ve seen him in. He’s versatile and conveys emotions really well.
If you could play any part what would it be and why?: It would be incredible if I could play Christine from Phantom of the Opera. I love this musical and the songs, I definitely need to keep improving my range for this part. I also love the part of Éponine in Les Misérables.
Are you involved in any other projects at the moment?: I’ve just finished my director’s project at college where I directed a group of 12 high school pupils from age 11-15. They performed my interpretation of ‘Ashputtel’ by the Brothers Grimm. I also completed a musical theatre summer school at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Any memorable/funny moments or highlights from this?: In my previous Wizard of Oz, we had three Totos – two of which misbehaved regularly. They would sometimes refuse to come on stage, to sit still or obey any orders. On the last night of the show, the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man were caught out by a quick scene change and the Lion surprised the first few rows by furiously trying to zip up his trousers whilst delivering his lines. The Wizard of Oz opens at Bacup Royal Court Theatre on Thursday, September 28 and there are shows on Friday and two shows on the Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets and more information from www.bacuproyalcourttheatre.com