mum’s the word as debra juggles family and showbiz
Son Of A Preacher Man King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue-Sat
AS a gifted impressionist, Debra Stephenson can convincingly step into any number of roles.
But there’s one that’s far and away more important to her than any other – and that’s being a mum.
The former Coronation Street actress left the Weatherfield cobbles to spend more time with her family and she only took on her latest role after ensuring she wouldn’t be away from her kids for too long.
Debra, who played Frankie Baldwin on Corrie, is starring in her first musical, Son Of A Preacher Man, a new show featuring the songs of Dusty Springfield.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while but family comes first and the kids were too little to go away,” Debra explained.
“I left Corrie because my son, Max, was too young and I didn’t feel I had enough time with him.
“I also wanted to build and grow my family, and it was then we had Zoe.
“They’re 14 and 10 now, and this just felt the right time and show.
“I’m only doing some of the tour, so it’s a compromise.
“I still get to be at home on Sundays and still iron their shirts for school the next day – I’m still Mum.
“I also get a good amount of time at Christmas and then I go back for a short stint.
“I didn’t want to do something for too long because I didn’t know how they would do, but I think they are coping. It’s tricky and I do worry.
“It’s all about juggling, but that’s the same for all working mums.”
The 45-year-old plays Alison in the musical, starring alongside former X Factor star Diana Vickers and Ian Reddington, best known as Tricky Dicky in EastEnders and Vernon in Coronation Street.
It’s directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Debra credits the Strictly judge with helping her land the part.
“In a way, I’ve auditioned for him many times,” she smiled.
“He judged me in Celebrity Fame Academy, on a Strictly Christmas special, and then we were on the Strictly cruise ship together.
“After he did his An Audience With Craig Revel Horwood, he came along to the other end of the ship to see me do my cabaret show, Night Of 100 Voices, and he said afterwards that we would have to work together.
“He’s a really nice guy and I’m very grateful to him.
“My character is slightly uncomfortable to play. She’s a widow trying to deal with the loss of her husband and she becomes besotted by a much younger guy.
“She realises it’s just her grief, but it’s a really interesting journey for her and it’s emotional doing it every night.
“It’s a feel-good show but there is also that other element for my character.”
Debra reached the final of Opportunity Knocks when she was 14 and she’s kept busy as an actress, singer and mimic ever since.
But she doesn’t believe in staying in one project for too long.
“I like to do lots of different things and try to keep it fresh,” explained Debra, who lives in Poole, far from the media hub of London.
“That’s my approach to life – there’s so much to see and do.
“It wasn’t hard to walk away from Corrie – when I did I was absolutely ready and I’ve no regrets.
“I’m grateful for the role and experience but it didn’t leave me enough time to be the mother I wanted to be.
“Some people do it but I just didn’t feel there was enough time.
“Particularly the nature of the role, as the storylines were very full-on.”
Debra is looking forward to performing in Edinburgh – a city special to her and her husband, James, who’s originally from Killearn, near Stirling.
“It’s where we got together,” she explained. “We were part of the same group of friends in Manchester, but he was leaving the city as I was arriving.
“He phoned me and I said I was going to the Edinburgh Festival, so he said he would come to the show.
“We went out afterwards, got drunk, and the rest is history!
“That was 25 years ago and we still like to come to Edinburgh for special weekends together, so he is going to visit while I’m performing at the King’s.”