Interview: Janie Dee

Enchanted by Curve’s architecture after a visit to the city last year left West-End star Janie Dee on a mission to perform at the Leicester theatre. Last week, the Public Reviews Contributor, Jemma Crowston, met Dee in the foyer at Curve to talk about her upcoming lead-role in the Christmas special, The King and I.

Windsor-born Dee is a singer, dancer and actress and is most famous for her role in theatre productions such as Comic Potential and Carousel as well as TV shows such as Midsummer Murders.

Her dazzling stage prowess has been seen all over the world but not one to be content with the norm, Dee set-out to become one of the many stars to grace the UK’s most newest contemporary theatre – Curve.

“I came up last year to see Light in the Piazza because I’d already seen some of the work by Paul Kerryson. And well, as soon as I saw the theatre I said I must work here and I must work with Paul,” said Dee.

She added, “I’ve always dreamt of playing Anna in The King and I and you just know Paul will do something different with the show to make the audience wow.”

The Oliver Award-winner was bursting with passion about her role in the play. She said, “It’s very exciting to think that in the story a woman goes to a different country alone and she’s so strong and the magic between her and the king is like no other.”

The King and I is endearing story of the British governess (Anna – Janie Dee) brought to the court of Siam to tutor the King’s many children.

This musical classic will include some of the hit tunes led by Musical Director, Julian Kelly, The March of the Siamese Children, Shall We Dance, I Whistle a Happy Tune and Hello Young Lovers and Getting to Know You.

“Julian’s work is amazing I just stand in awe in his presence. I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Dee.

Although, no one’s been picked for the part of the king yet, Dee is confident that whoever it is they will be able to get the same chemistry as that of the King and Anna.

Following the success of Curve’s Christmas special, Peter Pan, Leicester Theatre Trust is once again on the search of scores of children to join the cast on the stage for this performance.

“We’re looking for 62 boys and girls from Leicestershire to play the King’s children. I absolutely adore working with children because it’s so much fun,” said Dee.