Donna Hazelton
Donna, 40, lives in a small town called Leven on the 'Fife Riviera' which, according to Donna, is 'well-known for its golf courses, magnificent beach and not-a-lot of sun.' She is married to Jon and they have five children – Chris, 21, Richard, 19, Niall, 17, Martin, 17, and Rachel, 14. She works as a sales and marketing assistant in the box office of the Byre Theatre, St Andrews – the only five-star theatre in Scotland. She loves her job as she gets to see all the shows and to smell the greasepaint on a daily basis. Donna says, 'I'm also on hand should the latest leading lady have an accident. The management knows that I'm primed and ready to step into the breach if the need should arise. (I keep leaving banana skins lying around back stage but so far no luck!).'
Why did you enter Musicality?
'My cousin Wendy phoned me up and told me about Musicality last October. When I went on the website to find out more about it, I just knew that this was my opportunity. I have been involved in musical theatre for all of my adult life – I received my 20-year badge from NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) in 2001. I joined my first amateur company aged 16 in 1981 as a dancer in Finnian's Rainbow and have subsequently played lead parts in numerous musical and drama productions. I felt that finally someone was making a programme just for me – no age limit (forget Pop Idol!) and a chance to live the dream that I've had for all these years.'
Was it your first audition? Can you describe your feelings during the auditions?
'I have applied and auditioned for numerous TV programmes in the past but up 'til now none have been right for me. I felt extremely nervous when I arrived at the audition venue because I wanted to get through so badly, and the average age of auditionee was much younger than me. In the event this worked to my advantage. My performing experience meant I was able to control my nerves better than some of the younger entrants.'
Have you ever appeared on stage before? If so, when?
'As I've already said I have been performing in amateur musical theatre since I was 16. I have also been singing in cabaret in clubs and theatres throughout Scotland since 1984. In 1995 I took part in the successful Edinburgh Fringe show Side By Side By Songbook. I have also recently taken my own one-woman show Divas on tour in theatres throughout Fife and Tayside.
What has been the best part about being involved in Musicality?
The very best part of being in Musicality has been the coaching by the best in the field. These people have made it an absolute dream come true for me. I never would have been able to afford the kind of guidance and help they have given me. I have also had the privilege to meet the most wonderful, talented people all living their dream too.'
And the worst?
'The worst part is easy – it's being away from home and those you love, albeit only for a couple of days at a time. I'm just not used to being separated from my husband and children for any length of time.'
Do you always sing at parties?
'I always get asked to sing at parties but I only sing if I'm in the mood. And if I'm in the mood everyone else has had it! Ha ha!'
What has been the hardest thing to master – singing, dancing or acting?
'I can quite honestly say the hardest thing has been the dancing because I am not a dancer. I usually say I'm a singer/actress/mover!'
What have you learnt from the experts?
'I've learnt a huge amount from Mary King about singing and breathing technique and we've all learned that you must give 100% in all aspects of your performance – even the things you're weaker in.'
Tell us your most embarrassing moment so far on stage – either in Musicality or during another performance?
'My most embarrassing moment has got to be during a performance of Annie Get Your Gun. It was in 1995 when I was playing Annie. I had a throat infection and part way through the first half my voice decided it had had enough and completely packed in – in the middle of a song. I shall never forget the look on my parents' faces, how horrified they were! No more horrified than me I can tell you. Thankfully it has never happened again and absolutely never will!'
Do you hope to carry on with performing?
'Of course I would love to have a professional career in musical theatre, however I have to be realistic and know that at my age parts in musicals are limited. That's not to say there aren't parts I could play – I just know they are few and far between. What I would really love to do is tour in concert and do some recording.
