Kerry Newton
Kerry, 32, from Hyde in Manchester, is a science teacher and performer on the club circuit. She has a six-year-old daughter called Erin.
Why did you enter Musicality?
'Having studied drama at uni and after years of performing in amateur musicals, singing with bands, being an artiste in clubs, taking singing tuition, directing and acting in plays, I knew that I had built up enough confidence and belief in my abilities to try and take it to the next level. This is something I have always wanted to pursue and other people kept telling me I should, but I never had the money to go and study musical theatre in London. Plus, of course, I have had a daughter to bring up. When this opportunity arose I knew I had to give it a go.'
Was it your first audition? Can you describe your feelings during the auditions?
'I went to an open audition for Les Mis once and I have auditioned countless numbers of times for amateur productions so I had learnt, up to a point, from mistakes I had made in auditions in the past. I knew how I would have to come across, so although I was nervous I tried to suppress the nerves and appear in control. I knew that I could do it and that I had to stand out in some way so I just told myself to go for it and enjoy it and that way I could present myself in the best light. I had to have confidence and I also told myself to keep smiling (although I did have the occasional emotional moment)!'
Have you ever appeared on stage before? If so, when?
'Many times, in theatre productions of all kinds – comedies, musicals, revues, charity concerts, with bands, in clubs. Some of them were as large-scale and as professional as you can get for 'amateur' productions. In the north-west we have some amazingly talented musical societies.'
What has been the best part about being involved in Musicality?
'Working with so many talented, friendly people, all creating fantastic results through sheer hard work, whilst having a lot of fun at the same time. I have made lots of new friends. The sense of achievement is great and my confidence has rocketed. I have learnt a tremendous amount.'
And the worst?
'Spending time with people, getting to know them, then seeing them leave. Frustrations over my dancing! Missing my daughter. Feeling I am not coming across as my true self.'
Do you always sing at parties?
'Only if it is a karaoke night or I am booked for a gig.'
What has been the hardest thing to master – singing, dancing or acting?
'Definitely the dancing. I went in as a good mover who could dance up to a point and then I was put up against trained dancers. I had to improve very quickly! At times I felt useless and at other times it all came together and it felt great. I found muscles I didn't even know I had!'
What have you learnt from the experts?
'Where do I start? I've learnt so much about dance and voice technique, how to deliver a song so that it really means something, and my acting has come on in leaps and bounds. I have learnt that I am capable and that I should always believe in myself and go for it. Most importantly though I have learnt to just let go and enjoy myself. I have actually learned to chill out a lot more.'
Tell us your most embarrassing moment so far on stage – either in Musicality or during another performance?
'Even though some of the warm-ups were loopy, I loved them and didn't find them at all embarrassing. I felt daft at times during Musicality though, because even though I can dance I felt naff compared to some of the other trained dancers. It's because when I learn a dance it takes a while for it to click with me. Then eventually it's good and I'm really proud of myself in the end. Goodness knows what I looked like though with my wobbly bits in lycra.'
Do you hope to carry on with performing?
'I know it is tremendously hard work, but of course performing is what I want to do and what I get a huge buzz from, so it's worth it.'
