Sarah White directs Colchester Operatic Society's The Seven Deadly Sins

What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

My family were all members of the Emmanuel Church Drama Group in Walton and I had my first role as Thumbelina at age four!

I carried on throughout school and university and over the years have played the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, Ali Baba in Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, a ‘dollybird’ in The Adventures of Frog and Toad, Alice in The Vicar of Dibley, Nancy in Oliver and most recently, one of The Dynamites in our latest production, Hairspray.

I have also directed whilst at college and university, but this is my first time directing with the Society.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in the theatre?

All my immediate family have been involved with theatre over the years. My parents are regularly called upon to give their rendition of ‘Master of the House’! My sister Beth is a local singer/songwriter and performs with her band ‘Indigo’.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

My sister Beth is one of the most inspiring people I know. She has such grit and determination, and is just such an effortless performer.

What formal training have you done?

None (does grade 2 tap and ballet count?!!?)

Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?

Does grade 2 tap and ballet count?!!?

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

I loved playing Alice in The Vicar of Dibley with The Great Bentley Players.

It was the first straight play I had ever done, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it, as my passion is for singing. However, the writing and characters were just fantastic and we all had the best time.

I also met Amanda Powell for the first time (staring in the concert) and we went on to form our three-piece vintage harmony group, The Harmonettes.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

As Alice, having to ‘suck all the chocolate off of a Cadbury’s chocolate finger’. Very hard to maintain composure whilst everyone else is falling about laughing.

What role would you most like to play and why?

Alexander Hamilton or Aaron Burr in Hamilton - nether of which are gender appropriate, but I can always dream. Otherwise, I’d love to play Nancy again in Oliver. Such a great role, and a fantastic song.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Not really, although I did skip two whole versus out of ‘It’s a Fine Life’ from Oliver one time, meaning that poor Bet didn’t get to do her solo.

Any big plans for the future?

I am also Business Manager for the Society and can announce that we will shortly be revealing our next production for January/February 2019. We also have some exciting plans in the pipeline for later on in 2019 – watch this space.

Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to other actors/directors?

Preparedness is key!