Interview

Charley Izabella King

by Phil Willmott
18/08/2005

One of the longest running double-acts in the West End involves two women - Velma and Roxie, the two scheming, rival murderesses in Kander and Ebb's hit show "Chicago". The dynamic between the two has to be just right for the sparks to fly and Charley Izabella King's an expert. She's just been playing Velma opposite Brook Shields and now shares the stage with Francis Ruffelle, the show's latest Roxie.

Q: How much rehearsal do you get before you take over these demanding roles?

A: Well, it's supposed to be four weeks but in my case I had commitments in America and ended up having to cram everything into two weeks.

Q: That's the really impressive thing about your CV, you're busy on both sides of the Atlantic. In fact this isn't your first association with the musical "Chicago". You were in the Hollywood film too.

A: Yes, I danced in several of the numbers: "Billy", "Razzle Dazzle" and "Cell Block Tango". I had a great time.

Q: How are numbers like that filmed? Presumably in little sections.

A: Yes. For instance for the number "Razzle Dazzle" they built the court room on one of the studio sound stages and we filmed it over two nights until 8am in the morning.

Q: Why at night?

A: I'm not sure, there must have been a scheduling problem I guess, but it was very odd to be going for take 20 of a particular section at 4am in the morning.

Q: And you've also been dancing in the film of "The Producers".

A: I'm in Matthew Broderick's number "I want to be a Producer" as one of what's known as the "pearl girls" because our costumes are entirely made from pearls.

Q: So you're a Hollywood dancer, you've also been a Broadway actress and your a West End leading lady. But it all began in Buckinghamshire.

A: Yes, I grew up in Marlow. I remember my mum took me to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song and Dance and I was hooked. I used to enjoy competing in local talent shows and went on to join the National Youth Music Theatre at the same time as the young Jude Law. At 16 I was offered a place to study at the Laine Theatre Arts College but instead I auditioned for "42nd Street" and was offered the chance to understudy the lead, played by a then unknown actress called Catherine Zeta Jones. It was really nice to see her again when I was involved in the "Chicago" film.

Q: You went on to appear in lots of West End and touring musicals but how did you make the jump to working in America? So many people try and fail.

A: Well, I'm married to a TV presenter, Ross King, and we went to L.A. on holiday, fell in love with the place and decided to try and make a go of it out there.

Q: Isn't it very difficult for an outsider to get a work permit?

A: It took ages and we had lots and lots of adventures and hurdles to overcome but eventually I got my visa and my green card.

Q: And an agent?

A: Yes, she got me an audition for "The Producers". I joined the show in L.A. and I ended up playing the lead, Ulla, in the national tour.

Q: That must be a great way to see America.

A: Oh yes, especially as you're in most cities for three or four weeks so you really get to know each place. I loved Denver in the snow and performing in Nashville.

Q: Back to Chicago. What would you say is the most difficult thing about the role of Velma?

A; Well, there's one point in the show when I get a fifteen minute break during scenes I'm not in. Then I have to come straight on and go into a really tough number, Sister Act. It can be difficult to suddenly summon up all that energy. I also smashed my shin on the side of a chair during rehearsals; it was very painful, so I'm always very nervous of doing it again.

Q: I like to ask everyone what advice they'd give a newcomer to the profession.

A: I'd tell them to follow their dream and grab every opportunity that comes along. If a door slams don't let it get you down, let it make you even more determined.

Q: What would you like to do next?

A: My home's in L.A. now so I'm looking forward to going back when I finish in Chicago and I'd like to start a family but in terms of career, it would be great to play Velma in the Broadway production of "Chicago" or maybe one of the leads in the new musical "Wicked".

Q: And maybe we'll see you as Ulla in the West end production of "The Producers"?

A: I never say never.