In the Hot Seat: Lesley Garrett

When I was asked to interview Lesley Garrett, I was thrilled and more than a touch nervous. I'd seen the world renowned Opera singer perform at the Laurence Olivier Awards and she'd sent shivers up my spine. As I stood on the balcony watching what felt like my own private show, I finally grasped the reason why Lesley brings sexiness and a 'cool factor' to the world of Opera. As we chat about her role in The Sound Of Music, I realize that Lesley is also just a charming, down-to-earth lady.

You play Mother Abbess in The Sound Of Music - were you one of the many fans of the movie?

Enormously… isn't everyone? It's kind of in the national psyche this piece. My children love it; my parents know all the music and everyone that comes has such expectations. There's an enormous sense of responsibility that we all share because this music matters so much to so many people. No song matters more than 'Climb Every Mountain'. When I'm singing that song I'm so aware of how the public are connecting to the sentiment in it. I think everybody has had to climb a mountain at some point in their life. I can feel them willing me on to perform it well and hopefully I never let them down.

Did you follow the TV search for Maria?

Yes, when I was able to. I definitely voted for Connie… we all wondered whether it was going to work. I mean, inventing a West End star through television is an extraordinary thing to do but she has so proved herself and is wonderful in the role. The great thing about her is her attitude… she recognizes that this is just the beginning and that she still has, obviously a lot to learn. She is learning from everyone else because they've had more experience than she has… and she's aware of that. The funny thing is, that she and I share something very similar in common and that is that neither of us had ever done a musical before. We're very much soul mates in that respect.

Speaking of The Sound Of Music - you were at the Olivier awards on Sunday... I saw you perform 'Climb Every Mountain' as I stood up on the balcony. Amazing. Did you enjoy the night?

Yes, it was extraordinary to see just how much talent there is in the West End, particularly at the moment and the standard of work that is being presented for the public. As wonderful as The Sound Of Music Is, it didn't win because there are just so many fantastic performances and shows out there. I was never as aware of it as I was on that night. For that reason it was absolutely terrifying performing Climb Every Mountain in front of my peer group. To see Janet Baker there honouring John Tomlinson.

The wardrobe opportunities must give you a buzz? Obviously not for The Sound Of Music - there's only so much you can do with a habit. But performances and photo shoots?

(Laughs) I must admit, I am getting a bit sick of black serge. I did however; wear one of my other black frocks at the Olivier Awards. I am very lucky in that respect and some of the designers clothes are just out of this world. I've got a few favourites obviously and I do tend to 'acquire' some of the clothes I wear for shoots because when you've got a wonderful professional stylist you'd be mad not to take advantage of that.

You also made appearances in "Strictly Come Dancing" and the BBC's genealogy show "Who Do You Think You Are." There was also 'The Lesley Garrett Show' and 'Loose Women'. Are there plans for more TV work in the future?

Well, I'm very excited because I'll be one of the judges on Comic Relief's The Fame Academy next month. We're allowed to have a certain amount of holiday time and I have been allowed to donate my holiday to Comic Relief because I think it's important to do a certain amount of charity work every year.

As for reality shows, I think they are a wonderful thing to take part in as long as you're learning a new skill or developing a talent and inspiring the public to do the same. The reality TV shows that are just about ritual humiliation I have no time for at all… as a viewer or a participant. I just think they are horribly manipulative and I can't understand why anyone would have anything to do with them.

As one of the finest voices in Opera, what other singers (in particular outside of Opera) do you admire?

Tom Jones has a fantastic voice and has stood the test of time. I admire his longevity and the way he re-invents himself and connects with the younger audience. I admire all performers who are able to do that. I admire Madonna for that reason. Vocally, I think Heather Small has an incredible voice and I very much enjoyed performing with G4 recently… they are a lovely group of guys. Of the groups that are doing classical crossover at the moment, they are the best.

It would be quite easy to chat to Lesley all day. She has a lovely demeanour that makes you want to hear her life story then tell her your own. At this point, however, I'm conscious that she has a show to do and a voice to preserve. One thing's for sure… this isn't the last we'll see of Lesley Garrett. With a jam-packed year ahead she'll grace the screen, the pop charts, the stage and the airwaves. The music world is all the better for it.

More of Katie Spain's interview with Lesley Garrett can be found here. For more theatre interviews and experiences, visit Katie's Theatre Buff blog.