Interview: Madalena Alberto On CATS, EVITA And More!

Welcome back to the West End, Madalena - what's it like pulling on the cat suit?

It's not easy at first considering the people who have worn it before - many heavy weights to follow - and I'm not talking about their figure! But then you just feel part of the kitten litter and it becomes super fun!

I have to admit I don't feel as attractive as I wished for, so the make-up and the big furry coat make up for it! This is also the closest I'll ever get to playing Catwoman so I might as well embrace the all-in-ones as much as I can!

I'm guessing you couldn't have ever really expected playing Grizabella at such a young age - did you see the show as a child?

I had the video tape of Cats when I was very young, back in Portugal. I didn't understand what was being said but was fascinated by the music and the body language. I remember doing the Jellicle Ball at a school production, and that my favourite song was Macavity.

And yes, I guess I'm quite a young Grizabella compared to how she is usually portrayed, but after working with Trevor Nunn for a few days and reading the poem the character is based on - T.S. Ellot's Rhapsody on a Windy Night - I could see that Grizabella is not necessarily old. The poem refers to a prostitute: "The street lamp said: Regard that woman who hesitates towards you in the light of the door which opens on her like a grin." It's stunning writing and there are so many layers and possible interpretations, and that is what makes the role fascinating. "Proud, hurt and indomitable" are the words Trevor Nunn uses to describe her, and if we try to play these given circumstances truthfully it doesn't matter how old she is.

What's the life of an alternate like? How much time do you actually spend at the theatre - and does it ever get frustrating, not doing the standard eight shows a week?

In my case, I'm in the theatre every day for warm-up with the whole company, which is so great, and then during the show I can do what I please. Sometimes I join the swings in the singing both. But I am good at keeping myself busy, I've brought my guitar and ukulele to the dressing room and I spend a lot of time writing. It's great to have scheduled performances every week and some extra night shows to look forward to! In the beginning it was a little frustrating as we as performers itch to perform, but it is such a privileged position to be in, a great opportunity to learn from everyone around and to be inspired and work on bettering myself. I am very grateful for this and I have been enjoying it immensely.

You're also very well known for your songwriting and your concert work - what do you have lined up for that?

My concerts this year, both in London and Barcelona, were quite spontaneous, not much planning in advance so I'm sure some will happen sooner or later, and although I enjoy them immensely, they are not a priority at the moment. I would also be very happy to take some time off to do some new writing and see what comes out after such a long time without doing so.

And what are your plans for 2016?

This time last year I was in Evita at the Dominion with no plans for 2015! It ended up being such a busy and educational year, with travelling as far as India, many concerts, falling in and out of love, great plays and now Cats! I'm very happy to sit here and say: "I have no idea what the new year will bring!"

Madalena Alberto is alternate Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium.