Interview: Sandra Marvin Of SHOW BOAT!

Hi Sandra! Thanks so much for talking to us - you must be so busy preparing for the show opening!

It's busy, but it's really exciting. You see it all coming together, and it's exciting to be able to bring it to London as well.

What's the New London like for the show? It's been synonymous with War Horse for so long, and CATS before that.

I love it there. Out of all the theatres in London, it's probably the most suited to how our show was staged in Sheffield, with the thrust, so although they had to make some changes and there was some rebuilding, it's accommodated us really well - it's like a home from home. Because of the thrust staging, the audience feel like they're part of the show and we include them as part of the show in lots of moments, which wouldn't have happened anywhere else.

Show Boat is so ahead of its time - I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for them to write that show then, it's so forward-thinking.

Yes. It really was ahead of its time. To think that it was written in the Twenties... It always surprises me that it was the first time that black and white actors were allowed to be on stage together at the same time, and knowing that after the show finished they were segregated, with different entrances - it's mindblowing when you think of the history and the people. It's such a brave and exciting thing for them to have done.

And it's brave and challenging - but with fantastic songs!

Yes! Amazing songs! I've been really lucky to have these phenomenal songs - these are ones that everyone knows. 'Ol' Man River- Emmanuel [Kojo] sings that so beautifully with the company. 'Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man' - that was one of the first jazz standards I fell in love with. And 'Bill' as well - there's a video going round of Rebecca Trehearn singing that. Just amazing songs and amazing voices in our cast singing them - I'm proud to be part of this cast. I listen to Gina Beck every day, 9 in the morning, 10 at night - she hits these amazingly beautiful notes - it's inspiring.

How have London audiences responded?

We've been really blessed with our audiences. They've received it really well. The story - there are emotional ups and downs. You'll be laughing and crying and the audience have really got on board the Cotton Blossom. The support we've had - we really appreciate it. We hope everyone comes and enjoys the ride with us.

Obviously it's a tough time economically and a tough time for musicals so I guess there's always a bit of apprehension when you open a show.

Yes. I hope the material and the story and the heart of this show stands for itself. I have my fingers crossed. We believe in the heart and the truth of this story - it's so beautiful.

Sandra Marvin plays Queenie in Show Boat, running at the New London Theatre.

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