WEST END STORY: Sarah Lark (I'd Do Anything)

Welsh-born Sarah Lark was no stranger to the West End when she first auditioned for I'd Do Anything, having already appeared in Cameron Mackintosh's production of The Witches of Eastwick at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 2000, creating the role of the Little Girl. The televised search for Nancy wasn't the first time Sarah had performed in front of the Lord himself, either, having previously appeared in the original performance of Whistle Down the Wind at the Sydmonton Festival back in 1995.

Following several other performances in and around London, Sarah chose to undertake a Post-Graduate course in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, from which she graduated with a distinction. Following this, she joined the cast of Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, where she stayed for two years, covering the roles of Sophie and Lisa, before putting herself forward for the nationwide search for Nancy.

Sarah came across as a loveable character on I'd Do Anything, with the bubbly, bright-eyed Welsh lass revealing a somewhat Kerry Ellis-esque tone to her voice. She sailed through the first few five rounds of the competition, singing songs ranging from 'Maybe This Time' from Cabaret, to Alanis Morissette's 'Ironic'. Sarah didn't have to face one of the infamous nerve-wracking sing-offs until week six of the competition, where she was pitted against current Elphaba Rachel Tucker. Despite Rachel receiving the lowest number of public votes, following the girls' rendition of 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' from Sunset Boulevard, Andrew Lloyd Webber decided that it was Sarah's time to go, basing his decision on the fact that she was perhaps "a bit fragile".

Reflecting on her time in the show, Sarah feels she learnt a lot of important lessons: "Really the whole of the I'd Do Anything process was one big learning curve, from the initial auditions where there were thousands of hopefuls, through every stage until we reached the final twelve for the live shows. I think I learnt that each contestant had their own unique talents, and that being judged on a performance need not be a negative thing. It can be very useful to get an objective opinion and also to realise that even judges can have different but equally valid views. I learnt that you have to believe in yourself and embrace new experiences - take the positives from each new adventure!"

Following her time on the show, Sarah went on to participate in the I'd Do Anything tour, with fellow Nancys Ashley Russell, Keisha Amponsa-Banson and Niamh Perry, and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? winner Connie Fisher. Other performances included a charity performance of Betwixt at the Ambassadors Theatre, her own cabaret at LauderDale House, and an appearance at the 2009 Whatsonstage Theatregoers' Choice Awards.

Despite not being chosen as Nancy on I'd Do Anything, Sarah gained a part in the ensemble of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and was given the opportunity to understudy the role she'd originally sought. During her 14 month run in the show, Sarah performed as Nancy on several occasions, something which she was thrilled about: "I can honestly say that the first night I stepped on stage wearing that iconic red dress, I felt like it was the end of a very long journey. I had played Nancy at age 15 in a church hall in Wales and knew then I just loved the role. When the chance to audition for I'd Do Anything came along, I just couldn't resist! Although I did not win the show, I felt so lucky to join the cast of Oliver! It just goes to prove that if you have patience and faith, opportunities may still come along. I can remember acting in a scene opposite Rowan Atkinson as Fagin and still not quite believing it!"

Sarah thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of working with bus-loads of children during her time in the show: "I absolutely loved working with all the children in Oliver! I have a younger brother who is the same age as most of the boys, so I was very comfortable with them, and yes I think I did eventually remember all their names! The children brought such energy to the show. It was a joy to perform with them and the support they gave me when I played the role of Nancy was amazing!"

Sarah has since also appeared on the concept album for a new war-time musical, Bluebird. Performing on stage and doing studio work are equally as interesting to her: "I thoroughly enjoyed recording the Bluebird album last year. It was wonderful to be involved with an original score - feeling I was the first voice to sing this music. I would love to make more recordings. Both recording and performing on a stage bring their own rewards - the first being that there is a permanent record of a performance and the second for the pure adrenaline rush of playing to a live audience."

When looking back on her past roles, and looking ahead to the future, Sarah's career seems to be a solid one: "I have been really fortunate in that I have played a variety of roles so far in my career. I would like to continue to explore all avenues - as a matter of fact, I am shortly embarking on a tour of a play called Carrie's War, and then going into pantomime in Wales (I'm very excited to be home with my family for Christmas!) playing Snow White - both disciplines I have not experienced before."

 

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