Why Sophie Bould is glad to be back at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre
Stage star Sophie Bould spoke to Andy Richardson about being back where it all started.
Local hero Sophie Bould will return to the stage where she began her career – taking a leading role in High Society at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.
The Newport actress, who lists Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber among her many fans, began in local amateur productions before breaking into the big time.
Her career has taken her to the London Palladium stage as both Liesl and Maria in The Sound of Music while she has also toured the UK in a series of repertory productions and starred on the small screen in BBC's Holby City.
Sophie said she was looking forward to playing in Wolverhampton and hoped to catch up with friends and family.
Her appearance follows a busy 2012 for the former Thomas Telford School pupil during which the Newport actress has appeared around the UK.
She described returning to the Wolverhampton stage as 'exciting' as it is the first theatre she ever performed at as a child.
Sophie, 30, said: "I'm really looking forward to this production getting under way. We've just started rehearsals but for me it's particularly exciting to be performing at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.
"It's the stage where it all began for me.
"The South Staffs Musical Theatre Company was looking for a girl for a role in a play and it was performed at the Grand – I was only eight at the time and played a little French girl.
"It was from that performance that I knew I wanted to be an actress, it propelled me to take drama lessons and now I'm returning to that stage. It's a strange but lovely feeling."
High Society, which features the music and lyrics of Cole Porter, will also feature Michael Praed (Robin of Sherwood and Sound of Music), Teddy Kemper (Acorn Antiques The Musical) and Daniel Boys (Any Dream Will Do).
Sophie said: "The play concentrates on a high society young lady who is just about to get married.
"She's been married once before and the guy she divorced tries to win her back.
"It's a feelgood show with lots of popular music.
"You're kept guessing right until the end who she will end up marrying. I think it's going to be a great show.
"Tracy is an incredibly interesting character and goes on a massive journey throughout the play. It's a great challenge for me.
"I've played a lot of juvenile leads so it's nice to now play a woman.
"I played Maria in The Sound of Music which was my first role as a leading woman but I'm more used to younger roles.
"It's great to get this opportunity and I get to put on my dancing shoes which is always fun."
Tickets are available from the venue.
By Andy Richardson
