Interviews - Inma Fernandez in London
You are studying as a musical theater performer in London. Maybe it's because your toured with Peter Pan there?
I had always wanted to study in London. This city has always fascinated me, not just because it´s the centre of theater in Europe but because it´s a very cosmopolitan city. I have always liked the cultures and ideas mixture that one can find in this city. Playing Peter Pan in London pushed me to take the final step. The audience's reaction to the show was very positive and that encouraged me to make up my mind to come.
What can you find in a British drama school that makes it different from a Spanish one?
Tuition quality is much higher. Theater tradition, specially in Musical Theater in London makes teachers be more specialized. In simple words, There´s been Musical Theater in London for much longer, so teachers have been working more years on stage and the minimum quality requirements are extremely high. It´s been just about 10 years, apart from some exceptions, that we are doing Musical Theater in Spain. We are just taking our first steps.
Did you see many musicals there? What's the best?
Sure I did!!!!!! I´ve seen everything I´ve been able to see, not just Musicals, but Drama, Circus and even a Burlesque show.
If talking about Musicals I would point out Wicked and Sister Act. Both absolutely spectacular shows, technically, vocally and from an acting point of view. The music in Wicked made a new kind of musicals and I loved in Sister act and each and every secondary role has a big number for themselves. Both shows have a perfect tempo.
Are London's citizens very fanatic about musicals or is it more a tourist thing?
We must keep in mind that there are about 20 musical shows on stage simultaneously, playing 8 shows a week. Some of these shows stay for years. This wouldn´t be possible just thanks to tourists. English people, not just londoners love Musicals. They don´t bother to travel just to see a play.
What chances does a Spanish actor have to work in the UK?
Unfortunately not many. Not because of the actor´s quality but because of the accent. In England you need a perfect British accent to work in any show, unless you are playing a Spanish role, of course.
Name your favourite Spanish and English musical theatre actor and for what role...
English: Michael Ball in Hairspray. I found out that he can laugh at himself and that got me, but my last love is Alfie Boe as Jean Van Jean at Less Misserables 25th Aniversary.
Español: Vicky Peña as Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd.
A few words for young drama students.
Work hard and breathe deep. Musical Theater is not X Factor (Got Talent). No one becomes a star and earns lots of money. Rejection in auditions is tough. But if there is passion for it, when you get to be on stage, you forget everything bad.
What role would you love to perform?
I will still have to wait several years. My dreamed role is Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.
What's the next step in your career?
Going back to Spain and start to work as soon as possible.
There is a proyect for a drama and an original Spanish musical, but I can´t still talk about it or I´ll spoil it. The first thing I´ll do is a concert with some good friends and colleges.
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