This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] William J Connolly: Bonjour, girlfriends. My name is Celine Dion, and you are listening to Eleven, the official theatre podcast.

[0:17] William J Connolly: Hello and welcome to Eleven, the official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. She's the Olivier-nominated West End leading lady that's currently setting sail on one of the most famous ships of all time, as she plays Celine Dion herself on the ship of dreams in the hysterical masterpiece of Titanic. And it turns out that nothing can come between Jack and Rose, except for Celine. So here, in an exclusive conversation direct from her home, we say bonjour to the world of Titanic as we find out what it's like mounting an original stage musical for London audiences now playing at the Criterion Theatre. Why there's nothing that can prepare audiences for the chaos that comes to life when this ensemble of extraordinary belting and comedy stars reveal what really happened with the infamous iceberg, and why there's nothing but love around here for Celine Dion.

We also talk singing the hits Full Out, without exception, why this show has no upper age limit, as has been proven by the most adorable recent visitors, and why this really is a singer's show for both the cast and the audience too. Plus we dive into defying the odds, the unwavering love of her family, and why her recent and much deserved Olivier nomination is for one person only, for little Lauren. So join me as I say how you doing girlfriend to the lady in the blonde wig that has turned the West End into a Celine fest. It's the unmatched talent of Lauren Drew, here now on this, the next episode of Eleven, the official theatre podcast.

[1:59] William J Connolly: Please help me welcome to this, the next episode of Eleven. She is the West End leading lady that's helping us all board the ship of dreams, or the shipper dreams as I believe Celine would say, and set sail on the biggest musical comedy since, well, basically, forever. You've never ever seen or heard anything like this. It's a role and a performance that's earned her an Olivier fricking nomination. Hands on the face already. I know this is a crazy, crazy time to speak to her. So I'm so thrilled to say that she is here with me now. So Miss Lauren Drew, bonjour, ça va?

[2:28] Lauren Drew: Bonjour girlfriend.

[2:30] Lauren Drew: Oh my gosh, what a time to be alive. Absolute madness. I said it in the introduction, but what a time to be Lauren Drew. What a time to be you. This is literally dreams personified and existing in real life. Give me a little bit of a temperature check just before we talk about specifics and the craziness that's got you here. How are you?

[2:47] Lauren Drew: Oh babe, I am on cloud nine. I've just, it's been this consistent euphoria for like, since, it's been consistent since the nomination. I think, you know, like when you've put so much work into something and then you see the payoff, it's, it's like just that nod of recognition. It's, it's more than words can even express. It's so amazing.

[3:12] William J Connolly: Where were you when you heard the news?

[3:13] Lauren Drew: So I was in the flat by myself because Ray is away doing his own show in America at the moment. I was like, oh, I wonder, like if, if anything, if by some chance there is a nomination, I wanted to record like myself here and all my friends and if anybody else got a nomination. So I took a little video and then as it was like approaching, I was kind of like, what if this actually happens? What if I actually get nominated? And all of a sudden I just got this, I started to get really out of breath. I was so nervous and it was such a strange feeling that I've never felt before. And then they announced my name and I fully, I have a video on my phone where I nearly collapsed to the floor. I was just like, the thing is when you've put so much work, like through 10 plus years, it's been not even just this one job. It's been a pure, like complete commitment to this industry for such for over a decade. And just to have a nod of recognition, like I said, is it's, oh, it just means so much.

[4:16] William J Connolly: What was it like when you watched that video back for the first time?

[4:18] Lauren Drew: Oh my God, sobbed, sobbing, sobbing, sobbing. I've said it to all my family and a couple of my friends. I was like, look at, cause they were like, where were you? What happened? Was Ray there? Were you anywhere? And funnily enough, Jordan, Luke Gage, he was like, do you want to meet for brunch this day? Just like, what if you get nominated? I was like, oh, it'll be daft. Like, no, I've actually got some bits and bobs I need to do. I was just in the flat by myself. But now I haven't seen, I haven't actually watched the video since those like couple of days surrounding the nominations, but oh my God, I probably, maybe one day I'll upload it, but oh my God, honest to God, it was just mental.

[4:56] William J Connolly: I really want to watch it, so I'm not going to force you to post it anywhere, but I may next time I see it, yeah, show me it so I can be like, hello. But do you know what? A reaction like that, that's so visceral and surface, it just shows how much this means to you. And do you know what? I imagine if there was, you know, the 10 years ago, you mentioned like, I can't imagine this would be the role that you would foreshadow that maybe playing Celine Dion would be the one that would get you it, right? Do you imagine?

[5:17] Lauren Drew: It's just like everything about this experience is kind of unbelievable because I've always loved Celine Dion and really weirdly throughout like my life, people have said, do you know who you remind me of? You remind me a bit of Celine Dion, like your mannerisms and the way that you are, and I never really saw it. And I was like, really? I was like, oh, that's funny. I mean, I love her and I went and saw her live as well at Hyde Park. So I've been a huge fan and more so of her though as well as like in her entirety because she's so mental in the best way. She's so kooky crazy as we describe in the show. That is just who she is. So it's, even just talking about it now, it's kind of like you have these moments of realisation of what it is you're actually doing. And it's like, I'm playing Celine Dion in a show called Titanic. What is like in London's West End? And I've just been nominated for an Olivier. It's actually not even, I can't like make sense of it. It's wild.

[6:16] William J Connolly: I think what those people are doing, by the way, is calling you camp.

[6:18] Lauren Drew: Yeah. Yeah, babe. That's me.

[6:22] William J Connolly: You reference it there, but like you are playing this role, which is Celine Dion. Like it's important to say that in this show, this is like a parody heightened version, but also the interesting line is, the reason why I start with that is because Celine has this personality and this characterisation that actually is above anything that's, you know, air quotes considered normal, which means that you're kind of just being her bit in a funny, successful way, which means that it feels so big and huge. But that's also, that is Celine, which means that it is this kind of rooted in so much Celine truth. So for you, when you started out, when you were like, you know what, they're doing this show in London called Titanic, which is this, it's not a parody musical.

It's like a musical comedy in the best possible way, written so perfectly. Where did you begin to find Celine within you? Because the voice is so iconic, the mannerisms are there, but you've got to have the energy. You've got to have the vibe. So like, where did it all start?

[7:19] Lauren Drew: Well, to be honest, I've always kind of possessed it. I just feel like I naturally channel her energy, which is why I think I've been told so many times throughout my life that I remind people of her because any kind of clip that she puts up, or if there's anything that's on TikTok or YouTube or whatever, where she's acting a bit crazy, people will always forward it to me and be like, why is this you? You know what I mean? I've always had that. But I think people need to realize that that style of human exists. I am also one of those people. You know, I am a very like glass half full, kind of very optimistic person. I'm very energetic and I have a very bright outlook on life. I feel like, you know, that's my general kind of makeup.

And she is very similar to that. And I don't really get embarrassed of anything. I don't have a lot of inhibition. And I think she's, again, very similar, which is why she can take the makeup of herself. I am very good at taking the makeup of myself. And I think, funnily enough, when this all came about, I was at a point in my career, I think I spoke to you about this briefly before, where I was kind of ready for a bit of a break because nothing was, what's the word, kind of interesting or I wasn't feeling very fulfilled. You know, I love what I do. And I think the second that I felt it was starting to become a bit like, oh, this is hard work. I'm like, okay, I need a breather. Because actually, when COVID happened, dreaded word, it gave me a newfound perspective and appreciation for my job and from the industry because I was consistently in it, very luckily so.

But that break is a necessity to kind of snap you back into reality of like, no, no, no, this is amazing. And so I did take a bit of time out for myself to just regenerate my brain and kind of figure out what it is I wanted to do. Then this audition came through. And actually, Natalie Weiss, when I went to New York, she was like, oh my God, have you seen this amazing show? I'm obsessed. I've seen it so many times. It's amazing. It's called Titanic. It's about Celine Dion, blah, blah, blah. And I'm listening to her speak about this show. Now, I had no time to go and see the show, so I didn't manage to catch it in New York, which is crazy. I said, wow, that sounds epic. The audition came through and I'm like, reading this script going, oh my God, what is this?

What is this fever dream? What is going on? It was the most bonkers, unhinged, fantastic thing, genius. Do you know what it reminded me of? Six. Like, it was a bunch of mates who like, wrote this show in their spare time. Wouldn't it be cool if we did this thing? And actually, they had this amazing idea to just, Celine Dion on the Titanic, in the museum, all these crazy, kooky ideas, and then all Celine Dion songs. Thank God they wrote it because it's literally changed my life. It's completely changed my life. But to be honest with you, in terms of finding her, when I got to the room, it all kind of happened as I was doing it. It just naturally came out because the accent, I never had an accent coach.

It kind of all, you know, I've kind of just found it myself. Mannerisms wise, I kind of possessed. Energy wise, wasn't too hard to be crazy. I kind of already am a bit crazy in the best way, hopefully. But yeah, that was kind of it. And then in the audition, I went full out. I went in like a Nadine Murabi play suit with like sequins and feathers and the whole thing, like Celine would do. What would Celine do? That's what we all say. She would do that.

[11:01] Lauren Drew: And they made me do an improv in the room. And I was like, oh yeah, that is new territory.

[11:10] William J Connolly: Well, the what would Celine do is in your rehearsal room. I came, it was on the wall, right?

[11:13] Lauren Drew: Yeah, so that's what I was saying. What would she do? There's not much she wouldn't do. You know what I mean? She's crazy, like me. But that's the danger. That is the danger. It's been a couple of improvs I've done and we've had like management being like, okay, maybe next time we won't do that. We won't maybe throw food and make people catch it in their mouths. But it's all part of the fun, isn't it?

[11:39] Lauren Drew: That's what we don't ask for permission. Ask for forgiveness. I've done it now. What are you going to do about it? They pay the £72.50. Fuck off. We've done it. Sorry about it. Sorry. It is what it is. I've got to try stuff out. And now honestly, it's been a hoot and those improvisations were initially something I was really scared of. And now it's like, I look forward to doing it every day. I've gone really hot. I need to stop laughing. I thought we might laugh later on, but it's too much already.

[12:06] William J Connolly: Talk to me about that improv example that you use. Because that is like, anyone that hasn't seen the show, there is a point in which the story does go a little south where Celine, quotation marks, forgets what happened. She gets a little bit too merry and she forgets what happened. So that means the said actress, which just happened to be you in this production, does have to maybe tell a daily, interesting, unexpected, unrehearsed improv moment. So what was your audition one? Would you care to tell me that one?

[12:30] Lauren Drew: Oh, my audition one. So they kind of just said, he was like, can you just like talk, walk? Can you just be Celine? Can you just go, go? Can you vamp to the MD? Ask the MD to vamp.

[12:42] Lauren Drew: And I was like, Oh my God, what is happening here? So I, something just took over me and I fully was like, okay, what would Celine do in this moment? What would she do? I'm like, she'd be singing, she'd riff, she'd get people up. She'd be, it would be a party. So I kind of, I feel like it's such a blur. It was something along the lines of I'm at a concert. I hadn't been to the UK. I was dissing the weather, talking about like the kind of foods that they have here in comparison to what I eat or something. I don't know. It was literally like a cowing dream. I can't even recall. And then I did a riff off with the panel and that went on for about five minutes. That was really fun. So it was kind of, I think just showing them that I didn't care about looking slightly stupid or just trying things out.

And see, the thing is with comedy, some things are going to fail. Some things won't work. You know what I mean? Like in the rehearsal room, you're like, Oh, that's crap. But you have to be, the room has to be completely safe and vulnerable and open. That's how you create the best stuff. And that's why we have, because everyone was open to people failing. You know what I mean? You've got to, because it's new territory for everybody. So, and lots of audience participation, as you know, and I'm very like, I'm very in with the audience and yeah, it's, it's unlike anything I've ever done before. And I really have just completely let myself, I'm fully immersed in it. I really am.

[14:22] Lauren Drew: Audience participation for sure. I think I'm one of the very few people that have had Lauren Drew's eggplant in their mouth.

[14:27] William J Connolly: Oh my God. You lucky thing. People would kill for that.

[14:31] Lauren Drew: I nearly did. I was like, again, again, again, again, again, again. For context. And I think legally we're supposed to say, come see the show. You'll understand exactly what I mean. Don't run away with that one. But it is like that obscene and that crazy. I remember when one of my favourite improvs I've seen you do a couple of times was when you said you were doing milking, getting jackfruits to milk a cow, I think it was. But Kat gave a look to you of like, are you really, really?

[14:55] William J Connolly: I'm like, I hope your parents aren't in the audience babe. Yeah. And take a drink or something. I said, thirsty work. It's yeah. And sometimes depending on like where we're at in the week or whatever, I'll sometimes chuck an old one back in and kind of watch their faces, just the dread, but I'll try and change it marginally. So they don't fully know, but you can just see the dread on their face if they have that slightest inkling of what I'm about to do. I usually, I like to use the physical comedy thing because it just gives me a minute and makes them look daft and it's brilliant. It's so funny. And the audience just love looking at people look stupid, don't they? They love it.

[15:36] Lauren Drew: Also if people think that this is just exclusive to Lauren's crazy mind, this is not. I've seen Titanic in New York. I've seen bun sniffing. I've seen a Fiera audition, like this, this shit travels, like this is wild.

[15:46] William J Connolly: It's unhinged in the best way.

[15:49] Lauren Drew: In the only way that could be described as the Celine Dion way. It is Celine, right?

[15:53] William J Connolly: It's true. It's true. And the thing is like, it has to have this, this like heightened element. Otherwise it just wouldn't work. It's the whole concept is kind of nonsensical foolishness. And that's why it's so brilliant. Because in a time where the world needs a bit of light, this is the light. It is blinding light. It's so fun.

[16:19] Lauren Drew: So for people in the world that maybe are coming across Titanic for the first time, I think the hardest question I'm going to ask you in this interview is, we start off in a museum. It's what period of time?

[16:28] Lauren Drew: Oh, I got on the Titanic in 1776.

[16:34] William J Connolly: Which is so wrong.

[16:37] Lauren Drew: Yeah, it's all a bit bizarre. It's, I mean, to describe the show is like almost trying to re explain a crazy dream that you've had to people. It's like, the whole concept is like, Celine Dion narrates how she thinks it really went down. It's a parody of the Titanic movie. And she is narrating what actually happened because she was actually on the ship of dreams. And this is her retelling the story from her point of view, in a very unhinged mental way. But filled with Celine Dion bops, a lot of rude jokes. So if it's not for you, it's probably if you're not if you're a bit like touchy on the whole, you know, I don't want to use the word prude, because that's rude. I think like, if you're a bit touchy when it comes to that kind of comedy, maybe don't come.

[17:35] Lauren Drew: You know what I was going to say then? That's why I put my hand up. I was gonna say, if you're well hung, I meant highly strung.

[17:43] Lauren Drew: If you're well hung, definitely come. Titanic is the place for you. I feel.

[17:51] William J Connolly: Oh my god, this conversation. Can we put this out? Can we put this out?

[17:56] Lauren Drew: Absolutely. And if you're offended by this, definitely don't come see the show. But it is it's just silly foolishness. And the songs are amazing. And the performers are like, oh my god, stellar.

[18:08] Lauren Drew: This is like proper singing, by the way. And you know, this is very much a compliment to you. Like, there's no fucking around here. There's no like sort of marking it. You are singing the hits of Celine Dion full out. I'm not gonna say as good as her because obviously, we want to be respectful to the Queen. But you're singing the notes.

[18:23] Lauren Drew: Yes, absolutely. Like I'm singing it from the roots of my being. I've completely like it's one of those jobs you just have to fully give yourself over to like in terms of social life. I don't know what that is anymore. Haven't seen one of those for a long time. But it's okay, because I'm willing for this. I'm willing to do the sacrifice because if the payoff is worth it, the show, it has to be you just have to it's the level that is required for this job. I think like, for everybody, it's you jump on that rollercoaster. And once you're on, you ain't getting off for like two hours, and it is relentless. So it's a it requires a lot of mental energy, you have to be very switched on at all times. So when you have a tired day, it's like double the work. Your vocals have to be tip top condition. So like you are living like an athlete. It's it is like that you have to be conditioned in your body. It's, it's a crazy, crazy job. But I love it.

[19:22] William J Connolly: What's the audience reaction like in the opening scene when we're at the museum? Celine first comes out because everyone's obviously listening trying to figure it out. Because it is like not really like a musical star. It's kind of like Leighton comes out and sets the scene. You're like, right, I understand where we are. And he's so clear in terms of like, he's trying to be fun. But then we take fun to like a whole new level with this bin bag with legs, I think, because he beautifully described it on the musical show. And then Lauren Drew comes out in the Celine Dion dress and wig and then shit hits the fan. Then we were like, what's the reaction like then versus the end of the show?

[19:53] Lauren Drew: Yeah, so it varies. It depends on your audience. It depends on if people have seen it before, if they've already got an inkling of what the kind of premise is. But let's, for example, let's just use the example of people that have no idea. This isn't necessarily their usual bag. And you look up into the audience and you go, oh, okay, this might take a little bit of warming up. So people because it's a lot of information very quickly. And it's very different to anything anyone will ever have seen before. So I'd say for the first thing, they laugh. Everyone's always very responsive. They're on board. But you can see some people are trying to figure it out. They're like, what have I paid to see here?

And everyone that comes at the end will always say it was I could not have even imagined in the direction it was going to go. I had no idea. But oh, my God, I am coming back. When can I rebook my tickets? So you're going to have the odd person. It's not their bag. It's the same as everything. But on the most part, every night we have a standing ovation. It's happening every single night. And we had a couple of nights ago, there were two people, I want to say probably in their late 80s, early 90s front row. And I did have a bit of a worry. So every time I passed them, I kept like checking in because like I said, I'm a bit of like a luxurious position in that way. I can kind of check in, have a chat.

And I was, you know, making sure they were on board. And they loved it. First ones on their feet at the end of the day. And that's what I mean. You can't be worried about offending anybody or not being. The show is what it is. And people are either going to like it or they won't. And the most part, they love it. So the audience is yeah, it's usually what am I watching? Huh? Oh, ha ha ha ha ha ha. And then it just builds from there is the general kind of way it goes.

[21:46] Lauren Drew: The reason why I think that happens is because yes, of course, we all know the song. So there's a sense of familiarity with it. We of course also know the story of the Titanic, which again means we've got that information in our wheelhouse. And then on top of that, you add the genius of the fact that Connie and Marla together wrote this script that celebrates Celine in terms of all the things that we feel very protective of her like that. How you're doing girlfriend is such as Celine is more like the who let the dogs out moment or stuff that means that you are laughing with them, not against them, if that makes sense.

[22:14] Lauren Drew: And that was so important for me because yes, there are moments where it's crazy, but she's very much a human being that exists. And she's classy. She is classy. This show is mental. And there are moments where obviously you have to push the boat out. And I am, you know, acting crazy. But I always keep up the route of my thought, like I am paying respect and homage to this, this, I just like my idol. So that's why I treat this job so seriously. And I am living my life like an athlete because I want to be able to sing her songs. Good. I want to be able to give myself the give her the energy that she deserves. And that's I'm not trying to be like wonky or anything that it's that's genuinely how I feel.

I never want to go out there and be like, Oh, you know, went out last night. So that my voice is a bit fucked. I'm not gonna but no way, I just won't do it. It's like, she's too amazing for that. You know what I mean? So and people, if they're coming to see Celine Dion, I'm going to give them the best version of that I possibly can.

[23:18] William J Connolly: Your vocals being good is the understatement of the century. Bless you for being humble.

[23:21] Lauren Drew: Thank you so much.

[23:28] Lauren Drew: One part of the show that I really love is, and I'm not sure specifically when it comes in, but it's when like one scene is finished, it goes da-dum, and they're like, thank you very much. And it's like the travelling comedy of it, of when Celine like is interacting with the audience's reaction, where I think they like start clapping, but they're clapping for something else. And then you laugh. It's like, it's like, it never stops. Like, it's a long minute. And also the audience respond to you like organically, like every night. So does that mean that you have to be aware that, oh, they're also going to talk as well?

[24:55] Lauren Drew: Yeah, that sometimes, that has only happened a handful of times. And the first few times I was like, Oh, okay, here we go. This is something I've got to, because you know, I introduce, I go up to the audience and I'm like, okay, what's your name? And some of them, you know, usually, yeah, you add it babes. And some people just, you know, they say their name and then they're done. But other people, they want to have a conversation and it's not the time, but you have to go okay. And your brain is literally going, brr. Of like, how do I deal with this? And it happened the other day, actually, I was walking the first section of the show, and we had a load of latecomers. And I mean, there was a ton, right in the middle of the stalls, very close to the front.

So they had to, no one was listening to a word I was saying, because, you know, but it's in a very important part where I'm, you know, establishing my relationship with the audience and what it is that I'm doing. And I kind of had to make it a bit, because it wasn't so I'm, it's, it's, yeah, you've always got to be very, very switched, switched on. And it's funny, because like you said, it is a laugh a second and the audience, you can see they're like, almost like, they don't know what to laugh at next. Because even sometimes if like, a lot, if an applause happens in a place where it doesn't usually happen, and I'm walking on stage, I'll use that as like, as you know, another way of landing another beat. So it's, it is a really, I tell you what, I've learned so much. This, this is what I mean, like, when you, you never stop learning, you.

[25:25] Lauren Drew: Never stop learning in this industry because there's always something to challenge you and you think you've done it. I thought maybe like Brooke Wyndham was the biggest challenge and I was like Catherine of Aragon is a big challenge, oh Fantine was a challenge, but then I'm like this is like all of those things in one. Also singing again songs that you know everybody knows, which means that—and that's the pressure, wanting to get it so good and so right because you see them go, oh I love this song, as soon as you start, for all those, oh yeah, and you want to be able to sing the house down because you know they're expecting the big notes, heart will go on, they go, oh, it's Precious Horton, you know what I mean?

So you have an off day, you can't have an off day, you just can't. When it comes to vocal choices though, I do feel like you don't really help yourself and I don't know if this was a Lauren Drew thing or this is a someone else thing, by the way, I don't know if you can hear but she is laughing and smiling at me saying that, but you know in the trio, the trio that you do, I don't even know how to describe it, do you know which bit I'm talking about, like the siren, you tell him. Why do you do that? Why on earth would you make yourself do that every fucking night? Like, come on.

[26:31] Lauren Drew: It's what Celine would do.

[26:32] William J Connolly: Is it? Or is it what Lauren Drew is?

[26:34] Lauren Drew: I feel like it's a combination. I feel like she, the thing is, the reason actually why I did that, initially I actually thought that was the point and then I was, they said to me, just know like you don't have to do that because they thought, oh my god, that's going to be tiring every day. I was like, oh, oh, I thought that was what it had to be and I don't really know why I thought that. Maybe it just happened once in the rehearsal and then I just thought that's what it was. But then the more I was doing it and obviously I'm popping up in the first and the whole setup of that song is they're having their moment and I jump in front of them to take the spotlight. I'm like, that's another moment for her.

She's just done this amazing riff. It's like, well, what can Celine do to try and top this moment that's not about her? It's like, let's sing this high note for really a really long time. It's like, it just felt right. So I've kept it in. I don't know what, there'd be times it's probably shorter, you know, if I was like exhausted, but so far so good. It's still happening.

[27:34] William J Connolly: It's so huge and it is really impressive. It's like, holy fuck, like that's, it's mega. And you know, we talk about lots of things lead up to a particular moment. That is the genius of not just your comedy, not just your storytelling, not just the fact you're singing the notes, not just the fact you're singing the notes as Celine Dion celebrating her, but you're also adding you into there as well. I mean, that really is the full package. That's why you are Lauren Drew Olivier nominee.

[27:58] Lauren Drew: Oh God, I can't believe it. And forever that will be. Isn't that crazy? It's like, it's such an honour. I honestly, I just think back to, and I keep saying this, my little childhood, like my little self in Port Talbot and my parents and everything we grew up with, I had no money. Like my parents gave me everything and had nothing. And they took me all around the country dancing. Then they put me into like anything I wanted to do in school I could do. And it's kind of like this, this, do you not just see how the paving stones have kind of just led you to this moment and all the people that have made this happen around me. It's like, it's such a surreal feeling that I am, I've been nominated for an Olivier after all this work, because it's been my whole life. I've literally given my whole life to this industry. I really have in different ways and capacities, but I am so grateful. Like I'll never not feel amazing, ever.

[28:58] William J Connolly: I don't want to put you on the spot, but have you dared to dream about what would happen and what it would feel like if you did win?

[29:04] Lauren Drew: Oh God. I mean, I've kind of written it off and I mean in my head, but I think I don't even, I don't know if I can even fathom that, because there's a potential probably just melt into a puddle of, I don't know. Would I cry? Would I go into shock? Would I? It's hard to know. I think, I feel like I've already won. It's so weird. It's like, if that was to happen bonus, of course, that would be amazing. Like imagine, but the nomination, honestly, it feels as though you feel like a winner already because it's such a prestigious thing to even get to go and dress up and be sat there and be called up as a nominee alongside those amazing women. It's like, wow, that's where I'm at now. That's where I'm at now. That is crazy.

[30:11] William J Connolly: If you did win, by the way, please, please agree with me now, Pinkie promise that you'll do the siren in your speech.

[30:16] Lauren Drew: Oh my God. I'd be like, if I can breathe, give me Scooby-Doo on crack. Oh my God.

[30:24] William J Connolly: Or at least do it as Celine, at least say like, thank you, girlfriend. Like do something in the voice.

[30:27] Lauren Drew: Oh yeah. She's got, I mean, she'll have to make an appearance for crying out loud. She's the reason I'm ugly either. Imagine. Oh my God. Can you imagine if I got to meet her? Oh, where are you, Celine?

[30:38] William J Connolly: She'll come one day. She's aware of it. David Foster obviously gave his blessing to it. Her team have been and love it. Like don't, I know it sounds obscene. It sounds crazy and so far fetched, but it'll happen.

[30:47] Lauren Drew: Oh my God. I'd have a heart attack. I just got a keel over on the spot and die.

[30:50] William J Connolly: Would you like to know?

[30:53] Lauren Drew: I probably wouldn't because I think I would change what I was doing.

[30:57] William J Connolly: Yeah.

[30:57] Lauren Drew: Because I think I would be worried or like I would be in my head or I would think, oh, this choice, or maybe this is just right for the show. Would she think that was good? I think it's better to do something as you've done it. And it's achieved all of these amazing things because of what it is that we've done. Actually, I probably, it probably would be best I didn't know.

[31:21] William J Connolly: I don't think you could go into that space when it's full of gays though and not know. So I feel like it might.

[31:24] Lauren Drew: I'm not kidding about it. And the criterion as well, of all places, like, oh, Jesus. I just love her, man. I love her. I hope she gets to see it.

[31:34] William J Connolly: But she probably also has seen you do it. I know this sounds crazy, but you've performed it now quite a few times on television. So she, her team, you know, will have showed her. I'm very sure of that something like she'll be aware that this, a musical doesn't happen that about you around you, you know, with you, without you just looking now and again.

[31:52] Lauren Drew: Oh, maybe I'll just have to like persistently like tag her and torment her until she replies. I'm like, have you seen this video? Have you seen this video?

[32:00] William J Connolly: Lauren Drew was blocked by Celine Dion.

[32:05] Lauren Drew: Yeah, that would be my luck. So maybe I won't do that. Restraining order.

[32:10] William J Connolly: You referenced a second ago about your parents and the impact that they've had on, you know, making sure that your interests are always at heart. Have you been able to share the moment, which thank God you were on Instagram Live, of you being on the front of the programme? Have you showed that to them or your friends or family?

[32:24] Lauren Drew: I did. Yeah. Do you know, it's so sad. My parents still haven't seen the show yet.

[32:28] William J Connolly: What?

[32:29] Lauren Drew: I know. My, so they are, my mum actually had an accident. She fell and she broke her leg. And actually my dad has recently found out he's got the all clear from cancer, which is amazing.

[32:39] William J Connolly: Incredible. Oh, wow.

[32:41] Lauren Drew: But then my mum fell and broke her leg. I think the night that we got, I think it was actually the day after we got the news and it was such a shame and it was like, bless them. That's what I mean. It was like when all these good things are now happening, we're all just like, oh my God, we're just like rinsing them for all they're worth because it's so few and far between. Do you know what I mean? And they are honestly, my family, I've got to say, I am very fortunate to have the support that I've got. They are my number one fans. Like they literally live and breathe for me. They are so proud. And I'm an only child. So, and I'm an only grandchild and my grandmother's exactly the same. My uncle's the same, my auntie's and they all just like are so supportive and they're just the biggest cheerleaders.

I'm really lucky because I know that that's not the case for a lot of people. And like I said, when you grow up with not enough, not a lot in this little council estate, which I don't begrudge. I loved my childhood. It was amazing. You just really appreciate these moments even more, I think, because it's like, it seemed like such a far away unachievable thing. And now I'm doing it and I feel like I really am. They are a lot of my driving force. They are because if it wasn't for them, honest to God, well, I just wouldn't be here. They've let me do whatever I want to do. I don't, I want to be a dancer, quit. I started off as a dancer, took me around the country, spent money they didn't have. I want to go and do this in school.

Yeah, take whatever GCSEs you want to take, whatever you think is right for you. I want to do a BTEC, I don't want to do A-levels. Great, you go do that. It wasn't ever plan B, panic. I just never had that battle. So thank God. I think I take, I used to take for granted how fortunate I was because I didn't realize other people weren't as fortunate as that. And then you come to London and you talk to like your pool of friends outside of your tiny little town and then you hear their stories and you're like, oh wow, like I'm very lucky that I was able to do what I was able to do. So I love them so much. They're just the best, honest to God.

[34:43] William J Connolly: They must be so proud of you.

[34:44] Lauren Drew: Oh, they are. They are. They're so proud. Everything I post, they screenshot and put on Facebook. They're the best, honest to God. Oh God, they make me die. Like I just cry. Sometimes I'll just look at their posts. I know I did the BBC performance and the musicals. My dad, in little clips, videoed the entire thing, like but off the telly. And like all in little clips, like posted it one after another on his Facebook.

[35:10] William J Connolly: Oh God, I can't deal with parents.

[35:12] Lauren Drew: Yeah, they are just, they are ridiculous. They're just the best. Like it's hard to explain. What's it going to be like when your nan sees the show?

[35:18] Lauren Drew: You know, she can't, she can't, she can't. She's kind of like, um, she's kind of like, well, my grandmother's disabled is so sad, but she is sound of mind. So like she still is, you know, but gone are the days now. She can't really make London trips. When I was touring, she could use, she used to be able to make like Cardiff and stuff, but that's why it's been again, incredibly special that a lot of this has been televised because she's got to watch it from home, like the BBC performance. And then the Red Nose Day performance was also on there. Um, so I'm, I, I'm grateful that she's got that much because it's such a special moment. The show was obviously like a bit of a staple one, I think.

[36:00] William J Connolly: Do you have to warn her though, before, because if she's not seeing the show, she's going to be like, wait, that is my granddaughter.

[36:04] Lauren Drew: But my grandma is just as unhinged as I am. Me, my, the women in my family, we are cut from the same. They are just, I used to dress my grandma up and all sorts like, and used to make her do like impressions and crazy things. And when I was with Sony Ericsson slide up phone, used to do like videos and oh God, my family are unhinged like me in the best way.

[36:33] William J Connolly: Through fear of asking you some very basic questions, do you have a particular moment slash song in the show that you're like, Lauren Drew's ready to belt the shit out of this or sing this? Like, is there a thing you're like, I know this is where I feel really fucking cool?

[36:44] Lauren Drew: Oh, I surrender. Love that. It's like one moment just before the ship splits in half, when the iceberg bitch comes out. And I have a little belt backstage while Darren is doing his section. Victor Garber's doing his section, who he's amazing as well. Oh my God, I think he's so brilliant. Darren, he's amazing. And I have a little belt outside and then I'm like, this is the moment I get to like, no goofy, nothing. It's like stand there and sing from the depths of my soul.

[37:15] William J Connolly: Does it make it easier or harder though, when you have got like an, this is very much an ensemble piece. There is like a collective of, you know, everybody has an incredibly important part to play. When you have people like Rob one side and you've got Kat and then you look at Jordan and then you've obviously got the incredible characterisation of Ruth at the end where you're like, how do you keep it together?

[37:34] Lauren Drew: I sometimes look around the stage and I go, and this is the God honest truth, I go, oh my, like legends, the best at what it is they do. And I am, I'm on stage with these people and there are moments like, you know, yeah, funny moments, especially like Stephen, you know, for Christ. I thank God, I don't have to do anything with that man because it would be a massive problem. Like I, I'm the first to admit I'm, I'm bad at like, if something makes me go, I have to think.

[38:38] Lauren Drew: This is epic. Look at the people we have here. Like, wow, yeah, no, it is pretty amazing. I can't quite believe it. I can't quite believe the luck that they got everybody for this cast is just unreal. Yeah, it's crazy talented and it's crazy vocals. Like, there's not a dip at any point in the show. Like, you want proper singing, this is the show to go to. Everybody, every single person. Leighton Williams singing actual Tina Turner, though. I mean, like, come on. Yeah, and it kills me because I never used to consider myself a singer. I'm like, what? It's so funny, isn't it? How people see and view themselves. Because Kat Roney, who's playing Rose, who is amazing. This is her first ever proper musical.

And she was like, oh, my God, like a little bit like nervous starting and she was panicking about it. And then she came in and did like, oh, no, she does a bit of TV actors. She's more of an actor. Then she opens her mouth and that voice comes out. I'm like, no, no, no, this girl is not just an actor, darling. She's a singer, actor, dancer, give you everything you need. Everybody's the same. Everyone. It's special. It is. It really is. This is rare.

[39:50] William J Connolly: It's so crazy that you could have that much talent on stage in parts that all get their shining moment as well. It's so nice to get to you think, oh, that's a great voice. And then you get to listen to it properly, which I can imagine as you probably encourages you to like step up your game a bit as well.

[40:02] Lauren Drew: Yeah, all of us. I think we all do that. And it's like, it's funny because if someone is having like a slightly more tired day, the second the show starts, when you're around that much talent, you have no there's no other way other than up. You've got to match it. You've got to get there. So we're always we're all using each other to be the best we can be. And that's why the show I really think is just is just banging.

[40:30] William J Connolly: I'd love to watch it. Have you ever seen it?

[40:34] Lauren Drew: I actually do you know when I did watch it was the dress run because I had the flu. Do you remember the very start when everyone was getting really sick? I caught it in Tech Week and it was probably the worst chest infection I'd ever had. And I was like, oh my God, I'm not going to make open a night. But I did. I made it.

[40:52] William J Connolly: You did.

[40:52] Lauren Drew: But I went and watched the restaurant so that I could see the traffic and I could understand any bits that I missed in tech. And then the first time I performed it was in front of an audience. That was scary. But we did it. I remember the opening nights that literally directly in front of me, just a couple of seats to the side was my favourite singer, Jessie Ware. And she was absolutely living for it. And I think it must be so weird for you guys, because this show and I was I was talking to Marla and Connie at the opening about the fact that this show brings the stars because you've got so many huge names in it. Has it been is it like an exciting thing to know that like the singers want to come to the singer's show?

[41:30] Lauren Drew: Yeah, for sure. Like, you know, it's an honour because the people that we've looked up to for a long time, you know, like a couple of nights ago, Danny Minogue was in as well, which was really cool because I've always loved Danny Minogue and now we're messaging. It's like, she's just gorgeous. And then Amanda Holden, who I love, RuPaul was in, Alan Carr was in. We've had every drag queen you can think of in. We've had honestly, I can't even tell you now, the top of my head. We've had so many famous people in and so many singers in and they all love it.

[42:03] William J Connolly: Do you think about what would happen if David Foster came?

[42:06] Lauren Drew: Oh my God, I'd love that. I'd love him to come. Because he obviously approved and allowed the songs to happen famously. There's obviously a longer conversation there with the creatives, but like he gave his blessing and stamp to the songs, which means that, you know, he knows about it. He likes it and he loves it. And I've had the pleasure of interviewing him. He's such a wonderful, wonderful man. He will come and he will support you.

[42:25] William J Connolly: Oh, I'd love that. Because I know he saw it off, he must have seen it in New York and I know that they loved it. So yeah, I hope I'd love him to come and see it. It'd be an honour.

[42:36] Lauren Drew: I feel like this conversation has been terrible for me. Like, yes, Celine will come, David Foster will come, all the stars.

[42:41] William J Connolly: I know, we're manifesting though, babes. Manifest.

[42:44] Lauren Drew: Yeah, good vibes, good vibes. I mean, hopefully Adele will come as well because she freaking loves Celine.

[42:48] William J Connolly: Oh, she better add. I hope so. Thing is, it's such a small theatre is the only issue. So if you get these, like, big people, they're just going to get swamped. However, RuPaul, Michelle Visage, they, people I think were respectful. So, you know, when these celebs come in, I feel like they try and get a couple of snaps in, but then it is pretty chill. But yeah, maybe we will, but constantly have them in.

[43:16] Lauren Drew: What's one thing that you hope people that are lucky enough to come see your show take away from this journey that is obviously full of comedy, but also full of great heart as well?

[43:25] Lauren Drew: Yeah, I just kind of, the whole point is just leaving, feeling better than you did when you walked in. You know, I think it's, you need to kind of fully immerse yourself into the world of what it is we're doing, which is, you know, different and crazy and very fun. But it's, you know, what we're doing is not easy and it's, you know, there's a lot of skill involved and I think just watch it and take it in for what it is. And I think, like I said earlier, the world right now is a crazy place. This is a beacon of light and it's unapologetic joy for whatever it is, two hours. So I really just want people to leave with a great impression left on them and feeling lighter and happier, gidier and ready to go to the pub afterwards.

[44:14] William J Connolly: For a drink, for a glass of wine, do you know what I mean? That's what I want. That's what it's about.

[44:18] Lauren Drew: Joy. And I think, do you know what, right now, as you say, joy is a good thing. It will also make people want to go watch the Titanic again, which I think is a great thing and go listen to Celine, which is a doubly great thing and come back to you. For you to leave, you know, really having to think about overcoming life and it's not about that. It's completely the opposite, which is the point. So yeah, that's my wish and that's what people do feel. And I love being a part of something like that. I love that.

[44:42] William J Connolly: And very finally, and this is always my favourite question to ask people to wrap up with. We've spoken, obviously, about this particular project, but you did reference some of the other incredible shows that you've done and your dedication to this craft and the fact that a lot of people do struggle most of their life to sort of find their calling. And you did find it pretty early on in your life with the love and support of your family and your extended family who still show up for you in the cutest possible ways, like filming television performances. And it's so sweet. And as you say, I think it's very respectful that you don't take that for granted, that you're very much aware of the love that they have.

But when you think back to the very beginning, so like, do you know what? Like maybe being a dancer, as you said to start with, is a thing that you want to do. What would the very young, very beginning Lauren Drew think of the lady that's been sat here as an official West End leading lady and an official Olivier nominee? What would she think of this moment? And in particular, the person that's been talking to me for the last hour?

[45:34] Lauren Drew: Oh my God. Honestly, it's like, it's difficult to explain because I am, I don't take things for granted. I have worked really hard my entire life. I mean, as most people have, but, you know, even when I wasn't performing, I was working from the age of 14. I was working earning money and, you know, I was working in the jungle gym and then I was working at a desk in a Chinese restaurant for years. And then I was working in silver service where I was, you know, serving rich people food. And, you know, I've always, always grafted. And I think back to this little girl, I had so many dreams and I had that, like, it's actually quite emotional to even to think about because I'm, if you only knew where I came from, it's this tiny place.

And Rosie Sheehy, who's also from this tiny place, she's also been nominated this year for an Olivier for Best Actress in a Play. Like the pride, if I am to think back at that time, when I was going around all these little clubs and I was doing freestyle disco dancing and people were like, oh my God, she's amazing. Oh my God, what a great dancer. And I was, I loved that. I was like, I loved being in front of an audience. And that's all I knew. That's what I knew I enjoyed. It wasn't like I had an idea of, I want to be in musicals. I want to do this. I just knew I loved performing because that's where I flourished. So to think then that I would be, first of all, living in London, that was a scary thing to do because I had nobody here.

I hadn't even really gone to London. I think I'd only done London in my whole life. I think I'd been twice with college on a trip to see shows. We didn't have money to go, you know, like it wasn't a thing. So we, I didn't really do that. And it's unfathomable. So I honestly, I'm so proud of myself. It's so emotional, but I'm trying not to look at you while I say it, but it's, it's been a long journey, but hard work really does pay off. And if you are somebody that thinks because you're from somewhere that doesn't have, you don't have a lot of money and there's not a lot of opportunity for you or people don't believe in you, you haven't got a necessarily brilliant family network, not to get too deep here, but just know it's your life and you are the one who has to live it.

Don't do it for anybody else. What makes you happy? You have to give it your best shot. You have to do it because you will regret it when you get older. If you want to go and perform, my God, put everything you've got into it and bloody perform. Go and get some classes, go and get a little job. I worked from the age of 14. I was earning five pounds. In fact, when I was working in a jungle gym, £3.53 an hour and had a pay raise by 10 pence. I was like, oh my God, I thought Christmas had come early. So, you know, go and do these things. And I have grafted and my God has paid off. And even in my theatre experience, I didn't go straight into leading roles. I went into a UK tour as a second cover, and then I went into town as a second cover.

I hardly ever went on. Then I did a dance captain role in town as a first cover. And then I started to build it up that way. My first leading role was Catherine of Aragon in 2019. You know, I worked and I built myself up from the bottom. And honestly, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. So I'm so grateful to be where I am right now. And I don't take a second of it for granted. And little Lauren, honest to God, I'm sure she'd be very proud.

[49:17] William J Connolly: Are you proud of yourself?

[49:18] Lauren Drew: I'm very proud of myself. And I don't, you don't, I never say that, but I am. I'm so proud of myself. And it's only when you have these types of conversations that you have to reflect and look back and go, God, I've come such a long way, but not without the help of so many people. Never would have been able to have done it by myself. But wow, like took a lot of strength and commitment and bravery. Like it really did. It was, but yeah, very proud. Very, very proud of myself.

[49:45] William J Connolly: I'm very glad that you're proud of yourself that my, my job here is done.

[49:48] Lauren Drew: I'm very hot now.

[49:51] William J Connolly: I've got an icy show that you can go to. Get it?

[49:54] Lauren Drew: I do. Is it called Titanic?

[49:56] William J Connolly: It just happens to be. This has been such a pleasure. Thank you so much for your time. I love you. Oh my God, you're an angel. And most importantly, and very genuinely friendship or not, you are exquisite in this role. And I think if you could just take something from this journey, just understand that you deserve to be where you are. And more importantly, you deserve the love that's coming your way. So congratulations on the Olivier nomination. Nobody can ever take that from you. That will stay with you forever. And congratulations on literally slaying the house down in the show. You are the best, I swear.

[50:26] Lauren Drew: Thank you so much. I love you so much. You're the best. This has been fab. Loved every second.

[50:31] William J Connolly: You've been listening to Eleven, the official theatre podcast. Find out more about Eleven at elevenpodcast.com or via the Broadway Podcast Network.