Interview with West-End Theatre Star, Louise Dearman

West-End theatre star and mum, Louise Dearman, has released her first lullaby album, Bedtime Baby.

The album, which will be available for download from December 5th from all major digital platforms, including: iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon aim to bring peace and tranquillity to both parents and infants.

I caught up with Louise below:

 

Describe a typical day for you?

I’ll be honest, 9 times out of 10, I wake up trying not to roll out of my little girl’s single bed! She still often calls for me in the middle of night and I tend to cave pretty quick and jump in with her now. As for a typical day, each day is different but they all involve coffee, online vocal coaching to my theatre students, a great amount of time spent learning music and preparing for concert work, and at the moment lots of super press interviews like this, for my new album Bedtime Baby. When Willow is home, there’s also a lot of rolling around on the floor and park time together. My partner Andrew and I go to bed pretty early after dinner and a herbal tea, or more likely, wine! on the sofa. We’re so rock n roll!

 

What do you feel are your greatest achievements?

I’m not great a looking back, reflecting and appreciating all of the wonderful things I’ve achieved so far in my life and career… I’m always so concerned with what’s next and I really need to get better at simply living in the moment. I’m so proud of the career I’ve had to date, the roles I’ve played in musicals, particularly being the only actor worldwide to have been cast as both Galinda and Elphaba in the musical Wicked, which is pretty epic but becoming a mum, without doubt, tops any job or role I’ve ever played.

 

What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

I’d love to list lots of glamorous things but it’s usually wet wipes, biscuit crumbs and pens! Why so many pens? Seriously though, I always have a PAWPAW tinted lip balm, L’Oreal BB C’EST MAGIC cream which they can never discontinue because I’m obsessed with it. water and the usual, phone, purse…oh more wipes and biscuit crumbs!

 

What are your ambitions in life?

To continue doing what I love and to be more content with all that I have and less anxious about keeping up with everything and everyone else. I want to continue performing for as long as I can, recording and writing more. I’ve been working on a project for many years which I’ve never finished so that’s my ambition for the next six months- to get it done. I’d also love to travel more with my family.

 

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know now?

That it’s never personal when you don’t get a job. I realize that now, but it’s taken a long time. I remember the tears I would cry in my twenties when I didn’t get a role and I’ve changed since then. I have a healthier attitude when it comes to casting now. When I walk into an audition, I simply do my thing, my best, show what I have to offer but understand I might not be what the producers have in mind for that particular role and there’s nothing I can do to change that.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Honestly, not way different to now except maybe having developed the work I’m doing behind the scenes a little more and feeling more in control of my career instead of waiting for my agent to call! I want to carve my own opportunities and build something from the bottom. I’m not entirely sure what that is yet but I’ll let you know when I do.

 

What advice would you give a budding actor and singer?

The fight to be a part of this industry never stops so put the work in and you’ll get there. Oh…and don’t take the ‘no’s’ personally.

 

What advice would you give to a new parent?

Do it YOUR way! You can read all the books, take all the advice from other parents but at the end of the day, you know what works best for you and your child. The best piece of advice a friend gave me was to take just one thing that was stressing me out or adding pressure to an already exhausting period of time, and remove it. For me it was breastfeeding, it wasn’t happening for me, and was so upsetting but once I let that go, I felt more human again and I could get on with being the best mum I could be.

 

Finally, happiness is…

My family and friends. Nothing else matters.

 

Follow Louise on Twitter HERE and on Instagram HERE.