An Interview With Vicki Manser

Earlier this year, I got the chance to interview the actress Vicki Manser. Vicki is most known for playing all the queens as one of the first alternates in the multi award-winning SIX: The Musical on the West End and later taking over the role of Katherine Howard. Her most recent role was as alternate Carole King in the Beautiful UK tour, which was sadly cut short as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Her first single ‘Pick Me Up’ is out now on all streaming services.

Did you always want to be an actor? If not, what did job did you want to do?

I always wanted to dance mainly as a kid! I went to dance classes 4 times a week. When I was in Year 3 I broke my leg for the second time and I couldn't dance in our annual show so my dance teacher instead gave me an acting and singing role and that's when I realised I didn't just want to dance ... I wanted to do it all! If I wasn't an actor though I would be a police officer!

What is your dream role in a musical?

Oooo so many great roles out there! When I was growing up I always wanted to play Carmen in Fame!!! I just love the song In LA so much! I'd have to whack on a fair bit of fake tan to look Spanish though haha! Right now it would probably be Regina or Karen in Mean Girls! That soundtrack is amazing. Regina has epic songs but Karen is funny!

What has been your favourite role to play?

Carole King has been my favourite in the sense her songs are just so lovely to sing and the role itself is incredible because you can go on such a journey! I had A LOT of fun with Anne Boleyn though as well! I loved playing her!

What was the last show you saw?

Last show I saw was Hamilton! The choreography in that show is amazing! I was supposed to be seeing Dear Evan Hansen in May so hopefully I will be able to see that at some point!

What is your favourite musical?

My favourite musical ... hmmm ... I have a lot of favourites but if I had to pick one it would have to be Sunny Afternoon, The Kinks Musical! It holds such a special place in my heart because it was my first professional job but I used to get so much joy from watching it as well as being in it! A proper concert style show and live music from the actors, I just loved it!

What was your funniest onstage mishap?

When I was in Bat (Out Of Hell) there was a routine in the show where all the ensemble did a lot of moves in unison in a line so it was very tight and everyone looked the same. I got a bit ahead of myself in the line-up and I turned a few counts too early and was face to face with the rest of the line looking at me! It was very funny!

Who was your favourite role to play in Six and why?

I truly did love them all but Anne Boleyn was my ultimate fave because she was probably to closest to my personality and I could just have a lot of fun with her! I loved her one liners. I also love K Howard a lot and it was so nice to find new things within the part when I had a long stint of playing her!

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?

Never give up! And believe in yourself!!! Get ready for a rollercoaster of ups and downs! It's very tough but it's the best ride!