Stage star and Ex-Hollyoaks resident Carley Stenson tells Libby Wilkinson about her latest role...

A MUSICAL version based on the legendary 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is coming to The Regent later this month.

The show, which was voted Best New Musical of 2014, will transform the Hanley stage into the luxurious lap of the French Riviera when it arrives on July 28.

It stars Michael Praed as Lawrence, Noel Sullivan as Freddy and Carley Stenson as Christine.

First appearing on national TV as Stephanie Dean in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks, Stenson's "fame hungry" counterpart would be proud to discover how far she's come since leaving the fictional Chester village.

After enjoying more than a decade on the soap, she founded a girlband called Diamond, and eventually made musical theatre her home, quickly earning leading roles in Spamalot and as Princess Fiona in Shrek.

Stenson swapped the screen for the stage in 2011 and hasn't looked back.

"I think I've been training for this all of my life," said the Billinge-born actress.

"It's all been a bit of a whirlwind since Hollyoaks, but I've been really fortunate with my career so far and I absolutely adore this job."

In her latest role, 33-year-old Stenson plays the millionaire heiress Christine Colgate.

"I always seem to go for the sweet, cute kind of girl," she said.

"But Christine has got a few tricks up her sleeve."

Rival conmen, sophisticated Lawrence and larger-than-life Freddy, go head-to-head in a battle for her affections when they try to pull off the con of their lives.

But little do they know what they have let themselves in for.

"They underestimate her, but she's actually a very strong woman and I love playing strong female roles, roles where the women can really look after themselves.

"My dream role would be playing Erin Brockovich – I'd love someone to make a stage version of the film because I adore the film.

"Don't get me wrong, I loved playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde as she was actually a force to be reckoned with, and she went on a journey. I like parts like that.

"I like all the jobs I've had so far, but I really am enjoying this one as every week is different when you're on tour.

"I also get to sing with Noel Sullivan and dance with Michael Praed night after night – ladies in the audience are going to be well jel!"

The production also reunites Stenson with American choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who was responsible for her first stage break in the West End run of Legally Blonde.

She said: "He's a true gentleman, he really is.

"It's a dream to be working with him again.

"He's getting ready for Kinky Boots at the moment so we don't see much of him, but I'd work for him until I die if I could.

"The whole team is just like a big family, we all hang out with one another in-between shows, and Noel has become my show husband.

"I don't think I've laughed more since I started this job."

Critics and audiences alike have also raved about the fast-paced comedy that plays out on stage.

"The feedback we've received so far has been incredible," said Carley.

"I think when the audience can see how much fun you're having up there it makes the experience all the more enjoyable for them too.

"And if it's a night of hilarity you want, with the chance to hear some cracking singers and watch some amazing dancers, all in-between proper belly laughs – then this is the show for you."

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels runs from July 28 to August 1.


Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Theatre- ... story.html

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