Many will recognise Heidi Range’s name from singing with the Sugababes but her career has recently taken a different turn as she tours with musical Happy Days.
Happy Days opens in Dublin on the 4th February and Liverpudlian Heidi plays the part of Pinky, the lead female role.
We caught up with her to find out how she’s liking this change of direction.
Tell us a little bit about Happy Days…
The storyline is basically saving Arnold’s diner from demolition…Arnold’s diner is the focal point of the show and that’s where everyone hangs out. The Fonz is the main character and Pinky whom I play, is the lead female.
Describe your character Pinky in three words.
She’s sassy, feisty and sensitive.
Her name would suggest a girly character, is this true of Pinky?
No, she’s not. Pinky is a motorbike stunt rider so she does her own thing. She travels around doing stunts and doesn’t take any messing. She dresses quite sexily and more provocative than the other girls…Pinky is older by about five years and the other girls look up to her.
Heidi in character as Pinky Tuscadero
Why did you decide to get involved in this particular musical?
I was approached by the producer of the show and asked if I wanted to to audition. As a fan of Happy Days growing up, I read the script and it seemed like a really fun show. Then I went and auditioned and I got the part! It’s set in 1950s America and you’re in a Happy Days bubble when you go on there, it’s like going back in time. I was involved in productions before but it was quite a long time ago, pre Sugababes. I was in Joseph and Robin Hood and played the part of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Snow White.
Do you ever miss music and being part of a band?
I think they’re totally different, I’m absolutely loving this, I’m enjoying every minute of it. Happy Days is really different because there’s a lot more of you on stage, our cast must be about twenty people so that’s different being on stage with that many people instead of two girls. The cast becomes like a little family, it’s nice to have that again. I’ve missed performing and singing on stage, that’s what I love to do. It’s a real buzz doing that again after a break.
Heidi with her co-stars Ben Freeman (The Fonz) and Cheryl Baker (Mrs Cunningham)
What did you get up to during your break from the limelight?
I was in Dancing On Ice about two years ago. I loved it and did a tour with them but it was really difficult and quite dangerous. I’m pleased to have done it though. Masterchef was different to what I expected. I do love cooking and cook all the time at home. I guess I was expecting to learn more but you were challenged from the off.
Would you consider embarking on a solo career?
I haven’t thought about it, I just want to enjoy this and see what happens afterwards. At the moment, I haven’t got any plans to record anything but I might change my mind and want to do it in the future. I’m really enjoying theatre at the moment. The plan is the show will tour and then go into the West End so hopefully that’s what’s going to happen next.
Has your experience touring with a band helped you prepare for travelling with the musical?
Yes, there is seven to eight shows a week so I know from experience I have to look after my voice and take vitamins every day. When we were in rehearsals coming up to Christmas, there was lots of bugs going around and its just goes around the cast so you need to look after yourself.
Why should we go and see Happy Days?
It’s a really good night out. The crowds seem to really enjoy the show. Happy Days has a feel-good factor, there’s some really good dancers and singers in there. It’s not something where you have to concentrate too hard or think deep, it’s funny and an enjoyable show.
Happy Days A New Musical takes place in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 4th February to 8th February.
