From the dressing room: Velma Kelly

June 2003 As Ruthie transforms herself into Velma for the second night of her run in Chicago, she talks to us about her much anticipated return.

As it's been 18 months since you last played on the West End stage, how were the nerves over the weekend?
I didn't have any nerves whatsoever until the Monday, until last night, until I was doing the dress rehearsal and I got down in my costume and I suddenly thought "Oh my God, I'm on tonight!" and it really just hit me. I think because I was doing Hampton Court, I was rehearsing this, and looking after Lily, I just didn't have a moment to think, it didn't sink in.
Even so, they were different nerves last night. I was really excited and because it wasn't some big show opening where you've got the first night in and you're thinking about whether the show will be a hit or not, because we didn't have all that, it was more joyful. The stakes weren't so high and it just became about enjoying it.

How do you feel about last night's performance?
I am extraordinarily proud that I got from A to B with some sense of a character! You think you're going full out in rehearsals, you think you're giving it your all, but when you get to a performance it's a whole other level and you suddenly realise you can't breathe! But I'm proud that four months after giving birth I'm able to do it. To be completely satisfied with my performance is perhaps something I'll never achieve, but I think that's what keeps me wanting to do better and I don't think it's really a bad thing.

After such a successful run on the Adelphi stage as Roxie, does it feel strange playing the opposite role?
No, it didn't feel strange at all, it hasn't felt strange since I stepped in the building. And that is bizarre to me because I've never gone back to something. I once did a weekend in Les Mis a while ago when everyone fell sick, but that was a different thing as I felt like a guest there. But the moment I walked in here, it felt like an old friend. I had a really wonderful time here before - a really close company, it was an amazing time.

So, why Chicago rather than something new?
Because nothing took my fancy like this. I thought it was best that when I came back I eased myself in, to see how things would fit around Lily. I thought it would be a good idea to do a show that I'd done before. When we were talking about it I immediately thought it was such a good idea, especially to come back as Velma instead of Roxie because I hadn't done it here and I'm really glad I did do it this way because it really has enabled me to get my feet wet again in a place that I know. And it's made me realise I haven't lost the desire to perform at all. I thought maybe I would, but I still feel passionate about it and I did from the start of rehearsals. Yes, I remember this! Peggy Sue was so short lived and I hadn't really done a good dancing show since I was on Broadway.

Were rehearsals any different this time around?
Yes, because it was my mate Vanessa [Leagh-Hicks], so it was much more relaxed than it was before. The rehearsal period the first time around was not a pleasant experience and anyone will tell you that. It was very stressful.

So, your plans for after Chicago ... has a run as Roxie on Broadway been confirmed yet?
No. They only work two months in advance, but it will happen when it's good for both them and for me. Tim will soon start Tonight's the Night and I would never go to Broadway without him. I would never take Lily away from him. It would be terible for her and it would be terrible for him - and terrible for me. I don't want to be separated from either of them. I don't believe absence makes the heart grow fonder, I never have believed in that. A couple of weeks is fine here and there, but when you have 3 months it's just miserable. It probably won't be for a year and we'll just see if anything comes here that I want to do. I have been spoilt rotten with the Crazy For Yous and Chicagos and I really want something to get my teeth into. Who knows what's coming up?!

The publicity shots for Roxie had an air of vulnerability, but in the latest Velma pictures you have definite look of defiance. Was that directed or something you felt was needed?
It was a bit of both, but was mainly from their side. We both wanted to have a very different look from Roxie and we both wanted to create something which would make an impact. Previous posters have shown Roxie and Velma with a certain look - the poses, the costumes - and they wanted a look which was far more aggressive, and they wanted Ruthie Henshall to look far more aggressive because most pictures of me are so smiley! It was definitely intentional - I literally stood and swore like a sailor in that photo session!

Having played both roles, what are your favourite songs for Roxie and Velma?
Its definitely Roxie for Roxie because from the monolgue through to the end, its so wonderful. It's a journey and theres so much in it. For Velma, hers are more showbizzy. But I'll tell you what always gets me, and it's never failed to get me, and that's at the end of the show when we come down the sides for Nowadays. It still sends a shiver down up my spine when I hear that music building, walking down, ready to come infront of the gold slashes. I love that number because I think it's so beautiful. When I was doing Roxie that was possibly my favourite bit, when she's left onstage on they've all gone and you realise that everything this woman wanted has gone out the door. It wasn't about being not guilty, it was about being in the papers and it's such a powerful moment. I was watching it last night and it still gets me. There are certain things I miss about playing Roxie, because theres far more meat to it, but I love playing Velma.

How did you find moving from the US productions to the West End?
Every company is different. The road company in the US was completely different. Every show is different, slightly and it is a little bit confusing at times. Hot Honey Rag and Nowadays are slightly different in different ways in each place. You have to keep reminding yourself. It had been so soon after Roxie that I did Velma that I had to relearn. But this time it's been years and I couldnt remember it anyway! It was almost like starting again - it's shameful how bad my memory was!

If you were asked to participate in a dream cast recording, would you want to play Roxie or Velma? And who else would you like to be cast?
That's a hard question! Roxie has the meat and I love that ... but Velma has won a Tony, an Olivier, an Oscar and a Bafta! I really don't know - I'd hope the choice would be made for me. But if I was Velma I would have to do it again with Sandy Duncan as my Roxie because I love her so deeply as a person and as a performer. She's of the old school, and I felt so robbed of getting time with her on Broadway. The story with Sandy is that she broke her foot just before we opened on Broadway and I only got to play two months with her. We got on with each other so well and played off each other so well. I think she's sublime. but I do love Linzi, theres a great competition between us onstage, too. Linzi's amazing and it's a joy to have her here. But to choose a dream cast ... that's just too hard a question!

[The 30 minute call sounds]

And we're done!
Well before you go, I must thank everyone for their messages of support, you've all been fantastic and it's been a real boost to have such a welcome back. Thank you so much!