From the dressing room: Marian Halcombe
September 2005 Five months after the birth of her second child, Dolly, Ruthie made her return to the West End stage this July in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, The Woman In White. We catch up with her in her dressing room at the Palace Theatre, as she prepares for another performance as Marian.
Many of your fans have seen you in The Woman In White - for those who don't yet know the show, what can you tell us about Marian?
Marian is the eldest sister - and some might say she's the Ugly Sister! In the book, she is seen from behind and looks beautiful, but when she turns round, her face is a great disappointment - in fact, she's rather grotesque. The first time I was in costume in rehearsals, everyone was commenting on how lovely my wig was, and how pretty I looked in my dress - everyone except the director, Trevor Nunn, who said "Yes, I think we may have a problem here."! Although the beauty of her younger sister is a key part of the story, it's Marian's age rather than her appearance that's emphasised in this adaptation, thankfully! Actually, Marian has a self-depracating sense of humour and is a great character to play.
You haven't been in a Lloyd Webber show since Cats, your first West End show. Is that an ambition fulfilled?
After so many years in the business, it's great to be working with Andrew - and with Trevor Nunn, too. In fact Trevor directed both Cats and Les Miserables, but I joined the casts when they were already established as long-running shows. I joined The Woman In White less than a year after it opened, at a time when both the music and staging were being fine-tuned to bring more clarity to the plot. This meant rehearsing it almost as if it was a totally new production, and I consequently had a month of working closely with both Trevor and Andrew, which was wonderful.As you say, I haven't been in a Lloyd-Webber show since Cats, which was over 15 years ago. Despite Andrew telling me over the years that he loves me and is my biggest fan, I was never in any of his shows - but this was worth the wait, as I love both the show and the team who make each performance happen.
Not only is this a new cast, but you'll be working with at least three different Count Foscos during your time with the show. Does that affect your performance at all?
How did you find working with the projected scenery?
I think it's fantastic, I really do. How wonderful to be able to have any scene at all behind, and even around, you! It took some getting used to, but except for just a couple of places where I need to concentrate, I'm now at ease with it. The biggest issue is timing, as when the projection is moving, you have to be moving with it at the same rate - and you have to stop when it does, too! It's a fabulous invention, as long as you pay attention to where and when you're moving - and are careful not to stand too close, else you'll become a bookcase!
After seeing you in some pretty glamourous outfits recently in Fosse and Chicago, it was quite a shock to see you in period costume again!
Speaking of Chicago, do you still plan to treat New York to your Roxie, or perhaps join the Broadway cast of The Woman In White at some point?
I still have my Green Card, and I would love to go back when the time is right, and it's nice to be linked to two wonderful shows. Who knows the opportunities that may arise from either? It's a matter of timing - it's right for me if it's right for my family. And there's plenty here to keep me busy!
When I joined, I had the pleasure of working with wonderful Anthony Andrews, which was a total joy. He really is a true gentleman, one of a dying breed, and he really will be missed. But change can be good, it keeps things fresh, and we now have the legendary Simon Callow. He's a much respected actor who has actually played Fosco before, in a TV film. Although he played Andre in the film of The Phantom of the Opera, this is his first stage musical, so we're all really proud of him, and excited for him.
I'm really enjoying catching up with so many friends from the past, both in front of and behind the scenes, and I'm working with some fabulous new talent. I have to mention Alexandra Silber - she's a wonderful actress with a truly beautiful voice, and she and I clicked immediately. This is her West End debut, having been discovered while still at the RSAMD in Glasgow. She was spotted in a college production, and was in rehearsals before she even graduated! It really is wonderful to see fresh talent showcased.
Yes, and isn't it great? I love it! I've not worn anything like this since playing Nancy in Oliver. It's great to get back in a corset and to wear something that doesn't expose all your flaws! When I returned to the London production of Chicago to play Velma Kelly, it was only three months since I gave birth to my first daughter, Lily. Not only did I have the fear of being on stage in skimpy costumes to get me back into shape, I had a demanding rehearsal and performance schedule with a lot of dancing to help me lose the baby weight. It didn't vanish immediately, but it did go - but this time around I need to use willpower and WeightWatchers!