Katherine MacAlister talks to the all-singing, all-dancing star of the musical Top Hat

To give you an idea of what Charlotte Gooch looks like, her debut lead was as Penny in Dirty Dancing, the tall, sexy, leggy blonde.

That she can dance, sing and act as well, just adds insult to injury, so it’s little surprise that the 28 year old has landed the lead role in Top Hat, about to open at Oxford’s New Theatre.

You are therefore in for a treat as the classic musical sweeps into town in the stage version of the Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers film.

“Having won all the Olivier awards, the producers wanted the tour to be exactly the same, so it’s very similar; same band, same set, same cast,” Charlotte, who counts Gethin Jones as an ex-boyfriend, explains.

A big fan of Fred and Ginger, Charlotte used to watch the films in black and white from the safety of her Godalming home, and sing along to all of the songs.

Luckily, her aunt ran a dance school, so from the age of three Charlotte was twirling about in the background, taking to dancing like a duck to water. “I must have got it from my aunt because my parents have both got two left feet,” she laughs. “She was a prima ballerina and got me into baby ballet at an early age.”

However, despite her numerous West End roles, Charlotte is still nervous about her latest incarnation as Ginger Rogers: “It was the opening night last night and it went really well even though it was really nerve-wracking.

“Everyone seemed to love it and no one fell over, that’s the main thing,” she laughs.

Loving the challenge, Charlotte is delighted that she’s landed such a meaty role to get her teeth into. “There are very few parts which require singing, dancing and acting, and this is one of them. So while it is a bit of a marathon, and once on stage it’s all go, it’s a dream role, so I’m going to be making the most of every minute because before I know it the tour will be over.”

Picked from obscurity from the Cats chorus line, Charlotte said initially she felt very exposed in her first lead roles. But she’s got her head screwed on, and is aware of the pitfalls of her chosen career.

“The competition is so high that you have to be realistic,” not leaving school until she had some decent A-Levels under her belt before she went to stage school.

“I also did teaching there so I had something to fall back on afterwards.” she says “It does keep you on your toes so I just want to enjoy every job.

“And now I get to tap dance and get whisked about the floor in gorgeous dresses every night. Even the wardrobe department won an Olivier. So it’s such a pleasure to be playing such an iconic role and bringing it to life for a live audience. And I love the humour, the farcical case of mistaken identity that gets in the way of true love right until the very end, which is hilarious.”

Presumably then the resurgence of dance aids their cause?

“Strictly has introduced a whole new audience to dance, especially ballroom, and Top Hat has got something for everybody, especially a bit of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, so it’s a win-win,” she says, before returning to her dressing room and preparing to re-live the dream.

SEE IT
Top Hat comes to the New Theatre Oxford from January 28 – February 7. 
Call the box office on 0844 871 3020 or see atgtickets.com/oxford

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