INTERVIEW: Lucy O'Byrne, currently starring in the UK tour of Little Miss Sunshine

Lucy O'Byrne is becoming one of the top leading ladies of musical theatre of our time, with leading roles including Eva Peron in Evita, Maria in The Sound of Music and Fantine in Les Miserables. We last spoke to Lucy when she was in the West End production of Les Miserables and recently we caught up with her as she heads out on tour with the new musical production of Little Miss Sunshine. 

The last time we spoke to you, you were playing Fantine in Les Miserables at the Queens theatre. Since that show until now you’ve done quite a few shows, looking back what have you learnt as a performer? 

I learnt so much at Les Mis from watching my colleagues perform to rehearsal process and etiquette to team work in the building. Every day was a day at school - and I loved school. The most important thing I learnt though was to be kinder to myself. I used to think West End performers were infallible so I thought I had to become some kind of invincible robot but working there really showed me we are all human and sometimes we have to go easy on ourselves and listen to our mind and body like everyone else.

Since then you’ve played one of the most iconic musical theatre roles for a female, Evita. How was it taking on a role like that? 

It was more fun than I could have imagined or hoped for.

Pocket Size Theatre 5th Anniversary: Our Top 10 Interviews!

We have been lucky enough to interview some incredible performers, from all lines of work. We have collected together our top 10 most viewed interviews over our 5 years at Pocket Size Theatre and here they are! And what a selection of people we have. Click on the images to read the interviews. 

INTERVIEW: Lucy O'Byrne, currently starring as Fantine in Les Miserables

What have you learnt from being a contestant on The Voice that has helped you in the world of musical theatre?

The most practical thing I learned was coping with crazy long hours! I learned to be centred, to worry less about competition and bring my focus inward so that I would do the best job possible. Finally, and most importantly; be nice. It didn't matter what time of the day or night it was, how long we'd been waiting to shoot, how long it'd been since the last tea break, the team always had a smile and something positive to say to everyone. This made it one of the happiest experiences of my life and I try, daily, to emanate this in the theatre too... especially double show days!

Going from working with Will.I.Am to starring as Maria in the Sound of Music must have been a slight contrast, how on earth did you keep grounded throughout that?

To be honest, touring keeps you pretty grounded. The Sound of Music was a dream come true but it was hard work and travelling around the country as well as doing that 8 times a week. You've got to have your head together for that.