INTERVIEW: Christie Prades, currently starring in On Your Feet at the London Coliseum

Christie Prades is currently starring as Gloria Estefan in the UK premier of On Your Feet, having played at the Leicester Curve it is now playing at the London Coliseum before embarking on a UK tour. She previously understudied the role in the Broadway company and then lead the American touring company of the show. Her other credits include In the Heights (Miami & American Stage Theatre), West Side Story (Actors Playhouse) and Orange is the New Black. 

You’re currently making your UK debut in On Your Feet, you opened the show at the Leicester Curve before heading to the West End and performing with the show at the London Coliseum. How is the UK treating you so far? 

The UK is treating me absolutely wonderfully!I’ve always wanted to visit London, so to be able to make two dreams of mine come true in one shot is a blessing! Audiences have been incredible, cast members are beyond amazing and insanely talented, and London life sits nicely with me I must admit.

REVIEW: On Your Feet at the London Coliseum

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is in London for a limited season at one of the most beautiful venues - The London Coliseum. 

For those who grew up listening to Gloria Estefan music - this is absolutely the show for you to see. I’m sure tourists would love the show too but it’s certainly not for everybody. Bursting with energetic dance routines from Sergio Trujillo and an impressive lighting design by Kenneth Posner, the show certainly is visually stunning. The ensemble dancers give it 110% from beginning to end but don’t even break a sweat; a testament to the obvious hard work and dedication they have put into their craft. 

Leading the cast as Gloria Estefan was Christie Prades and George Ioannides as Emilio. Prades gave an energetic, honest and innocent performance as Gloria and this was complimented by the smooth performance given by Ionnides. From the moment Ionnides entered in those white shorts - I think he had everyone on side. Whilst slightly pitchy in parts, his characterisation made up for it.