Jade Ewen on West End return, Eurovision and why the Sugababes “never technically split”

17:52 20th October 2015 by William J Connolly

CULTURE > INTERVIEWS

As she leads the cast of In The Heights at London’s King’s Cross Theatre, we talk returning to the West End, Eurovision and the chances of seeing a Sugababes reunion with former member, Jade Ewen.

In The Heights — did you get chance to see it in town? I sadly didn’t! I was on tour when the show came into town and one of the cast members said I would be perfect for Vanessa and told me to go in for the role. So I heard all these amazing things. I watched clips on YouTube and read all the reviews and it just looked amazing. I thought I’d missed it with it not coming back around and then I got a call…

It was all really last minute but I’m SO HAPPY I WENT IN!

And then, I came in and met the cast. I came to realise this was such a credit cast and a credible show!Is being part of the show as good as you first thought? It’s actually better! Truthfully. I knew the music was amazing as I loved all the songs, but I didn’t really know what the songs were about. It was only during the audition process when someone told me about winning a lottery ticket and beyond that I began to understand.

It’s also quite a big sing… It’s nice. Having done pop stuff before, I didn’t get to sing to my full voice. People always comment on my voice when they hear me live which is lovely. People say, ‘Oh, you can actually sing?’. I always want to reply asking what they thought I sounded like. [Laughs]

© Johan Persson

How did your career in music start? I started off dancing first and trained in ballet, tap and so on. I was 16 and got offered a scholarship to go to Laine Theatre Arts, but I was also filming a TV series in Australia at the same time. So it was a choice between one or the other.

I chose Australia and for a long time, I was worried I’d given up on my dream. I made the decision from that to follow my dream of TV and music, but I still loved singing. There’s always a part of me having missed that wanted to go back to try my hand at training. And now, I’m really enjoy it!

In The Heights also marks your return to the West End, too? YES! It does. [Laughs] I did stuff as a child, with the Lion King years and years ago. I also did the Open Air Theatre before with Porgy and Bess. So this is my return.

You also represented the UK at Eurovision after being selected on TV by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Do you think to achieve a singing dream in 2015 you have to go on reality TV? Sometimes, I still even now feel like I’m learning. I have done acting but never really enjoyed it until recently. As you get older, chances come along and you have to take them. I’ve had hints of training and respect that it’s a craft and people do spend a lot of money and hours to develop it. If you continue to learn as you age, don’t be arrogant then why not go and attack it, regardless of your training?!

Do you think your love of theatre helped you be so successful in winning the UK Eurovision vote? Yeah, I think so. To start, pop stuff would be slightly alien to me as anything I’d do would be created in a theatrical way. I’ve had a taste of pop and I LOVE IT! Buuuuut, I adore being in front of an audience.

With your experience, would you encourage anyone wanting to apply for Eurovision to do it? I think it’s really tough. If I’m totally honest, I do feel like I was lucky. The stigma is very negative. People are usually really talented. People are just looking for their break. My thing all happened by chance and jumped to the next thing and beyond that. But I don’t know if I’d advise a friend to apply for Eurovision as it really could go wrong!

Would you advise a friend to do reality TV then? This is hard. I feel that the artist side of me is saying no, but the reality is that you’re a product and people need to see you. Things are moving all the time so I think the best thing could actually be to get the platform to get your face recognisable and then when you’re successful, then demand the star quality you want.

Don’t make decisions based on fear. Ever!

© Johan Persson

Does Jade Ewen have many gay fans? I LOVE MY GAY FANS! [Howls with laughter] I went to Soho to meet a friend and I heard these guys SCREAMING and running at me down the street. Before I knew it, there was 10 screaming gays demanding photos and talking to me. Gay fans are so loyal to me and I love them so much. They know every fact, every gig and know everything I’ve worn.

© Johan Persson

Let us in on a secret, Jade — what’s the chances of us seeing a Sugababes reunion? Truth now…  It’s not a closed book, there just hasn’t been any discussion or conversation about it.

Actually, we never technically split. Recording fizzled out, we changed labels and things came to a natural end. And because of that and us being good friends still, it’s always open.

If they said tomorrow we’re going to do a tour, none of us would be like, ‘no, we aren’t going to do it’. It would just have to be the right opportunity!

And finally, how would you describe anyone that’s thinking about coming to see In The Heights? Our producer Paul calls the show a mix between Nandos and Beyonce, if they did something together. And the result is In The Heights! [Laughs]

‘I can’t wait to be a Disney Princess’ – Former Sugababe Jade Ewen to play Jasmine in West End’s Aladdin

‘I can’t wait to be a 

Disney Princess’ –

 Former Sugababe 

Jade Ewen to play 

Jasmine in West 

End’s Aladdin

Posted on November 23, 2015 by THEYOUNGEMPIRELeave a comment

DISNEY PRINCESS IN THE MAKING: Jade Ewen

FORMER SUGABABES star Jade Ewen will take on the role of Princess Jasmine in the West End production of Aladdin it was announced today (Nov 23).

The 27-year-old beauty, who rose to prominence in the UK trio after, said she “can’t wait to be a Disney Princess” ahead of the show’s June 2016 premiere date at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Taking to Twitter shortly after the news was announced, she wrote: “”It’s official! I can’t wait to be a Disney princess!! Eek!! @AladdinLondon @DeanJohnWilson.”

Jade, who represented the UK in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, achieving fifth place and making her the UK’s most successful act in the last 12 years, will star alongside Dean John-Wilson, who will take on the role of Aladdin in the production.

LEADING ROLES: The 27-year-old will star alongside Dean John-Wilson, who will take on the role of Aladdin

Broadway star Trevor Dion Nicholas steps into iconic role of Genie – a character made famous by the late Robin Williams. It is his West End debut.

“As we cast this exceptional company, I was impressed again – as I have been many times in the last two decades – by the vast, deep pool of musical theatre talent in London and throughout Britain,” said Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “And how gratifying that talent is a microcosm of the country in all its diversity and distinction. I’m so proud this beautiful cast reflects that.”

The West End production of Aladdin will feature the much-loved songs from the 1992 animated film as well as new music written by Tony, Olivier and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop Of Horrors).

Jade confirmed to be starring as Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin to open in the West End in 2016

Full cast announced for Disney's Aladdin

The Broadway hit opens in the West End in 2016

Emily Cole • London, West End • 23 Nov 2015

Jade Ewen (Jasmine) and Dean John-Wilson (Aladdin)
(© Helen Maybanks)

Casting has been announced for the highly-anticipated Broadway transfer of Disney'sAladdin.

Heading up the cast as Aladdin will be Dean John-Wilson. Since appearing in Britain's Got Talent in 2008, John-Wilson has been seen in the UK tour of Sister Act, Songs For a New World and the National Theatre's critically acclaimed production Here Lies Love.

Starring alongside John-Wilson as Jasmine will be former Sugababe Jade Ewen. Most recently seen in In The Heights, Ewen's many theatre credits include The Lion King and Whistle Down The Wind.

They will be joined by Don Gallagher (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sweeney Todd) as Jafar, Peter Howe, originator of the role of Michael Wormwood in Matilda The Musical, as Iago, Irvine Iqbal (Bend It Like Beckham) as Sultan and Nathan Amzi (In The Heights) as Babkak.

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The cast will be completed by Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Arran Anzani-Jones, Miles Barrow, Albey Brookes, Lauren Chia, Bianca Cordice, Leon Craig, Daniel de Bourg, Seng Henk Goh, Melanie Elizabeth, Kade Ferraiolo, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Fred Johanson, Mitch Leow, Oliver Lidert, Thierry Picaut, Alex Pinder, Briony Scarlett, Kyle Seeley, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Ricardo Spriggs, Katie Singh, Dawnita Smith, Marsha Songcome, Kayleigh Thadani and Jermaine Woods.

As previously announced, Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his London stage debut as Genie.

Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs the show, which will replace the revival of Miss Saigon which is due to close on 27 February next year.

The musical features several of the original songs including "Prince Ali", "Friend Like Me" and Rice's and Menken's hit song "A Whole New World" which won the Academy Award for best original song.

President and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions Thomas Schumacher commented: "As we cast this exceptional company, I was impressed... by the vast, deep pool of musical theatre talent in London and throughout Britain and how gratifying that talent is a microcosm of the country in all its diversity and distinction. I'm so proud this beautiful cast reflects that."

Aladdin will open at the Prince Edward Theatre on Wednesday 15 June 2016, with previews from Friday 27 May.

Click here to buy tickets

BAZ BAMIGBOYE: Sugababe Jade Ewen is on the Aladdin wish list: Singer could play Princess Jasmine in new Disney stage show

By BAZ BAMIGBOYE FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 00:12, 30 October 2015 | UPDATED: 00:12, 30 October 2015

Whole new world: Jade Ewen is in early negotiations to play Princess Jasmine in the Disney musical Aladdin

It's going to be a whole new world for former Sugababes singer Jade Ewen and West End actor Dean John-Wilson.

The pair are in early negotiations to play the lead roles in the Disney musical Aladdin.

If cast, they will feature in one of the musical’s most exciting scenes: singing the annoyingly addictive A Whole New World as they fly across the stage on a magic carpet (conjured up by designer Bob Crowley, illusion creator Jim Steinmeyer and special effects guru Jeremy Chernick).

Provided that terms are agreed, Ms Ewen — who is scorching as wannabe hair stylist Vanessa in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hot salsa musical In The Heights at the King’s Cross Theatre — will play Princess Jasmine, who becomes entangled with the seemingly unsuitable street hunk Aladdin.

And should the early talks progress, John-Wilson (right) will play the eponymous hero.

Trevor Dion Nicholas, who is in the Broadway production, has been cast as Genie by Disney theatre chief Thomas Schumacher and Aladdin director Casey Nicholaw. 

Genie was the role that Robin Williams gave voice to in the hugely successful 1992 animated movie.

A spokesman for the show said he was unable to confirm whether Ewen and John-Wilson were in discussions.

‘Deals aren’t done and we won’t be announcing the full cast for some time,’ the spokesman added.

I’m guessing a lamp will be rubbed and names will emerge, amid puffs of smoke, around November 23, when tickets go on general sale (though you can buy seats now if you sign up for priority booking at aladdinthemusical.co.uk).

John-Wilson, a star in the making, played Benigno Aquino in the brilliant David Byrne and Fatboy Slim musical Here Lies Love, which opened the new Dorfman space at the National Theatre last autumn.

And Ewen is Disney family . . . sort of. When she was still a student at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London’s Marylebone, she won the role of the young Nala in The Lion King.

Aladdin will begin performances at the Prince Edward on May 27, with an official first night on June 9.

Disney hero: Should the early talks progress, Dean John-Wilson (pictured with Cynthia Erivo at the Kinky Boots after party in September) will take the title role of Aladdin

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3296021/BAZ-BAMIGBOYE-Sugababe-Jade-Ewen-Aladdin-wish-list-play-Princess-Jasmine-new-Disney-stage-show.html#ixzz3q0dspKIG
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Jade and Dionne Bromfield on Gaby Roslin's Sunday 18.10.15 show- Radio London

Click the link to listen to Jade and Dionne from 07.00 till 38.20

With Dionne Bromfield and Will Young

Gaby Roslin

Listen in pop-out player

Will Young live in the studio, Bill Willbond and Martha Howes chat about ‘Bill The Movie’ plus live music from Nell Bryden and Jade Ewen.

Release date:

18 October 2015

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In Rehearsal - In The Heights - officiallondontheatre

IN REHEARSAL: IN THE HEIGHTS

Reporter: Kate Stanbury, first published Wed 30 Sep 2015 13:42

In The Heights will be hip hopping its way to the King’s Cross Theatre next month, but the company seems to have chosen are rather more ecclesiastical setting for its rehearsals.

Praying, however, is unlikely to be needed to secure the hip-hop and Latin-inspired musical’s success. With a quartet of Tony Awards under its belt from Broadway and a string of impressive reviews for its run at Southwark Playhouse, not to mention original London cast members David Bedella, Josie Benson and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt reprising their roles, we’re pretty sure that’s a given.

Judging by the smiles on the faces of some of the cast members caught on camera by photographer Robert Workman as he snuck into rehearsals for the show’s transfer, they already knew that.

The musical tale of one of Manhattan’s most vibrant communities, which explores what it takes to make a living and what it costs to have a dream, will play a four-week season at the venue from 3 October to 1 November.

We don’t mean to preach to the probably-already-converted here, but we’d say it’s probably worth buying a ticket. You can do that through us!

In The Heights: Interview with Jade Ewen - London Calling

In The Heights: Interview with Jade Ewen

30 September 2015 |

 

Ryan Ormonde | Entertainment Interviews

 

Image credit: Robert Workman

Image credit: Robert Workman

In The Heights, an American musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, has won four Tony awards and a Grammy and has been produced all over the world. Following a successful run at Southwark Playhouse last year, it returns to London with a limited run at King’s Cross Theatre, where Jade Ewen joins the cast. Here, Jade talks to London Calling about the show, her career and growing up in London.

    

It was through an association with musical theatre that Jade Ewen was first brought to public attention – a rather big association, in fact. In 2009, Andrew Lloyd Webber had been roped in to write a song in our annual desperate attempt to win the Eurovision Song Contest, and he accompanied Ewen on piano as she sang at the live final. Placed fifth, she is still our most successful Eurovision act in over a decade. A Sylvia Young Theatre School pupil who won the role of Nala in the West End production of The Lion King at the age of 12, Ewen was more prepared for this high drama experience than most. Indeed, as she tells London Calling while on a break from rehearsals for the forthcoming musical In The Heights, it’s onstage where she is most comfortable, where “everything makes sense”.

Lin-Manuel Miranda started working on In The Heights while he was still a student in Connecticut in the late 90s. Based on his own experiences of growing up in Washington Heights, New York, the musical was his love letter to a deprived yet often joyous and ethnically diverse city neighbourhood. Promising Philadelphia born playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes drew on her own inner-city experiences when she was brought in to write the book a few years later. Does Ewen relate to her character Vanessa, a dreamer who wants a better life? “Oh absolutely, yes of course, because she’s from an underprivileged background, she lives in the ghetto, she feels like she wants more, she has bigger aspirations and she just wants to get out. She’s very strong and determined and focused, she’s got this fighting spirit; she’s quite sassy. It’s very easy for me to step into her shoes because so much of her character is me.”

Ewen grew up in Plaistow (pronounced ‘Plah-stow’ for anyone not in the know). What are her memories of the area? “My childhood is very mixed because I grew up in Plaistow and literally on a council estate. I remember going to primary school with my dad. He can’t see, he has a guide dog, so everyone in our area knew us. We’d be running behind him to school because him and the dog would be walking so fast!” A scholarship to Sylvia Young was the first of many twists and turns in her career: “I went from being in a primary school that had no uniforms to having to wear a blazer and a tie, getting on the tube to Baker Street, being in the middle of central London in a really posh private school, dancing every day and then coming back home.”

There is something very ‘big city’ about this contrast, and Ewen thinks this connects to the appeal of the show. “It doesn’t really matter that it’s about a Latino community (a friend helped her with her ‘Jennifer Lopez New York/Latino accent’) - it’s [relatable for] anybody that’s from a city. There are so many cultural influences, it’s all about family and aspiration.” She has always felt the push and pull of various cultures: “Caribbean culture is really strong, and my dad’s Sicilian, so I’m always somewhere in the middle, just trying to stay afloat!”

Ewen’s career path has hardly been linear. Television roles followed her early success in The Lion King, while a few pre-Lloyd-Webber attempts at pop stardom left her in A&R limbo with girl group Trinity Stone for a couple of years. Then after Eurovision, another all-female pop group came knocking on her door: one of the most successful of all time. Ewen is still technically a member of the Sugababes, but perhaps she arrived a bit late to the party, just prior to their indefinite hiatus. Her future in musical theatre seems more secure: next year sees her join the cast of a revival of Godspell.

Are these twists and turns all part of the same plan? “I think I’ve gone backwards and forwards with that and I think part of me - maybe this is the performer - always wants to be in control. Actually you’re not in control at all! The only moment you can take control is when you’re on stage delivering those lines, or the song. I was just stressing out, like ‘No, I need to be like this’, and you need to be able to just accept change. So right now I don’t really have a plan - I’m just going from one experience to the next. There is a plan ultimately out there; I don’t know what it is yet, I don’t need to know. But I’m just going to go with it.”

In The Heights opens this weekend at the King’s Cross Theatre. To book tickets, see website.

Read more at http://londoncalling.com/features/in-the-heights-interview-with-jade-ewen#jPxADaph3lxydDb1.99