Abigail Marlow – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
Oundle, Northamptonshire
Journey with West End Kids:
WEK: Training Blue- Red- Yellow and then Troupe
When did you join West End Kids?
2020
What inspired you to audition for West End Kids?
Originally I went for audition experience. I knew after my first training session in blue (online during covid) that I wanted to work my way up troupe if I could, but I had A LOT to learn.
Performance Highlights:
What has been your favourite performance so far and why?
The Great Ormond Street Christmas Party has got to have been one of the most significant performances I’ve ever been apart of. It was such an experience seeing all the gorgeous children having such an amazing time – you can’t really put that in to words.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?
The first time I did the Ideal Home Show in Spring ‘23, their sound system completely crashed during my trio in the Little Shop Medley. A quick knowing glance to the others in that song and from Martin, we strutted up to the microphone and belted it out, and on the last note, the music perfectly kicked back in and we had the biggest smiles on our faces and we carried on with the performance! It’s true what they say, the show must go on!
Training and Dedication:
How many hours a week do you spend rehearsing and training?
Being home-educated, I have quite a fluctuating and fluid schedule, so I make WEK one of my top priorities after my lessons/studying. I tend to spend an hour or so in the morning on any dance material for the week, preparing for auditions on Saturday, and then, in the afternoon/evening, going over any notes and implementing them, aswell as any harmonies to go over. All in all I’d say in all disciplines, about 2 hours a day.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your training?
I had had no formal dance training before I joined West End Kids at 13, so I was a completely blank slate when I joined. I found dancing extremely challenging, and still do to some extent being primarily a vocalist, but that doesn’t stop me from giving it my best shot. Emma really has taught me everything I know! Nothing makes me happier when my hard work pays off, getting in to those dances I couldn’t have dreamed of performing on massive stages when I first started my WEK journey.
Future Aspirations:
What are your future goals in the performing arts?
As well as all of my academic goals for the future, a leading lady who has the ability to command the attention of the whole audience in a West End or touring production would be the dream!
Which role or production would you love to be a part of?
Dream roles of mine include Mary Poppins, Veronica in Heathers or Maria in Sound of Music.
Personal Interests:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of performing?
I have always LOVED music, and have tried every instrument under the sun, but guitar was the one that stuck and have been playing since I was 8. I help run my local Guides patrol (who I’ve been with for over 10 years now) organising trips, running meetings etc, and I come from a family of car and professional motorbike racers/lovers, and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, fixing old farmer Landrovers and off-roading in our own through the muddy fields- that’s just to name a few!
What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?
Every summer (and with troupe performances over last summer) my siblings and I go and work and live with a travelling circus all over England and Wales- people are always shocked when I tell them I ran away to join the circus, and am still back in time for WEK on a Saturday!
Inspirations and Motivation:
Who inspires you the most in the performing arts world?
Julie Andrews, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Samantha Barks.
What keeps you motivated to keep improving and performing?
Whenever I go and watch a show in the West End, I get the shivers when something spectacular happens- a particular dance number, the rumble of the orchestra or the big finish at the end a ballad. I want to be able to have that effect on people sitting in the audience. That is my biggest dream.
Experience with West End Kids:
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
It has impacted my whole life (in the BEST way possible). I now feel ready for whatever life holds for me next- West End Kids has provided me with the confidence to really go for whatever I want in the life, and I have made some lifelong friendships within troupe, and you can’t really put a price on that.
What advice would you give to new members or those aspiring to join West End Kids?
My advice those wanting to be apart of West End Kids is to hold yourself accountable. Martin, Emma, and all our other instructors give everyone the tools they need to succeed; it’s about what YOU do with them that counts. It’s important that you’re doing the best you can, in and outside of rehearsals, but no one can make you do that. It’s up to YOU to put the work in- mentally and physically in all disciplines, so that you can propel yourself in to being the best performer you can be. Most importantly however, is to have fun! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you just have to give it your all, embrace the highs and lows, and look to those around you who are in the same boat, to motivate and root for each other.
