Summer with 'Alchemy': An Interview with Victoria Bolley
1. How did your adventure with 'Alchemy' start?
Victoria: I was asked if I would like to understudy the role of Ayesha (played by Agnieszka Swita) in the musical 'She' by Clive Nolan, to be played at the Playhouse Theatre in Cheltenham, UK. Of course I said yes, musical theatre has been a big part of my life since the age of 5. Through portraying the role of understudy Ayesha, Clive Nolan offered me the role of Eva Bonaduce in a new musical that he was in the process of writing, called 'Alchemy'. I was sent a few demo tracks and started learning them, and instantly fell in love with the music.
2. How did your work routine look like while recording the album and preparing for the Katowice concert?
Victoria: Recording the album was a great experience, and it was also a new challenge - I love a good challenge! I worked very hard under the guidance of Clive in the hope of bringing the character of Eva to life, so after some intensive recording sessions in the studio, my vocals for the CD were complete. The cast of 'Alchemy' were brought together over the course of a few weekends in February of this year in order to run through the whole show, making sure everyone knew their lyrics, timings, and how to perform it as a concert version as opposed to a staged show. This was a lovely way of meeting the other cast members as some of them I'd not yet met, and everyone was very professional with an eagerness to do their very best. The whole experience was very enjoyable. I loved the fact that even though a lot of the people taking part were strangers to me at first, we all had something in common; a true passion for music, especially music with meaning and devotion, such as Clive's 'Alchemy.'
3. Do you expect the theatre version of 'Alchemy' in Cheltenham to be more difficult than the Katowice show?
Victoria: The shows in Cheltenham this coming September will be a totally different experience, as we are soon to start rehearsing under the guidance of two directors, Chris Longman and David Clifford, so, as well as singing the songs as we did in Katowice, we will be acting and more choreographed, and there's also a few people involved who were not whilst the DVD was being filmed. This excites me very much because I love having the opportunity to act a role as well as sing it.
4. Do you think 'Alchemy' will affect your future career and did your past musical experience help in the 'Alchemy' project?
Victoria: I am taking part in 'Alchemy' for a number of reasons. I love the music. I love my character, I love the whole story. I also love the fact that Clive has faith in me and believes in my voice. I am very grateful for the encouragement he has given me, and for writing such incredible music. Will 'Alchemy' affect my career in any way? I don't know, but I've been singing professionally for 13 years, and have a real passion for what I do and bringing joy to those who watch me and listen to me. I sing because I want to, not because I have to. I wish to continue singing for many years to come, and if anything comes from my performance in Poland, then that would be lovely! But whatever happens, I'll still be me! I was able to work my 'gigs' around the 'Alchemy' schedule because we had our dates well in advance, and I take my bookings in advance because I get booked up very quickly.
5. Was it your first visit to Poland and how will you remember it?
Victoria: This DVD recording marks my first trip to Poland, hopefully not my last! I will remember it fondly, as I'd like to think I've made some good friends there, and I loved the snow! Proper snow! The experience was incredible, I am so proud of myself for performing there, but if it wasn't for Clive, I'd never have gotten the chance. The theatre is beautiful, and the people who work there are so hard working and dedicated, it was just a dream come true.
