CRAIG SUGDEN
Six decades on stage, Bonnie Langford talks to Holly Louise Eells about Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical, the entertainment industry and local connections...
You could say there is no stopping showbiz legend, Bonnie Langford. The versatile, much-loved performer first came to the public’s attention in 1970 at just six-years-old when she won the talent show, Opportunity Knocks. This steered to early fame and her career escalated from there.
Starting with television series, Just William, performing in the Broadway revival of Gypsy at just 10-years-old with award-winning actress Angela Lansbury to the film Bugsy Malone; the list just goes on.
“Performing on Broadway as a little girl was a massive highlight for me, I absolutely loved it. Working with Angela was amazing, she is a true inspiration”, says Bonnie. “I have done Broadway since then, but it was very different in those days. I had never been abroad before, so going to America was a big deal and ever so exciting.”
Born into a family of very talented performers, some could say she had the reputation as a precocious child. Her mum, a dance teacher who still, impressively teaches at 88-years-old and her great aunt was a ballerina who performed with Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova.
Nevertheless, her first glimpse of audience interaction surprisingly happened a lot younger than age six. “When I was just three-months-old, my mum had a local dancing school and she would always host a yearly show for the children’s parents at Richmond Theatre. The year I was born, she carried me in her arms on stage instead of holding a bouquet. You could say that was my first taste of being in the limelight”, explains Bonnie.
“Richmond Theatre is such a beautiful place and holds so many lovely memories. The theatre has always been really special to me, and I try and see shows when I can.”
The award-winning star boasts an outstanding career which has embraced success in theatre, film, television and radio across the world. Currently Bonnie is starring as the office gossip, Roz Keith in the adaptation of the famous Dolly Parton film, 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, which so far has been a huge triumph.
“It is going really well! It is packed out nearly every night and people seem to be having a fabulous time”, says the star.
Bonnie who is returning for the second time in the musical is pleased to be back. “I was just finishing at 42 Second Street and I was approached by the show to see if I would like to do it again, and we managed to make it work. Compared to last time, there are some similarities, but also differences. People seem to enjoy the female empowerment run of it.”
9 to 5 The Musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!
“I have been very lucky how my career has turned out, but I work very hard too”, says Bonnie. “I feel very blessed to do something I love. Over the years I have had some amazing opportunities, so hopefully, I have made the most of them.”
A true definition of a showbiz trouper, the star was first to acknowledge a well-earned break. “I am quite tired, I must confess, so I do think I need to have a break sometime soon. When you are freelance, you take any work that comes up as the opportunity might not come around again, so you just take it! But I am so lucky to be doing what I love.”
Boasting such a flourishing career and wealth of experience in the industry, Bonnie makes sure she gives back too. Committing to a variety of charities and patron to many, including Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford. The star explains, “I am very proud to be a patron of PPA and will continue to support and applaud their achievements and goals. It seems to be thriving and doing very well.”
Born in Hampton Court, she grew up around Richmond and Twickenham. She attended prestigious Italia Conti Academy (located in Clapham at the time), a performing arts educational institution, which boasts a worldwide reputation and high-profile celebrity students, including co-star, Louise Redknapp, Pixie Lott and Daniel Mays.
“Surrey and south-west London was part of my life and it still is”, she says. My father is no longer with us, but I remember when he had a business down Wandsworth Road, which he now rents to Gordon Ramsey as a kitchen.”
“I like to visit areas such as Sheen and Godalming. Also, the embankment in Richmond is so beautiful. The county has some amazing places, especially for cream teas.”
For more information on 9-5 The Musical and the UK and Ireland tour in September, visit 9to5themusical.co.uk
