West End star Ruthie Henshall’s glittering career has taken her all over the world – including the US, Canada and Australia – but, as the line from the musical goes, there’s no place like home.

Fresh from her stint as Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot in the West End, Bromley born and raised Ruthie will star in That’s Entertainment at The Churchill Theatre from June 28 to July 2.

The 49-year-old told us: “What an opportunity to go back years later! Especially to the Churchill, as I was one of the first people to perform there after it was built.

“I plan to take a trip down memory lane by visiting my old haunts; where I used to live, my old school, and the park I used to play in.”

When it comes to musical theatre, it really is a case of been there, done that, written the book. In fact, the book published in 2012 was titled So You Want to Be in Musicals?

Here long list of credits dating back 29 years includes – among many others - Chicago, Peggy Sue Got Married, Oliver, Miss Saigon and Godspell.

She said: “It has all been amazing, although I have to say performing in the 10th anniversary of Les Miserables was incredible.

“When I published my book, I thought ‘oh my goodness, I’m an author now!’”

Her favourite show, she said, was Crazy For You in which she played Polly Baker from 1993 to 1994.

She said: “It was like an MGM Musical, but on stage.

“It was a dream come true to be part of it. Acting, comedy, all singing, all dancing, it had everything. It was incredible.

“I would say Chicago and Les Miserables come a close second. Chicago because the characters of Roxy and Velma are so great.

“I also think it’s lovely for two women to be at forefront of a musical.

“Les Miserables because it’s just beautiful, it’s so full of passion, love, redemption, and fighting for what you believe in. The music is just stunning. It’s got it all in bucketloads.”

Ruthie has been nominated for a remarkable five Olivier Awards, winning in 1995 for her performance in She Loves Me.

Of the awards night, she said: “It’s just gorgeous, it’s so lovely to be part of an evening that’s all about the theatre, and it’s a good get-together will your mates! It’s lovely to be recognised within your business. How they choose the winners I don’t know – everybody deserves it, everyone nominated. Even people who are not nominated deserve it.”

That’s Entertainment is an all singing, all dancing, feel-good show featuring the biggest hits of the 1940s and 1950s and is something a little different for Ruthie.

She said: “With Billy [Elliot], there was a proper story, a narrative. That’s less so with That’s Entertainment.

“In it, I'm me, as opposed to playing a character. It’s just a good old fashioned song and dance!”

Ruthie Henshall stars in That’s Entertainment at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from June 28 to July 2. Go to churchilltheatre.co.uk

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