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Your show has been described as “re-inventing the tribute act.” Can you share what inspired you to take this unique approach to celebrating Kate Bush’s music and fans?

I’ve been a huge fan of Kate Bush ever since I saw her first TV appearance on Top Of The Pops, singing Wuthering Heights. I was only four years old but like many people I was instantly bewitched by her incredible voice and magnetic presence.

But it was her absence from the stage for over 30 years which took Russell Lucas (the show’s co-creator) and me into the rehearsal room.

After her iconic 1979 ‘Tour Of Life’ (which completely changed the face of live entertainment), by 2013, when we started rehearsals, she had only made a handful of live guest appearances.

Us fans had to make do with watching her old videos and sharing stories on fan sites to connect. As she continued to make music, sometimes with long gaps between albums, her fan base remained staunchly loyal and it was their experience that we were interested in.

We began to explore the different ways her music had touched people’s lives and how they chose to celebrate and express that love. Whether it was by singing into a hair brush alone in their bedroom or dressing up in red tights and gathering with hundreds of other ‘Cathy’s to re-create that iconic music video, people wanted to share their adoration.

Then a few months into the making process of our show, she suddenly announced a run of 22 dates at Hammersmith Apollo in London and the world went wild. As fans we were thrilled but as theatre-makers we knew we had to pause production. We never wanted anyone to think our show was at attempt at cashing in on her return, so we waited until 2019 before premiering An Evening Without Kate Bush. It was worth the wait.

As the sole performer in An Evening Without Kate Bush, you bring an incredible energy to the stage. How do you prepare for such an immersive and demanding role?

I do a lot of stretching! It is quite an energetic show to perform, both physically and vocally and I take a lot of care of myself, in terms of what I eat and how I warm-up my body. I don’t drink alcohol during a run either. It’s an old habit but it keeps me match fit. I have think fast on my feet as the show changes depending on the audience and I need a clear head!

Even though it’s just me on stage, the audience play such a vital role in how the night goes, I never feel alone. The more energy they give, the more I have. I’m also lucky to travel with a fabulous stage manager who makes sure all the lights and sound work well. There are so many brilliant people working behind the scenes in tech, box office, marketing, cleaning, Front Of House, everyone involved with the audience’s experience is part of the show as far as I am concerned. Pre show I have a playlist of favoriute songs to sing along to in the dressing room whilst I am getting ready. Not all of them Kate Bush!

The show’s success spans sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs, UK and Australian tours, and even Glastonbury. What has been the most memorable audience reaction you’ve received so far?

Goodness, we’ve been so blown away by the reaction from all our audiences. The very first Edinburgh where we played the Free Fringe in The Voodoo Rooms will always stay with me because we really didn’t know how people would respond. Each day I went out to a packed room and pinched myself that it was working!

I think the shows which stay with me the most are the ones when someone has shared something really personal, either during the show or afterwards. I am always at the exit post show to chat to people and it’s there, or in private messages, that I hear stories of lost loved ones, important moments and specific songs which have gotten someone through a tough period of their lives. Connecting in this very personal way is as important to me as the time we share together during the show. I feel extremely honoured when people choose to trust me with their stories.

If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring performers or creators looking to develop their own work, what would it be?

Don’t wait for permission – just start. Honestly, we made this show in our living room with hand made props, costumes borrowed or bought from the charity shop. We showed an early version to a handful of friends to get feedback and kept on going. I have never received Arts Council funding to make work and I don’t come from money. The arts are under such threat at the moment and we need people to tell their stories. I love that Oscar Wilde quote too: ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken’. You could give the same premise to a hundred artists and they would all come up with something different. Trust that you have a voice and sing out!

What do you hope audiences take away from the experience of An Evening Without Kate Bush — whether they’re lifelong fans or completely new to her music?

The show has taught me that connection and community are two of the most powerful things theatre can give us. I hope our audiences leave feeling like they have been part of something special and unique to them. Whether you are there on your own, with a group, a mega fan or someone dragged along by a friend, An Evening Without Kate Bush is a joyful, loving, mischievous and touching musical experience.

You can catch An Evening Without Kate Bush on Friday 17 January and Saturday 18 January at 7:30pm. Book your tickets here.