Charlotte Elisabeth-Yorke grew up in Bath before training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Millikin University. She now returns to the area with the first ever UK Tour of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, playing at the Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 8 until Saturday 26 April.
Her other theatre credits include Pretty Woman in London’s West End, UK Tours of Here You Come Again and Friendsical, Aladdin at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, and Mickey and the Magician at Disneyland Paris.
We caught up with Charlotte to find out more about her role in the hit musical.
Where did you go to school and what were some of your local haunts growing up?
I grew up in Bath and went to The Royal High School, as did my mum, back when it was The Royal School. I’d say my two regular haunts would probably be The Little Theatre Cinema – I couldn’t get enough of going to the movies and would see everything that came out – and The Bath Sweet Shop! We’d walk down to Bath Abbey Choir rehearsals from school and would have to swing by to stock up on sweets before rehearsal started – I used to love the way they’d pour them out from the jars and weigh them. Proper old school.
Have you been to the Bristol Hippodrome before, to perform or as an audience member?
I grew up seeing pretty much every musical that came to the Bristol Hippodrome, but this is my first time getting to perform here so this is really a full circle moment for me. If I remember correctly, the first show I saw there was Beauty and the Beast, and as a Disney girl at heart it was just the most magical experience.
Do you have a favourite place in Bristol?
I’m lucky enough that my performing has taken me all around the world for the past few years, so I haven’t been back to Bristol in a while, but one of my favourite Bristol go-to’s is Bosco Pizzeria. There’s always such a buzz there and the pizza is off the charts.
Were you a member of any local amateur dramatic groups?
I only really did theatre through school, and I was lucky enough to be at a school where the arts were really encouraged across the board. Aside from school I took part in the Mid-Somerset Festival in both drama and music categories, I took class at Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance three times a week and used to sing with the Bath Abbey Choir three times a week – all of which gave me such an incredible foundation across the board both in training and for encouraging the idea of this being a real career for me.
When did your love of performance begin?
I vividly remember my very first West End Show, when I was about seven, which was Cats. I was absolutely blown away. As we were exiting the theatre, I clearly remember asking my Mum what it was that those people do, and she told me they were West End Performers, and I said “I’m going to do that when I’m older.”
And as we were in the cluster of people heading towards the exit I remember people looking down at me and saying “Aw, how sweet” to my Mum, and I remember thinking “How bizarre?! I’m going to do that one day, it’s not funny.” And here we are nearly 30 years later!
What does it mean to be performing at the Bristol Hippodrome?
Oh, I don’t think there’s anything quite like coming home – especially for the first time when I’ve been performing professionally now for going on ten years. It really feels quite special and I can tell it will be quite emotional taking that first bow on the Bristol Hippodrome stage. I’ve got all my family who still live in Bath and a lot of local friends who are all coming to see the show and can’t wait.
Tell us about your role in the show?
I play Toni in the Ensemble and Cover Rhonda Graam – Tina’s manager and best friend – and I’m loving every second of it. I think unlike any show I’ve been in before, it is a true ensemble piece. It is the most incredible company of actors (genuinely one of the best I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of), coming together to tell this story of this incredible woman.
Why should audiences see Tina at the Bristol Hippodrome?
I think Tina’s story is universal and so important to be told today. There is something that every single person in the audience can relate to. And more than that, her strength, resilience and sheer power should be an inspiration to anyone in the audience, not to mention the fact that every single song will have you wanting to jump out of your chair dancing!
It’s genuinely got something for everyone and it’s a joy to perform and see everyone on their feet by the end of the show every single night.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical plays at the Bristol Hippdrome from 8-26 April. For more details and to book tickets click here.
