My life as a West End star

Has London’s West End changed for the worse? ’The starlet’, now a singing teacher from London who would like to remain anonymous, has had more then her fair share of performing on stage. A star from the Fifties through to the Nineties, she made a success of her talent and ambition, putting many young creatives of today to shame. Coco Evennett-Watts went to see her to find out what life was like for a West End star back in the days.

QueensOfVintage: What inspired you to become a West End performer?

The Starlet: It was my singing that inspired me to get onstage. My parents would often take me to musicals and I would sit there numb with emotion, in awe of the performers and the costumes that they were wearing.

QoV: How did you feel when you were onstage?

The Starlet: It took me longer to gain confidence as an actress but the passion that I felt for singing helped me overcome my fear and learn to act. I was always a bag of nerves and had no self-confidence. Until one night, I had to walk onstage singing. I can remember looking out into the audience and seeing one lady in particular smiling up at me. I knew that she couldn’t be smiling at anyone else, as I was the only one on stage. I thought to myself ‘well you must be doing something right Jayne!

 QoV:  Who were your role models?

The Starlet: I think I was selfish enough that I didn’t admire a particular singer or actress, as I wanted the part for myself!

QoV: What was a typical day like for you?

The Starlet: Before I got the part as leading lady my typical rehearsing day started at 10.00 a.m., we would have an hours break for lunch at 12.00 p.m. and then carry on until 5.00 p.m. As the opening night drew closer, we would work longer hours often not knowing when we would finish. It was hard work!

When I was a leading lady, I would often sleep in the morning unless I had to make a personal appearance. The afternoon would be rehearsal and then in the evening I would perform. After the performance I would often be expected to go to a party, as there were people there that wanted to talk to me. I found this very nerve-wracking as I saw the public as my biggest judge, I would worry about what they were going to say to me. I would also be extremely tired and nothing sounded worse then forcing a smile and conversation with a lot of strangers.

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Tags: London, starlet, vintage, West End

Category: 1960s, London, Vintage news