Lauren Drew, a 32-year-old from Port Talbot, had her life changed when she was offered the role of a lifetime – playing Celine Dion in the musical “Titanique” on London’s prestigious West End stage. For Lauren, who hails from a humble background and has worked tirelessly to pursue her dreams, stepping into the shoes of the “queen of power ballads” was nothing short of a dream come true.
From Freestyle Disco Dancer to Musical Star
Growing up in Port Talbot, Lauren discovered her passion for singing and acting during her school years. Despite financial constraints, she pursued her dreams relentlessly, taking on various jobs from a young age to fund her education and training. Her hard work paid off when she earned a full scholarship to study at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
A Tribute to Hard Work and Talent
Reflecting on her roots in Port Talbot, Lauren acknowledges the town for producing talents like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen, and Richard Burton. She believes that the town instills a spirit of hard work in its residents. Lauren’s dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed as she garnered acclaim for her performances in productions like “Six The Musical” and “Legally Blonde.”
The Pressure of Playing Celine Dion
Taking on the persona of Celine Dion comes with immense pressure for Lauren. Known for delivering powerhouse vocals and emotional performances, Celine is an icon adored by millions worldwide. Lauren described preparing for the role as living “like a nun,” focusing on vocal training and studying videos to capture Celine’s essence authentically.
In contrast to the serious health challenges faced by Celine Dion herself – battling Stiff Person Syndrome – Titanique offers audiences a lighthearted take on the legendary singer’s legacy. With co-creator Tye Blue infusing elements reminiscent of RuPaul’s Drag Race into the show, Titanique promises an experience that is both whimsical and entertaining.
A Joyful Escape Through Performance
For Lauren Drew, embodying Celine Dion is about providing audiences with an escape into joyous entertainment. Amidst challenging times globally, she believes that offering unapologetic happiness through performance is essential. Describing Titanique as wacky and wonderful, she aims to give every audience member an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and excitement.
As Lauren immerses herself fully into portraying one of music’s most beloved figures with dedication and reverence, her commitment has been recognized with an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical – a testament to her talent and hard work paying off.
Through Lauren Drew’s journey from aspiring performer to acclaimed musical star, she hopes to inspire others not to be limited by their circumstances but rather empowered by their dreams – proving that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.
