Corrie - the play
We have two pairs of tickets to give away to Corrie, a new stage show based on the soap opera
FIND OUT MOREFree beauty products
Your chance to win a fantastic three-piece 'skin perfector' set worth more than £120.
FIND OUT MOREAspiring entrepreneur?
Chartered Accountants Lucas Reis are offering an hour's free business consultation.
FIND OUT MORELife is a cabaret
From reality TV hopeful to stage musical star in just a few months, it has been a fascinating ride for 18-year-old Samantha Barks. We catch up with the Isle of Man-born actress for a quick chat ahead of her keenly anticipated return to Manchester as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.
Did you think this time last year that you'd be playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret?
Never in a million years did I think I would be lucky enough to play Sally Bowles! It's such a fantastic and iconic role, and I am loving every minute of playing it.
How important was BBC's I'd Do Anything in launching your career?
It was a fantastic experience that really prepared me for the different challenges that you are likely to face in the industry. Since the show, a number of fantastic opportunities have opened up for me. I was fortunate enough to meet with Duncan Milliship (my agent) and take part in a workshop for Phantom of the Opera 2 with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber before getting to audition for Cabaret.
What are your most memorable moments of I'd Do Anything?
The most memorable moment of the show for me is when I got to sing Defying Gravity in front of Idina Menzel, who is my idol. Also, when I got to meet Liza Minnelli, that was something I'll never forget. I was lucky enough to work with Liza on the song Maybe this Time from the show - it's strange how I'm now performing that every night.
Cabaret marks the official start of your stage career. It's an impressive start, isn't it?
Cabaret marks my professional debut, which is amazing but also a massive challenge. But I like being thrown in at the deep end.
From Liza Minnelli to Judi Dench and Natasha Richardson, Sally Bowles has been played by some great actresses since the original Broadway production in 1966. Is this a dream come true for you?
I was delighted to find out I'd been cast as Sally Bowles for the tour. Playing this role is a great honour, following in the footsteps of such great actresses.
Who's your favourite Sally from the aforementioned?
I have never seen the stage production, I have only seen the film, so Liza Minnelli I guess. She is such an amazing woman you have to look up to her.
Has playing Sally presented you with any challenges?
Playing Sally is difficult but interesting, as she has so many layers. It's not hard to get into character but you have to be 100 per cent focused at all times. It's hard work but very rewarding.
You seem to be a confident performer. Do you get stage fright at all?
I don't get nervous, which is a good thing, but I do still get adrenaline each night, which I think you totally need.
Do you have anything in common with Sally?
Me and Sally are quite different, I think. However, when Sally Bowles first appeared in the life of Christopher Isherwood (who wrote the book) she was 19, so we do have age in common.
What's your favourite song in the show?
It's a great feeling to sing Maybe this Time. It's a nice moment for me to be on my own with those beautiful lyrics.
How's working with Wayne Sleep?
It's amazing. He has done Cabaret before so it's fantastic to have that experience in the show.
You've performed in Manchester before with Cabaret, haven't you?
Yes, we performed in Manchester at the beginning of the tour and it was really good fun, so I am looking forward to coming back.
Who would you love to see in the audience in Manchester, front row?
I think I would like to see Liza Minnelli - that would make me nervous but it would be great.
Are you looking forward to doing anything else while you're in Manchester?
Sadly I will be very busy so I will not have much time for much else, but I will definitely have to shop!
Cabaret runs from June 22 - 27 at The Lowry. Tickets cost £20 - £32.50 and you can book by calling 0870 787 5793. Visit www.thelowry.com for more details.