SINGER and actress Marti Webb found she just “cain’t say no” when it comes to reviving a classic.
Marti opens a new production of the ever-popular Rodgers and Hammerstein show Oklahoma! at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre on Saturday and can’t wait to get on stage.
“Why did I do it? Well, first of all, they asked me of course!” she gasps in characteristically breathless fashion.
“They asked and at first I wasn’t sure, but as soon as I heard that music, I couldn’t resist. I’ve only seen the show once and that was many many years ago so I’m really looking forward to getting in front of an audience.”
With songs like Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’, The Surrey With a Fringe on Top, Many a New Day and, of course, the rousing chorus of titular Oklahoma! there’s no doubting its place in the musical theatre canon.
Seems a pretty safe bet for a revival?
“No, not at all, not at all. Like everything else, it stands or falls on the performances, it has to. Mind you, we have a terrific director, a fantastic choreographer and a superb Laurie and Curly so I’ve every confidence. They sing and dance the whole show, even the ballet section which is usually done by another pair.”
It’s 30 years since Marti came to the attention of the wider public, first when she took over from the legendary Elaine Paige in the title role of Evita in the West End, then opening in the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Don Black song cycle, Tell Me on a Sunday – which provided her signature hit, Take That Look Off Your Face.
In recent years, some reports have taken to referring to Marti as a “veteran”.
“Oh, I don’t worry about that. If that’s how they see me then what can I say about it?
“The truth is, I don’t feel any different now to how I did then, I’ve got as much energy and I love the work even more if anything. If I didn’t I wouldn’t still be doing it. I’ve always said it’s about the work first and foremost, the age has nothing to do with it.”
And it’s worth remembering Marti has been playing in musical theatre since she was young.
“I was still at school when I started and I’ve been very lucky with the roles I’ve had. My debut was in Stop the World – I Want to Get Off which was a very mod musical, then Half a Sixpence with Tommy Steele, which has become a classic.
“I think that’s why musical theatre generally has always been so strong, because there’s something for everyone. We’ve always had very diverse musicals, right back to when I started. You look at what’s on at the moment and there’s modern musicals and traditional ones, then you get American ones and British ones, a huge variety.”
I wonder what she made of the mixed reception afforded her old friend Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies.
“Well, I haven’t seen it of course as we’ve been far too busy here, but I’m sure I’ll love it because I love Andrew’s work. There seems to be this thing where people have to criticise anyone who’s successful and knock them down. Andrew writes musicals because he loves it, it’s what he needs to do and please God he continues writing such beautiful music for a long time to come.”
And with that endorsement ringing in my ears, Marti is whisked away to return to last-minute rehearsals.
l Oklahoma! plays the Pavilion Theatre from Saturday before going on tour.
