Meet the West End star following in the footsteps of Bonnie Langford

A popular singer, dancer and actress, Anna-Jane Casey is best known for her work in musical theatre, having starred in shows such as Cats, West Side Story and Chicago. Casey has previously graced the Royal Hall stage with the legendary, Grammy-winning John Wilson Orchestra, and her extensive TV and film credits include roles in Family Guy, Silent Witness, Coronation Street and EastEnders. She joins Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack when they open this year’s HACS Harrogate Music Festival at the Royal Hall on June 26. Here she talks about her musical heroes and why live performances mean so much to her…

Who, or what, inspired you to first start performing?

I saw a production of The Pirates of Penzance at the Manchester Palace Theatre when I was about eight and I knew I wanted to be Bonnie Langford when I grew up. I’m still trying to be her now!

What have been your music career highlights so far?

Anytime I get to sing at the Albert Hall feels surreal, being a market traders’ daughter from Lancashire! Appearing with Mike Lovatt and the amazing brass players in the Brass Pack blasting out ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ with me yelling at the front at the 2012 Broadway Prom was a pretty epic moment in my career, too.

What advice would you give upcoming artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be kind, turn up on time, know your stuff and don’t be a dick! Also, never give up. If you’re meant to perform, you will.

What do you hope the audience in Harrogate takes away from your performance?

I hope we make them smile but also shed a little tear or two. Music is a gift to us all in times of uncertainty so let us take you away from the drama for a few hours.

Describe your programme in three words.

Fun, moving, exciting!

Do you have any pre-concert rituals?

I’m not religious but I always cross myself and touch wood before I go on. I’ve been doing that for nearly 40 years now and I’m convinced I’ll fall off the stage if I don’t!

What do you most enjoy about performing live and why is it still important in our digital age?

There is nothing like being in a room with a group of people, all sharing the joy of music and singing. That’s why after the pandemic when performance spaces started to open up again, audiences and performers alike were sobbing with joy to be able to share that human connection again. You can’t get that feeling from watching the telly on your own.

If you could collaborate with any other artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to have heard Ella Fitzgerald live as her phrasing and style is incomparable. But my favourite fantasy would be to sing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder. I’d even sweep the stage to be in the presence of that man!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I have an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old, so my music knowledge has been expanded by them – Doechii, James Morrison, Prince and Chappell Roan are all on my playlist at the moment. I’m also learning the drums so there are many aggressive rock classics buzzing round my head too!