Theatre
Billy Elliot’s Ruthie Henshall talks West End and motherhood
Ruthie Henshall is regarded by many as the last real star musical theatre created, and it’s no wonder.
Currently starring as Miss Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the Musical at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre, the leading lady has opened up about her life on the West End in a new interview.
Talking to Official London Theatre, Henshall describes her ability to juggle major theatre roles with everyday life and being a mum.
“I get on the train and all of a sudden I’m going to a different life. I’m a mummy on the one hand and a performer on the other,” the single mother of two explained.
“I take them to school in the morning and I see them on Sunday, and apart from that they don’t get to see Mummy. I think it’s very hard for them and they do make it known every so often that they don’t get to see me enough; by the time I get to Sunday, all I want is to be with them.”
Asked whether that conflict in responsibilities could see her leaving her current role early, Henshall added: “I don’t know that I could leave yet. The part is so wonderful and the audiences are so incredible. We’re still that hit show and that is a very, very seductive combination for any performer.”
Explaining her reasoning behind the recent launch of her own production company, the actress also said: “When the face falls, women’s careers often get stalled and I wanted to have something to fall back on.”
Henshall is yet to see either of her daughters follow in her footsteps, but there’s still plenty of time. “I love it and I’m passionate about it but [my career] is not what happens to everybody. It’s a tough business, there’s nothing stable about it.
“But when you’ve the bug, nothing else will do. And when you love it, you love it, and there’s no way on earth I’d stop [my daughters].”
Catch Ruthie Henshall starring in Billy Elliot at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre now, currently booking until December 2015.
