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BonnieFanChatter Interviews
The following
interview dates from 2005 and chats with Bonnie on more
general matters....
 onnie
Langford - The Interview.......
 1.
After 30 years in the business – what is your most treasured memory?
- It’s
almost impossible to pin my career down to one memory, as you can
imagine. However, I loved being on Broadway as a child in ‘Gypsy’
as it was so very different from anything I had ever experienced
before. I think receiving a standing ovation from a packed theatre
on the last performance was pretty extraordinary and will always
stay with me.
2. Do
you have a favourite character or part you especially enjoy playing?
- I
enjoy being challenged and fulfilled as a performer. It is wonderful
to work with a director who you trust completely to guide and
encourage you to produce a performance that surprises yourself. That
happened when I worked with Chet Walker on ‘Sweet Charity’, so I
found Charity Hope Valentine one of my most enjoyable characters to
date.
3. Who
would you consider to be your greatest musical influence?
- I like
to keep an open mind with both Music and Musicals. I love the music
of Cy Coleman ( in the musical genre) as it is so melodic with a
jazzy flavour that just doesn’t date.
4. If
you could pick anyone from entertainments glorious musical history
to work with who would it be?
- I would
like to have worked with Bob Fosse and probably Fred Astaire and
Gene Kelly.
5. How
would you describe yourself as a person?
- I don’t
know how to answer that – I think perhaps someone else should
describe me – probably ‘short’ is the most accurate!!
6. What motivates you?
- I still
love being on stage or in a studio (Sound or Television), so that
must be it. I enjoy doing my job as well as I can and hearing the
reaction from those who are watching. Making a difference in my own
small way.
7. What is the craziest thing you’ve
ever done?
- I’m
just not crazy!!
8. If you could choose anyone to
write a musical just for you – who would it be?
-
Probably Cy Coleman for the music, Neil Simon for the book, David
Zippel for the lyrics if it was a US based project. As for Britain
probably Sandi Toksvig and Dillie Keane … in fact, you’ve got me
thinking how exciting it would be to get all the talented people
from each department together on a project – we could to a terrific
show, I’m sure.
9. What, if anything, would you love
to do most – outside of your work?
- Be with
my family enjoying every moment.
10. So many youngsters write to you
saying how much they appreciate your encouragement. What one piece
of advice would you offer young future entertainers?
- Be
determined but generous. Be patient but passionate. Learn your craft
and if and when you get an opportunity, be there and be ready.
11. To be a dancer you have to stay
really fit – what’s your secret?
- I do
still go to class when I can, either Ballet, Jazz or Pilates. But
I’m fitter now than I have been for ages because I run about after
my daughter so much!
12. Everyone has a “Bonnie” memory
and knows your work – how would you like to be remembered?
- I would
like people to think of me as a professional and a survivor. Maybe a
few other things , but that may be immodest of me!
13. Have you any plans yet for your
next album?
- I
always have ideas – I write them down on scraps of paper and then
have to search the house for them later! I think I will put a new
concert together and then record it, possibly at a live show.
14. Can we look forward to you
writing your memoirs?
- I will
write my book. It is quite a fascinating journey, and I’m still
travelling on the road too. There is so much material, I just don’t
know how to start. Also, I would like to write it as a very personal
and truthful insight to my career and life. There is a fair bit of
fantasy that has been reported in the past and it would be
satisfying to set the record straight.
15. Working with Sandi Toksvig on LBC
must be great fun. If you had your own radio show what format would
you like it to take?
- I love
working with Sandi, she is a great friend and tremendously gifted
person. I love meeting people so I guess I would like to chat at
length to diverse and interesting guests.
16. Some of your fans wanted me to
ask, would you have liked to have met the Daleks?
- If I’m
honest, I don’t have sleepless nights about that, but I have
recorded a Cd for Big Finish with the Daleks so I suppose that
unfulfilled (non) ambition has been fulfilled now!!
17. Are there any signs yet of your
young daughter Biana following in mum’s dance steps?
- Biana
is very comfortable around theatres, etc. but that’s hardly
surprising as she has been in so many from a young age. She is very
musical so I wouldn’t be surprised if she made it a hobby at least.
But she will do exactly what she wants – she’s very strong willed!
18. Husband Paul is also a very
talented entertainer whom you met while working together, when can
we hope to see you working together again?
- Who
knows?! But you will be among the first to find out!!
19. There seems to be recognition now
that the quality of entertainment on TV has fallen in recent years.
Do you think it will ever return to its former glory days of
variety?
- I think
we are beginning to see a resurgence of entertainment on Television,
which is very encouraging. I was concerned that the professions
surrounding entertainment particularly on TV were dying out. For
example, sound engineers who don’t learn how to mike up for music on
screen and in the studio…..Directors who know how to frame a shot
for a dance routine….. performers who can sing live and perform for
the studio audience as well as those at home….. plus many more. BUT
I reckon that’s coming back, with a fresh approach too.
20. The last 30 years for Bonnie
Langford has given us some wonderful entertainment. Can we look
forward to another 30?
- I hope
so.
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