Francesca Jackson: “My dream role is Nancy”

´How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?’ was the first tv Show. Connie Fisher won it and starred THE SOUND OF MUSIC in the London Palladium. Then, ‘Any Dream Will Do’ gives to Lee Mead the chance to star JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Last March 31th began ‘I’d Do Anything’ the latest BBC Show to find who will perform Nancy and Oliver, two of the leading roles of the next OLIVER production  that will be opening in the Drury Lane Theatre next season.

One of the girls finalists of the Show is Francesca Jackson, a young Welsh actress that was performing Joanne in William Baker’s RENT-REMIXED. Francesca Jackson explain us how she is living in Nancy’s House after the week two of the Show:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU THIS EXPERIENCE IN “I’D DO ANYTHING”? HOW ARE YOU LIVING IT?
It’s a really difficult and emotional experience – on the one hand it’s exciting and something that will hopefully change my life for the better – but on the other hand it’s pretty terrifying to be so exposed and at the mercy of the BBC, the editors, the panel and then of course, the public. So at the moment I’m just taking it a week at a time and focusing on being the best I can with the task’s I’m given.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS KIND OF REALITY SHOWS TO FIND THE MAIN ROLES OF A MUSICAL? DO YOU THINK THAT THE REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN ON A “CONVENTIONAL” CASTING?
There are positives and negatives about reality casting shows. They can sort of fast-track people without the years of hard-work and training into west end leading roles, which is a bit unfair on those who have put nearly all their lives into forming a career, but on a positive note they are filling west end theatres up with audiences who wouldn’t usually buy tickets – and a whole new generation is becoming passionate about musicals – which is great!

WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO YOU TO GET THE ROLE OF NANCY IN THE NEXT PRODUCTION OF OLIVER!?
It would be everything I could dream of. When I was young I played Bet in Oliver with Sonia Swabey and I idolised her. I did an interview last year and said that my dream role was Nancy, then a few months later I found out that they were going to be doing a reality search for the role and I saw it as a sign and went for it!

Francesca Jackson as Nancy in ´I´d Do Anything´

HOW IS THE LIFE IN THE NANCY HOUSE? HOW ARE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN YOU, THE 12 NANCYS?
We all get on great – it is horrible when someone has to leave. They are a great bunch of girls and the talent in the Nancy house is astounding. No-one is safe on the live shows as everyone has so much potential.

DO YOU THINK LAST WEEK THE PANEL WAS ESPECIALLY SEVERE WITH YOU? DID YOU FELT PRESSED BY COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR PARTICIPATION ON RENT REMIXED NEXT TO DENISE VAN OUTEN?
I think the amount of press surrounding my relationship with Denise Van Outen meant that the panel would always be under scrutiny regardless of what they said to me in that first week. However they have a job to do and I took their comments on board and made sure I carried them through to week two. There has been alot mentioned about my profession and not much about me as a person, so I hope I can have enough time on the show to show the REAL me. 

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ASSESSMENT ABOUT BEING ON RENT REMIXED? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE REASON WHY LONDON AUDIENCES DON’T HAVE A SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH THIS SHOW?
Rent Remixed was a massive moment in my career and I loved every minute of it. The show itself attracted a lot of criticism as it was adapted from the original– but I think there was always going to be people who loved the original too much to embrace this one. I personally liked the production and I’m proud of what we achieved – plus I also made some of the best friends I will ever have during my time there so I have no regrets.
As for London audiences connecting with the piece I’m not sure what the answer is there. The original is set in a very specific area in New York, and in a specific time period and about a very specific subject matter that has now become less of a taboo, so I guess some aspects of the show could be difficult to relate too for a British audience. But I love it!!

Francesca Jackson with Oliver Thornton in RENT REMIXED

IN LONDON YOU CAN FIND A LOT OF DIFFERENT SHOWS, SO THERE IS PLENTY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES. BUT THERE ARE ALSO MANY GOOD ACTORS WITH A GREAT TRAINING. DO YOU THINK IT’S DIFFICULT TO GET A ROLE ON A WEST-END MUSICAL?
It’s very difficult and some actors, regardless of talent, can go their whole careers without appearing in the west end.
There are always far more actors than there are jobs. Every year drama schools turn out hundreds of talented young actors who are all wanting the same roles as you. Its too scary to think about really. I just hope I can keep working hard and being lucky at the same time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICAL? AND WHAT IS THE ROLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY?
I’ve always loved Blood Brothers and, of course, Oliver!
These days I would love to be in Wicked and have a go at playing Elphaba, and it’s a great passion of mine to create a role in a new musical. So fingers crossed!!