The luck of the Irish can be a fickle beast, as bright new star Aoife Mulholland is presently finding out only too well. The Galway-born actress was trumped by Connie Fisher on TV audition show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? for the lead in the current London run of The Sound of Music. But now things have turned around in style, as Mulholland steps into the high kicking shoes of Roxie Hart in the West End smash hit Chicago. Mulholland trained at University College Dublin and London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. Her first experience in musical theatre came, ironically enough, via the role of Brigitta in an amateur production of The Sound Of Music. After moving to London, she sang and danced as a professional for the first time in Dance of Desire. Throughout her training, she continued to perform prolifically, notching up credits in 42nd Street, The Joy of Living, Falling Apart, Johnny Angel and The Bright Sun Brings It To Life, as well as taking the lead in Annie Get Your Gun. Back home in Ireland, Mulholland also got her first taste of small screen fame in Foreign Exchange, prior to having it thrust upon her big time thanks to the runaway ratings success that How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? garnered. Alongside the clear soprano voice, top-flight acting chops and formidable dancing skills that TV and theatre audiences know her for already, the delightful Mullholland has a formidable touch on both violin and piano. It seems a safe bet that such boundless talent, energy and enthusiasm will be lighting up the stage for years to come. How she’s found the time to squeeze so much experience into so few years is a mystery to us. But, now that she's taken time out of her hectic schedule to answer your very own questions about her life and glittering career, perhaps a bit less so. Read what this razzle-dazzling Roxie had to say.
From Josh Hanlon: How did you find the audition process for drama schools? Did you succeed first time, and at what age did you start at Central?
Aoife responds: Central was the only one I really wanted. I auditioned and got in first go (thankfully). I started in September 2006 and finished September 2007.
From Miles: Have you any long term plans or ambitions that you wish to achieve in future?
Aoife responds: I would definitely like to do some TV work and—somewhere down the line—some film work. I am reveling in Chicago just at the moment though!
From Aoifefan: I went to see you perform in Chicago just two days ago; it was spectacular! What are your plans after Chicago?
Aoife responds: As my contract has been extended with Chicago (until 31 March) it is a bit too soon to say. I am keeping my options open, and we’ll see what happens.
From Mariana: From the past years there have been a lot of Roxies on stage. What I want to know is: what do you bring to the character that makes it different?
Aoife responds: My Irish feistiness!
From Alfred: Do you ever get starstruck? Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Aoife responds: Andrew Lloyd Webber. I was shocked when he walked into the room—couldn’t speak!
From Neil Kinsell: Hi Aoife. I’m a current music student at UCD, and also I’ve been studying piano for years. What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as a musician in the West End?
Aoife responds: Get out there and gig with as many different people as possible. As a musician, you don’t audition to get into a West End show—you get the jobs through word of mouth.
From Katherine: Do you wish you could have done or sung anything differently on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
Aoife responds: No, I loved every one of them—but my favourite was “Sway.”
From Tim: What do you really think of Connie Fisher? Be honest!
Aoife responds: Connie’s great—very talented and determined, which is a great combination in this business.
From Kristina: At what age did you realize you were so talented?
Aoife responds: We were always encouraged to perform from a very young age. The first time I was on stage was at the age of 15, and I’ve never looked back since.
From Nicole: First of all, I thought you were great in How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and figured it was either you or Connie who would win. But what was the song that you sang in the show when you wore a white suit and top hat and mentioned something about jam? I’ve been trying to find it but can’t anywhere.
Aoife responds: “If My Friends Could See Me Now” from Sweet Charity.
From Rebecca: How do you cope with the pressure of doing a West End musical?
Aoife responds: Lots of baths, massages and lunches with friends!
From Samantha: How do you stay in top shape?
Aoife responds: The dancing in the show keeps me in shape. I also eat quite healthily.
From Fran: Hey, Aoife! You were brilliant in Chicago. But how long does it take to put on your Roxie wig? It looks so real I thought you’d dyed your hair.
Aoife responds: It takes about 20 minutes in total.
From Randolph: Aoife, what is the most important advice you feel you could give to someone wishing for a career in musical theatre?
Aoife responds: Never give up. Keep practicing every day. Don’t believe those who tell you, you can’t do it. Just follow your dreams.
From Jean: Hi Aoife. Seeing as we get so few big musicals in Dublin, do you think you would ever consider playing in a musical back home?
Aoife responds: If the part was right, absolutely. Working back at home would be a dream.