In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Courtney Bowman, who’s currently playing Kit de Luca in Pretty Woman: The Musical.
Find out more about Courtney and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
I started dancing when I was 5 and have loved being on the stage since then (attention seeker to this day hehe). I wasn’t very academic and had too much energy so it felt right to go to drama school, GSA, at 18. In my third year I entered a competition for the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the year and won it, then luckily, shortly after that booked the new musical version of ‘Wind in the Willows’ UK Tour and some random new show called ‘Jamie’ in the same week which to me was insane. Especially because I didn’t understand what ‘Jamie’ would become. And the rest is history.
2. My West End idol is…
I don’t have an idol as such however, I do have inspirations. For instance when I did a concert with Jenna Russell & Rosalie Craig, I almost passed out from their excellence. Also, Mel La Barrie. They are all wonderful people on and off stage. Truly performers and people I aspire to be like. OBSESSED!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Silly. Fun. Energetic. Bubbly (which lets face it, basically means annoying. Hehe)
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in) is…
Into The Woods. I basically love Sondheim. Hint hint to any casting director… xo
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Obviously Legally Blonde, it was so momentous and changed my life forever. And after that I’ve been basically working for Jerry Mitchell ever since. Love you Jerry!
Courtney Bowman (Elle) in Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Photo Pamela Raith
6. The hardest part about my role is…
The breaks in between scenes, and having to maintain the energy levels so I can come back on stage all guns blazing. It’s a lot easier to maintain when you’re consistently on!
7. If I didn’t work in theatre I would be…
Still in the industry. Probably teaching, I love to teach acting through song and watching performers develop.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m not as upbeat and crazy all the time. Believe it or not I’m quite the sloth. I’m an introverted extrovert which is very conflicting.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
You’ve got nothing to prove but everything to share. We said it everyday at Legally Blonde and it’s something I will take with me forever.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Chill out. It’s not that deep. Have fun, it’s not heart surgery. Don’t cut your hair yourself. Hehe