Aimie Atkinson is the award-winning British actress and recording artist who stars as ‘Vivian Ward’ in the West End hit-musical ‘Pretty Woman’ at the Savoy Theatre London.
The Olivier Nominated Actress and Winner of the BBC Voice of Musical Theatre, rose to fame playing Katherine Howard in ‘Six the Musical’ in the West End and released her debut album ‘Step Inside Love’ in 2017.
Atkinson has starred in other shows including ‘In the Heights’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘Never Forget’, ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Carnaby Street’ and ‘Zorro The Musical’.
We caught up with Aimie to talk all things ‘Pretty Woman’ and find out what’s next for the West End beauty.
1.) We have just entered 2022, how is the year going so far for you?
2022 has actually been great so far, the show has been going really well and we’ve been playing to sold-out audiences, which after the last year we’ve had it has been so wonderful to look out and see 1500 people smiling back at you.
2.) You’re currently starring as ‘Vivian’ in the West End production of ‘Pretty Woman’, how has that been?
When I found out ‘Pretty Woman’ was coming to London, I was so excited and I really wanted to audition, but at the time I couldn’t get an audition. I was disappointed but thought maybe it had already been cast. Then Jerry Mitchell our incredible director came to see the show I was in at the time (SIX) and then the next day I was called in to audition, I was so nervous as I’d been in SIX for two years and hadn’t auditioned for anything in a very long time. I felt out of practice, but I thought what have I to lose. It went quite well but I didn’t hear anything for a while as they had to send our audition tapes to our American producer Paula Wagner for approval.
The day I got the call was so surreal I was about to get on a cruise ship to New York (I have my own show that I perform onboard celebrity cruises) I just remember feeling really numb and not quite believing it was true. When I got to New York I went for diner with Paula Wagner and that’s when it all became very real, and I knew I wasn’t dreaming. I was actually going to play Vivian Ward in the West End.
3.) Why do you think ‘Pretty Woman’ transfers so well to the stage?
I think Pretty Woman transfers so well to stage because it’s such an epic love story. Two people from different worlds coming together and changing each other in incredible ways. It really lends itself to musical theatre as adding the element of music just propels the story to a much more romantic place. The characters can say more of what they are feeling in the musical numbers, and everything feels so much more magical with a beautiful score underneath all of those iconic film moments. One of my favourite parts of the show is when Edward takes Vivian to the Opera. ‘Pretty Woman’’s score is written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and what they have done by interweaving opera into that classic rock sound is so beautifully done, it’s pure magic!
4.) What inspires you and what are some of your hobbies?
In my spare time, I love to go for long walks with my three dogs Magic, Wolfie, and Roxie. I love nature and just being outside. In the pandemic I did the coast to coast walk which travels the width of England and covers three national parks, it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever done. My next plan is to do Penzanze to Scotland but I’m going to need a long break off work to do that one.
5.) Staring on the West End must be tiring, what does your beauty and self-care routine look like?
My beauty regime has really changed over the years, I used to just get up wash my face with water and that was it. That statement now chills me to the core as I really enjoy my nighttime skincare regime. I use all sorts of lotions and potions, wearing heavy show make-up every day really takes its toll on your skin and so I use this amazing Elemis cleansing balm and then Dermalogica’s Age Smart Vitamin Thermafoliant which feels lovely as it heats up in your hands. I have many night creams and serums which I alternate but my favourite at the moment is Keihl’s Midnight Recovery Oil. I even spend 20 minutes a day now with an LED light on my face. I think spending time having a little pamper is so important not only for good skin but just to take time out of your day for you and to recharge.
6.) What’s next for you in 2022?
I’m not sure what’s next at the moment but there’s a few exciting things being talked about. I’m most excited about my girl band SVN, formed of the original West End lineup of SIX. We’ve spent the last year writing our album and we’re super proud of what we’ve done. We have our first headline show at 02 Islington this August 7th, and we can’t wait to showcase our original music. Acting-wise my dream would be to do a musical film or tv series or be the voice of an animated character that would be incredible!
Book Tickets to Pretty Woman here.
Check out more Entertainment Now theatre news, reviews and interviews here.
