Celebrity Interview – Steve Orme Interviews KYM MARSH
Kym Marsh is going through a stellar phase of her career, what she calls her “villain era”. And she’s about to undertake possibly her most challenging role to date.
After playing Alex Forrest in a stage tour of Fatal Attraction – the character can alternatively be described as a villain or a victim – she took on the role of Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical which toured the UK and Ireland last year.
Now she’s really excited to be appearing in Single White Female, an updated version of the 1992 thriller which “blends psychological tension and eerie intimacy, creating a chilling portrait of obsession and identity”.
Kym came to prominence as a singer with the band Hear’Say who won the television talent show Popstars in 2001. After pursuing a solo career she went into acting, appearing in Coronation Street for 13 years. On stage she’s been in musicals as well as dramas.
So why did she want to be involved with Single White Female?
“Who wouldn’t want to? What an absolute classic. It stemmed from when I was in Fatal Attraction. I got such a buzz from playing the villain. The idea of Single White Female was floated and it’s finally coming to fruition.
“It’s never been done on stage before. It’s been rewritten and reimagined by Rebecca Reid who’s a fantastic author and it’s been updated so we’re seeing it more in the modern day. The way it adapts to now is actually really brilliant.”
Kym reveals she didn’t have to audition for the role – the producers wanted her in the show because of her performance in Fatal Attraction.
She explains that the way audiences view stories now is very different to how they looked at them in the 1990s.
“We live in a very different world, a different place. We don’t speak the same language. With Fatal Attraction it was very much a man’s world at that point and the woman was the villain of the piece. But actually the man was just as culpable in a lot of ways. He still had a part to play in what happened and yet he walked off into the sunset and everything was fine for him.
“I think the characters I play are very damaged individuals, shall we say, and I think it will be the same with this one.”
Kym explains the plot of Single White Female: “Allie is a recently divorced woman, she’s a single parent, she’s trying to get ahead in the world but she’s struggling for money, so she advertises for a lodger.
“In walks my character Hedra (also known as Hedy) who comes in to save the day, or so it would seem. Life becomes intertwined and things get complicated.
“Hedra is certainly a very multi-faceted individual. I’m looking forward to playing that part because there are lots of layers to peel back.”
Kym who has been married three times and has three children is quick to dispel any thoughts that she brings plenty of her own life experience to the role.
“I’m nothing like Hedra at all! There’s not much similarity in me and her. I think that’s the beauty of playing these characters that are so far removed from you – you have to dig deep and try to find ways in which you can empathise.
“There are obviously lots of sides to her that are nowhere near me. It’s going to be a challenge, that’s for sure.”
When Kym saw the film Single White Female in the cinema she was “totally gripped” by it and didn’t imagine she would be appearing in the world premiere of the stage production. Fans of the film will be delighted to know the stilettos which played such a prominent part on the big screen haven’t been booted out.
More than 30 years after Jennifer Jason Leigh played Hedra in the film, Kym is able to play the character in a fresh way.
“The actual story is different. What Hedy does for a living in the movie is not what Hedy does for a living in the play. So there are only certain aspects of the character that I can bring, which is why it’s so exciting because there’s a clean slate for me. It’s a great opportunity to be able to bring something new.”
The tour of Single White Female will start in January and the second venue will be the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. At the moment the tour is scheduled to continue until the middle of June, something that’s not fazing Kym.
“I’m used to touring. I’ve toured for the last three years with one thing or another. This is probably the longest thing I’ve done on a tour. But I wanted to do the whole tour because it’s something I’m quite passionate about.
“Living out of a suitcase is always a challenge. But I’m away for five days and at home for two, so there are a lot of similarities with ordinary, everyday life, I guess. And I’m never that far away from home. No matter where I am I could get back if I wanted to.
“I’ve also got a very supportive family network. My daughter will come and stay with me when she’s on school holidays. She’s nearly 15 now.
“There are also a lot of venues where I can commute from home, so I’ll be staying at home when I can.”
Kimberley Gail Marsh was born on 13 June 1976 in Whiston, Merseyside. She went to stage school in Liverpool before becoming a session singer.
When she auditioned for the show Popstars she was chosen with Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan to be in the group Hear’Say. Their first single Pure And Simple went to number one. After less than two years the band split up.
Kym made her television acting debut in 2005 in an episode of the BBC One series Doctors and also appeared in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Then she won the role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street.
“I loved playing her but I wanted to leave and experience what it was like playing other characters. I’ve had so much fun because I’ve done exactly that.”
Would she ever go back to Coronation Street? “At the moment I’m having a really good time, working with different producers and directors. There may come a time when I’d love to revisit because I have such a love for that show and I love the character I played. Maybe down the line in the future. But right now I’m having a lot of fun doing what I’m doing.”
That has included playing Beverly on stage in Mike Leigh’s classic Abigail’s Party; Annette in the West End musical Saturday Night Fever; and Rachel, one of five best friends who are obsessed with Take That in the 2023 show Greatest Days. Kym’s real-life daughter Emilie Cunliffe who is 27 portrayed a young Rachel.
“That was amazing,” says Kym. “I love watching Emilie’s career. It was very special to share a stage with her and to watch her bloom.
“My youngest daughter will probably be heading in the same direction. She’s taking GCSE drama and is very interested in acting. My son isn’t interested at all.”
Showing her diversity, Kym appeared on the BBC school drama Waterloo Road, was a presenter on the BBC daily magazine show Morning Live and appeared on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.
Like many actors, Kym doesn’t know what her next job will be after Single White Female: “The tour takes us through to June. It’ll be my 50th birthday on the final show so after that I’m going to take a little bit of time off and spend a couple of weeks with my family. Who knows what’s after that.”
A number of famous pop groups have got back together recently, so does Kym think Hear’Say will ever have a reunion?
“No, I don’t think so. Everyone’s moved on and is doing their own thing. A single show at some point would be lovely but I don’t think there are any plans.
“I like it when I get to sing for musical theatre but I think the music industry isn’t a place for me.”
Since she left Hear’Say Kym has had a variety of roles which she says she has been “lucky” to play.
“I can’t really choose one that I love more than the other. I can’t choose whether I prefer screen or stage because they’re both very different. I love it all equally.”
Kym Marsh is widely regarded as a versatile actress who has been praised for the emotional depth she displayed playing characters on television and in theatre. Expect her to put her best foot forward when she takes up the challenge of stepping into Hedy’s stilettos in Single White Female. •Single White Female will be at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham from 20 until 24 January
