Introduction to Lauren Drew
Lauren Drew, a 32-year-old from Port Talbot, has landed the role of a lifetime playing Celine Dion in the West End production of Titanique The Musical. As a lifelong fan of the "Queen of Power Ballads," Drew didn’t hesitate when offered the part. The musical is a parody of the 1997 film Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, and Drew describes it as a "dream come true."
Early Life and Career
Drew began her performing career as a champion freestyle disco dancer at a young age. However, it was during school that she discovered her passion for singing and acting. She trained at Neath Port Talbot College before securing a full scholarship at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Drew comes from a working-class family with limited means and has worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams, taking on various jobs from the age of 14. She credits her family for their sacrifices, saying, "They sacrificed everything for me, so I’ll do it for them."
Titanique The Musical
The Olivier Award-winning show is a unique blend of music, comedy, and drama. Drew describes it as "crazy, wonderful, and bonkers" and promises that the audience should expect a completely different experience from the film it parodies. The show features a star-studded cast, including Layton Williams as the iceberg. Drew’s performance as Celine Dion has garnered attention from prominent fans, including Alan Carr and Amanda Holden.
Celine Dion’s Legacy
Celine Dion, known as the "Queen of Power Ballads," has been battling a rare neurological autoimmune disease called Stiff Person Syndrome. The condition has affected her ability to sing and perform, leading to the cancellation of her tour dates. However, she made a triumphant return to the stage at the 2022 Olympic Games in Paris, singing on the Eiffel Tower. Titanique The Musical takes a more playful approach to her legacy, with Drew’s exaggerated portrayal of the Canadian star.
The Pressure of Playing Celine Dion
Drew acknowledges the pressure of playing such an iconic figure, saying, "There’s such a pressure because people love her so much, she’s such a crazy person, but first and foremost, I know that people want the singing, so I live like a nun at the moment." To prepare for the role, Drew studied countless videos of Celine Dion’s performances, striving to capture the star’s essence. Her hard work paid off, earning her a nomination for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
A Message of Hope
Drew hopes that her success will inspire others, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, to pursue their dreams. She says, "I hope it shows people not to limit themselves because they come from nothing." With her talented voice and dedication to her craft, Drew is an inspiration to aspiring performers everywhere. As she takes the stage as Celine Dion in Titanique The Musical, she is living proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
