The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Lauren Chia. Lauren is currently playing Janet on the UK tour of Rocky Horror Show. The show takes over the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from 11th November. You can book tickets here.

Get yourself comfy and join us for the next segment of Stagey Chat!

Hi Lauren, thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into acting?

Thank you for having me! My name is Lauren and I live in London. It all started when I was 2 years old. I used to love watching an old movie called Beaches and I would sing along with Bette Midler! I loved singing and dancing so my parents took me to classes and eventually I went to drama school. I have been working in the industry ever since and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I feel so grateful to be doing something that I love every day.

You're currently playing Janet in Richard O'Brien's cult classic Rocky Horror Show. I'm sure most are familiar, but can you tell us about the story and the character you play?

Janet starts the show with her fiancé Brad. They are both all American, straight laced, and innocent. When their car breaks down they turn up at a castle to seek help. Instead they enter a party where they meet Frank, a ”sweet transvestite,” and their night takes on a journey they never expected. Janet’s eyes are opened into this world and she has a sexual awakening where she gains confidence and loses her inhibitions. She leaves the show as a completely different person which makes it so fun for me to play because there is a huge arc in her story.

Janet Weiss is such an iconic character is musical theatre. How did you prepare for the role? Is there an extra layer of pressure playing a character that's already so well-loved?

I definitely felt pressure as I know Rocky Horror has a huge cult following, and Janet is such an iconic character. But I’ve tried to make Janet my own and not copy actors who have played it previously. I trust that the creative team know what they’re doing and if they trust me to take on this role then I can be confident in my ability to do a good job! I think I share some similarities with Janet so some of the scenes in the show come very natural for me to play.

Audience participation is a huge part of what makes Rocky Horror so popular. How hard is it to maintain character during these scenes, and what's been the best shoutout so far?

It can be difficult and I’ll admit there have been some shows where I’ve had a bit of a giggle during scenes! But it’s what makes the show so fun and exciting! I love that the show is completely different every night! My favourite shout out is “When do we return to Transylvania?” NEXT TUESDAY! It’s so random but it gets me every time.

Previously, you mentioned how proud you are to bring your identity as an Asian actor to the role of Janet. Could you share what this means to you personally and what impact you hope it has on audiences, especially those who might identify with you?

To be a British/Asian actress playing a lead non Asian specific role is so special to me. Janet has generally been played by white actors so this was a role I never thought would be possible for me to play. In the past I have been cast in shows where it has been an all Asian cast, or I’ve been cast as an Asian specific role. In the future I would love to play more roles that aren’t specific to my race. Representation matters and I feel so proud to have this opportunity, and for people who look like me to come and see the show and believe it is possible.

How was it meeting the incomparable Richard O'Brien at the London stop of the Rocky Horror tour?

We met Richard at our Gala evening at The Dominion. I was nervous to meet him, but he is so down to earth and such a cool guy. To meet the creator of the show was really amazing and it was a special night for us all.

My blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?

I have been saying this for years, but I would love Bridget Jones to be turned into a stage show. It’s one of my favourite films and we can all relate to Bridget. I love the British humour and I think it would work really well on stage.

And finally, why should people book tickets to The Rocky Horror Show UK tour?

You should come and watch Rocky Horror because it is an experience you won’t forget. There’s amazing music and we all have a party together. Everyone is a part of the show and it’s all about being free to be yourself! “Don’t dream it, be it!”

You can book tickets to the UK tour of Rocky Horror Show here.