Alexandra Burke stars in Joseph musical at Alhambra

But Alexandra Burke, who is the Narrator in the new London Palladium production, heading for Bradford next month, feels she missed out not seeing the show as a child.

“Unlike a lot of people, I didn’t grow up knowing Joseph at school, but I wish I had,” says the singer and actress. “My mum worked very hard to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table and theatre wasn’t something we had the opportunity to enjoy.

“I get quite sad because all these kids in the show know the musical word-for-word and it’s so beautiful to see that, but I was the only one who walked into the theatre going: ‘I’m new to this musical’. It’s been an insight for me to see how many people love it. They know it word-for-word so you can’t muck up on this show.”

Alexandra with the cast of Joseph. Pics: Tristam Kenton (Image: submitted)

She adds: “When they offered to show me some of the archive footage I chose not to watch it because I wanted to learn it from scratch. I decided not to watch what Sheridan Smith had done or anyone previously, because I wanted to put my own spin on it”.

What can audiences expect from this new production?

“They’re in for a massive treat. It’s such a vibrant, colourful and exciting show; you can’t help wanting to join in with the songs, clap along or get up and dance at the end. We’ve all been through so much in the past couple of years, we need shows like this.”

Alexandra is returning as the Narrator, after playing the role at the London Palladium last summer. It’s a role that requires her to be on stage the whole time. What does she most enjoy about it?

“It’s an important role because she’s telling the story, but I’m quite giddy when I play her. It’s the only role I’ve done where I’ve felt I can just be myself. What people are seeing on stage is really just me - I’m quite a goofy person and I play her in quite a goofy way. What you see is me having a laugh on stage, telling a beautiful story and singing some lovely tunes.”

"I play her in quite a goofy way," says Alexandra (Image: Submitted)

The West End production was one of the first to open to full capacity after Covid restrictions. How was that?

“It was such a special feeling. Speaking on behalf of everyone who was part of the production, to not be doing what you love for a long time then suddenly being able to perform to a full audience is a feeling money can’t buy.

“It was a special moment for us to see all those faces, even though they were wearing masks. I don’t think any of us will ever take a moment of performing for granted again.”

Joseph has a much-loved score. Does she have a favourite song?

“The opening number, Prologue (Some Folks Dream), is one of my favourites simply because of the message behind it. It’s telling kids to find their dreams and it’s just me and the kids performing it. It’s an important message to put out there.”

How is it working with Jac Yarrow as Joseph?

“We love Jac! If anyone asked me if there’s a perfect Joseph out there I’d say ‘Yes there is and it’s Jac Yarrow’.

“He’s a great singer and a wonderful performer, a very talented young man who is going to go very far.”

Jac Yarrow as Joseph (Image: submitted)

Joseph is a big contrast to The Bodyguard, which Alexandra toured in a couple of years ago. Was that part of the appeal?

“Yes it was, then I found out there hadn’t been many black Narrators and that was the selling point for me.

“I thought ‘I want to be that representation for young black girls to be able to see themselves in that role’.

“One of the kids in the show last year said ‘So I can be The Narrator one day when I grow up too?’ She was a young black girl and it blew my mind that she’d gotten some inspiration from me doing the role.

“That was the key thing for me - being part of an iconic show and representing people of colour.”

What have been her other favourite roles on stage?

“I’ve been lucky enough to do Sister Act, Chess, Chicago, The Bodyguard - all the most amazing experience. I’m not a trained actor or theatre performer, yet I’ve been blessed to have been given such fantastic opportunities.

“And I’ve loved every director I’ve worked with. I’ve learned so much from them, I’m like a little sponge who soaks up everything.”

Alexandra performing at the opening of The Broadway Bradford in 2015 (Image: submitted)

Alexandra, who became a mum this year, hasn’t looked back since winning X Factor in 2008. She went on to have a successful recording career and in recent years has starred in musical theatre. In 2017 she reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing. Was theatre always part of the plan?

“It’s been more of a nice, happy accident if I’m honest with you. I never thought about doing theatre after X Factor because my mind was so set on music.

“I was only meant to do three months in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre and that turned into five years of non-stop theatre work. And gosh, it’s been wonderful! Music will always be my number one but it’s been amazing to train my voice in a different way and build up my stamina.

“While recording what will be my fourth album I’ve realised that I’m more confident with my singing than ever before and I put that down to all the incredible roles I’ve played over the last seven years. You don’t know hard work until you’ve done 10 shows a week. I take my hands off to ensemble members as well because they do so much work, sometimes across multiple roles, whereas I’ve just got one role to concentrate on.”

What is she looking forward to about taking Joseph around the UK?

“When you tour you get to meet so many new people and visit places you don’t usually go to. It opens up your mind and your heart.

“I always find the people in Bradford to be so kind and welcoming, and the stage management team and the in-house crew at the Alhambra are so lovely. They’re very accommodating.”

* Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Alhambra from October 17-22. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk