Lisa Norman recently made her debut as Velma Kelly in the London production of 'Chicago' (pictured). She also happens to be the daughter of Gailene Stock and Gary Norman, now director and senior teacher, respectively, of the Royal Ballet School in London.
What is your earliest memory of dancing?
My earliest memories of dancing were watching my father performing Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet with the Australian Ballet. I grew up in the wings and dressing rooms of theatres. I remember watching my father dance in that particular role the best. He was wonderful and truly terrifying! I used to learn all the other roles and then have my mum play the record of the music later at home so I could act them all out!
Where did you train?
I trained at the National Theatre Ballet School [in St Kilda] and then later on I trained at what was then Bartuccios Performing Arts School in Prahran.
Why did you move from ballet to musical theatre?
I wanted so much to be a ballet dancer like my parents but I just grew too tall. By that 14/15 I was already about 5’ 9” and a height specialist predicted that I would grow to no less than 5’ 11”, which is far too tall for ballet. So I decided that rather than giving up dancing I should move on to another form where my height wouldn’t be such an issue.
Did you undertake any other training besides dancing?
After I completed my VCE I did a year in the full time performing arts course at Bartuccios. I also trained privately with a singing teacher, which did me a good service later on in my career.
You then joined the Lido in Paris?
I sent an audition video to the Lido. A couple of routines with a lot of high kicks and before I knew it they had faxed me a contract! In truth the Lido is always very keen to have dancers my height.
Were you in the chorus or did you have lead roles?
I was a “Bluebell” dancer for many years which equates to the chorus, I suppose. I also understudied two of the principal roles in the first show I did there, C’est Magique. In the second show, Bonheur, I was the first replacement to the lead dancer for a year, which was fantastic as I used to go on all the time.
What did you enjoy most about dancing at the Lido?
It was a huge honour. It is such a well established institution and you are shown a great amount of respect by all of the Parisiennes. The Lido gave me the opportunity to dance and live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Walking to work along the beautiful tree lined Champs Elysees, glancing up at the Arc de Triomph every day as I walked to the theatre, was was of my favourite things about working at the Lido.
What did you enjoy the least?
The hours were difficult. We did two shows a day for most of the year. Work started at 8:30pm and finished about 2:15am. We were all night creatures, going to bed around four or five in the morning and sleeping most of the day away. Around Christmas time we would do an additional Christmas show during the day, so sleep was extremely scarce. At the time we just were used to it but looking back I can’t imagine how we all did such gruelling hours.
What made you move to London?
After five years in Paris I wanted to move on. My parents were living in London and I had always hoped to live and work there someday. Luckily very soon after I moved there I was offered a contract with Chicago, so it all worked out brilliantly. I have been playing the role of Kitty for four years now.
What was it like to perform Velma?
It was such a joy. I had always dreamed of doing it, it’s one of my favourite female lead roles. It was wonderful to sing and dance all those fantastic numbers, and though I was incredibly nervous I enjoyed it immensely!
Do you now have that role permanently?
No, I’m the understudy, so when whoever is playing the part is off I go on, which can be quite often depending on who it is.
Were your parents there to see your debut?
Yes, thankfully they were! I felt so much better knowing they were there watching and cheering me on from their seats!
Any future plans you can share with us?
For the moment I will continue on in Chicago until my contract ends. I would like to do another show but Chicago is my favourite so it’s a hard one to leave! I would love to come back to the show to play Velma at some point after I leave, that would be fabulous!
