FLICKY HARRISON chats to Jodie Prenger about her role as the much-loved Shirley Valentine

Talking to a wall and becoming a connoisseur on cooking egg and chips live on stage, is just an everyday occurrence for Jodie Prenger, who tackles the gritty role of Shirley Valentine.

The famous musical is heading for Swindon this month, and the director is Glen Walford, who was the original director of the production. It was Glen who commissioned Willy Russell to write the stage play.

Jodie said: "Glen and Willy are brilliant, so down to earth and on the first day I was so scared. It is a show where I can genuinely relate to the audience - by addressing the wall. It is a therapy session for me, it is a classic and an honour to do it.''

Jodie got her big break on the BBC TV series I'd Do Anything, winning the part of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's West End production of Oliver.

"It is a hard industry and we are all afraid of being a one night wonder,'' she said, but Jodie went on to notch up a string of national theatre shows portraying strong women such as Calamity Jane.

Coming from Blackpool, she honed her craft in the toughest of arenas, the northern cabaret circuit.

"The first singing I did, my dad carried the mic and backing tracks for me. I sang songs from the musicals,'' she said. "Never be scared of where you come from.''

Her career path also took into television including CBeebies Jamie Johnson, Casualty, Citizen Khan and Waterloo Road.

Her first encounter with Andrew Lloyd Webber was when he was head judge on I'd Do Anything. Since that time she has worked with him several times, and was the star of the one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday, written by Andrew.

"It was a massive challenge, and something money can't buy. Andrew is lovely.''

She was chosen to star as Madame Thenardier in a special production of Les Miserables in the Dubai Opera Theatre.

"I have never seen chandeliers like it, they must have cost £2m, the Ferrari of lights. Les Mis was the first musical ever put on there,'' she said.

Another firm favourite with Jodie is John Barrowman, one of the panel of judges on I'd Do Anything, who gave her his support.

"After that, John and I did panto together with The Krankies,''

She also toured with John on his 2011 UK tour and sang a duet with him, on his self-titled album.

Following her run as Shirley Valentine, Jodie will be tackling Fat Friends with James Corby. "It's really funny,'' she said.

In the meantime the classic tale of a bored housewife who drops everything to find a new life in Greece is heading for Swindon's Wyvern Theatre from Monday, June 12 to Saturday June 17 at 7.30pm.

"The show is even more relevant today,'' said Jodie. "Lives never do what you dream of, and the message from Shirley is don't get stuck in a rut. The film was like Pretty Woman, you can see it over and over again. It has a cult following.''

Tickets for the Swindon show are from £21.50 to £33 and are available from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison