After the high of opening night, Blackpool Social Club caught up with Nikita Coulon (pictured centre) who plays Crystal. She is one of the three girls that narrates the story of Little Shop of Horrors with stunning three-part harmonies. Nikita has been a part of Blackpool and Fylde Operatics for many years, so I was keen to hear about her experiences. Main photo: Hannah Ayres
How long have you been with BFLOC? If this is your first production and what drew you to the company?
I have been with BFLOC 18 years now, my first production was Anything Goes in 2005 and I absolutely loved it! I was asked to come and be part of the show by my dance teacher at Whittaker’s, Sheila Ganley, she was the choreographer at the time. Anything Goes is a dancer’s dream show with all the tapping!
What has been your favourite show or role from previous productions?
I have done lots of shows with BFLOC so it really is so hard to pick a favourite! I will pick a few! Sister Act in 2014 holds a really special place in my heart, the show itself is so special and the message is all about love and sisterhood. The cast were exceptional and we all had so much fun being nuns, we were like a big family! The songs by Alan Menken are incredible so it was definitely one of my favourites. Another favourite was Beauty and the Beast in 2010, another Alan Menken and Howard Ashman classic. Being a Disney geek this was dreamy to perform. I got to be a Silly Girl, a Can-Can dancing Napkin AND a Wolf (epic)! I have to mention Hairspray, Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, but probably my most special to date was 42nd Street in 2019. Playing Peggy Sawyer is literally a dream role for me, tap has always been my favourite style of dance. The fact I got to be on stage with my two sisters, Sophie and Phoebe, just made it even more amazing!
What is your other performance background?
I have danced since the age of three and always loved musicals. Having been in many dance shows and pantomimes over the years I joined BFLOC in 2004 to get my musical fix. I have worked professionally over the years with international production companies including World Dance Management, Fit the Bill, Dreamthinkspeak and Enchanted Events North West, where I continue to pursue a career as an all-round musical theatre performer.
What do you love about amateur dramatics? What is your favourite part of the process of putting on a show?
Amateur dramatics is brilliant because it gives you the chance to experience the world of theatre on your doorstep. Many of us have full time jobs (some even more than that) but we do this because we love it. The buzz you get from performing on stage is the reason for me! I have been so lucky in getting to perform at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool numerous times. My favourite part is how close you get with the cast and the lifelong friendships that you make along the way.
Have you performed at Lowther Pavilion before?
I have performed a few times at Lowther before, most recently in June with Junction 4 Productions where I played Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods. I hadn’t been on the stage for quite a few years and I was surprised at how big the stage was with the extension, we had plenty of room to move around the ‘woods’ and through the ‘trees’, I really enjoyed it.
How do you feel about returning to the theatre after the pandemic restrictions?
I am so grateful that we are all returning to the theatre after the pandemic. Theatre folk struggled in a way other people may not have understood, their livelihoods (like so many others) were completely turned upside down. I think even spectators missed the joy of theatre and how it makes people feel after attending. I am so glad we are back to that and I am sure we will never take it for granted again.
What other projects are you involved in?
In 2015 I co-founded ‘Cou-Cou Drama and Musical Theatre’ alongside my sister, Sophie. We provide classes for children and adults across the Fylde Coast. In 2019 we co-directed and co-produced a sell-out production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ at The Grand Theatre Studio. Our first show with the children was the musical ‘Press Start’ in 2018 at Thornton Little Theatre and last year we put on the play ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’ at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood. In February this year we put on Disney’s ‘Aladdin Jr’ which was a huge success and we are currently working towards ‘Matilda Jr’ which is on this November. In 2018 we also co-founded sister company ‘Willow Theatre Productions’ where I played Queenie in our debut play, ‘Be My Baby’, in 2018 at the Grand Theatre Studio.
Do you also perform professionally?
I have worked over the last three years for Curtis Productions as a lead singer and dancer touring the country with ‘Girl Project’ and tribute acts ‘Glory Days’ and ‘Viva 4 Ever’. Last year I was cast as Mrs Hobbs in ‘Elf the Musical’ with Jon Conway Productions where we toured professionally in theatres across the UK. I look forward to reprising the role this Christmas at the Blackpool Opera House and at arenas across the country.
What’s next for you after Little Shop?
After Little Shop of Horrors, I will be continuing to work on our Cou-Cou Production of Matilda Jr, which will take to the stage at Thornton Little Theatre November 17th-19th.
Little Shop of Horrors is on at The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes until Saturday 1st October. Don’t Miss your chance to see the strange and unusual plant!
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