West End star Faye Brookes returns to Manchester roots to inspire next generation
Musical theatre students at Performers College Manchester received a masterclass in perseverance and passion when former Coronation Street star, Faye Brookes, visited the Dancehouse on Wednesday, November 6. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as the final year Musical Theatre students are currently preparing for their production of Legally Blonde – a show that holds special significance for Faye, who previously starred as Elle Woods.
In a session hosted by Principal Lecturer Toby Hinson, Faye shared insights from her journey from Manchester native to West End performer. The actress, who trained alongside current Performers College tutor Holly Rostron, spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in musical theatre.
Faye reflected during the session:
“Those moments on stage as a kid were really defining where I wanted to be in life. I just knew I had a hunger for it.”
This hunger led her to beat out 2,000 other hopefuls for the coveted role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, a story that particularly resonated with the current students preparing to stage the same show.
The intimate gathering turned into an inspiring exchange of performances, with Faye treating students to songs from her current role as Roxie Hart in Chicago, which is currently playing to sold-out audiences at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The students responded in kind, showcasing their own talents with numbers from Legally Blonde.
Faye, known to many for her award-winning role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street, shared valuable insights about maintaining wellbeing in the industry. She advised the aspiring performers:
“I’m all about my fitness, about what I eat, about sleep. You’ve got to find a balance.”
She also offered candid advice about handling career challenges:
“When it comes to rejection, it’s hard not taking it personal. Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”
Currently starring in Chicago alongside West End stars Brenda Edwards and Kevin Clifton, Faye took time from her busy schedule to share her experiences and inspire the next generation of performers, demonstrating the strong sense of community within Manchester’s theatre scene.
The sessions concluded with a powerful blend of performances, as both Faye and the students’ shared songs from their respective shows, creating an unforgettable day of musical theatre excellence in Manchester.
