Meet the Knaresborough Actress Starring in Heathers The Musical in Leeds and Darlington

Lou grew up in Knaresborough, attended King James’s School and went on to study at The Musical Theatre Academy in London. ‘Pre-drama school I took four years out of education and worked full time in Harrogate at various different hospitality jobs,’ she says. ‘I had the best time and met some of my favourite people there!’

She was around seven or eight when her parents asked if she’d want to attend acting classes, and Lou says she jumped at the chance. ‘My family is very musically attuned, so it felt totally natural, and being one of six I had to get attention somehow,’ she jokes. ‘I attended ACTAcademy (now Northern Performance Academy) in Harrogate for many years. It was so useful to meet like-minded people when I was younger as this career/passion felt quite inaccessible otherwise. At school it became the lesson we would just have fun in, being a creative subject, so without the external encouragement I don’t think I would have seen performing as a viable option as a career.’

Lou admits that acting (specifically in musical theatre) never felt genuinely possible as a career staying in Knaresborough. ‘I knew it would take a leap and a move and I never quite felt “ready” for that,’ she says. ‘Once I had spent some time out of education post-sixth form, I swiftly realised it was the only plausible reality if I wanted to actually chase a career I felt passionate about. There’s something to be said here about the arts up North, and I do believe there are far more opportunities than there were 10 years ago, but it shouldn’t feel there is such a disparity between the arts in London and the South and the North. I’m so glad things fell the way they did for me, but without specific support from my head of drama, Jo Jones, or Nik Briggs at York Stage, I genuinely wouldn’t have seen it as a possibility. It is always a possibility!’

'Heather Mac is so much fun, she has a lot of depth and warmth in her character. I find her role deeply reflective of the human character: she is ultimately flawed and ultimately good, which is always the best kind of character to portray'

Lou’s first job out of college was the role of Katherine Howard in Six The Musical, which she says was a dream in itself. ‘With the show we performed all over the UK and Europe,’ she says. ‘Both my grandma and nana were able to see the show in York and Leeds – that was so special to me. More recently I performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York with Sting and Shaggy in The Last Ship, which was pretty cool!’

Now Lou has joined the cast of Heathers The Musical, based on the iconic 1989 cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, playing Heather McNamara. ‘Heathers is such a cult classic, a beloved film and show,’ she says. ‘I’m so thrilled to be a little yellow cog in the machine! Heather Mac is so much fun, she has a lot of depth and warmth in her character. I find her role deeply reflective of the human character: she is ultimately flawed and ultimately good, which is always the best kind of character to portray.’

There’s not much room for error in a show like Heathers, which Lou describes as a well-oiled machine. ‘We have only just opened at The Arts at Marble Arch, where we’ve been blessed to perform right by BST at Hyde Park,’ she says. ‘Our venue is brand new and as with anything there’ve been a few teething issues, mainly a bit of a sound bleed. I never thought I would duet with Pitbull, but here we go! All jokes aside, we are a unit. The support within the cast is incredible, and with any minor things that have cropped up, we have always had each other’s backs. That being said, the start of act two is always hilarious. You’ll have to see the show and find out why!’

On its UK and Ireland tour, Heathers will play Leeds Grand Theatre this September. ‘Expect big fun, energy, a stacked cast and incredible performers who all care so deeply about delivering a strong performance,’ says Lou. ‘We are so excited to be coming to Leeds soon and I especially can’t wait to bring the show to my home!’

Her best advice for budding actors is to keep loving it, no matter what. ‘Even when you hate it and it feels unfair, the arts will draw you back and make you love them in a different way. Have fun,’ she says. ‘Make choices and educated decisions. React on instinct. Be human! Ask questions! Trust everything around you, but mainly you.’

As for what’s next, who knows? But Lou says ‘my hopes are only ever to be a really old lady and still be performing’. She’s looking forward to a varied and colourful career, and adds, ‘I strive to be excited for the unknown, which is the only way of getting through this industry.’

Heathers The Musical plays Leeds Grand Theatre from 1st–5th September and Darlington Hippodrome from 22nd–26th September. Keep up to date with Lou on Instagram at @louhenry

Where’s your favourite place to perform in Yorkshire?

Grand Opera House, York and Leeds Grand Theatre – reminiscent of childhood and also special places!

Is there another play or musical you’d love to star in?

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Les Mis, a Sondheim, something that feels classical!

Who inspires you most?

My grandma. She is my ultimate best girl and has been strong all her life! My siblings. We are all so different but always come back to each other. My partner, my parents, my family and my friends. I am surrounded by wonderful people

Where’s your happy place in Yorkshire?

On the sofa with a loved one and a cup of tea. That or being out somewhere green. So… everywhere really!