I Got To Get Drunk And Stage Fight Every Night!

It's only a week to go until the 2012 Norwegian MGP heats start and we're very excited! Taking part in the first heat from Ørland is a West End Schlager Icon; she was the very first Sophie in Mamma Mia, she knows Benny and Björn and she's best friends with Bobbysocks! Oh my god! It's Lisa Stokke!

Schlagerboys: Hi Lisa! What is your song "With Love" like? Has it got a key-change and will you be using a wind-machine?

Lisa Stokke: My producer Tommy Berre and I have based the sound in "With Love" on Celine Dion's brilliant "Taking Chances", but many of my British friends say it reminds them of Take That and Snowpatrol's new material. It does have a key change (Hey, it's Eurovision!) and I will have a wind machine.

SBs: Hurrah! You were the original Sophie in Mamma Mia in the West End. How did you get to do that and what was the experience like? Did you get to meet Frida? What was it like working with Benny and Björn?

LS: I was very fortunate, as I had just signed with a London agent after graduating, who got me the audition. Then, I had to audition 8 times before I got the part. It was one of those odd unexplainable events, where all the pieces fit together. My audition partner who ended up playing Sky, Andrew Langtree (now in Ghost) happened to be my friend and flatmate in London, so we weren't shy having to play a couple.

Needless to say, Mamma Mia was an incredible experience, and continues to be a big part of my life and my career. Playing to a packed audience, receiving a standing ovation every night, and have our cast album go platinum in America was all amazing. I'm still in touch with many from my cast. Meeting Benny and Björn was terrifying, but there was no need, as they are the loveliest two people you could ever hope to meet. I'm still nervous though if I talk to them, as I'm in awe of their talent and achievements. I sadly have never met Frida, and I would have loved to, especially seeing we're both from Northern Norway, and her life is very fascinating. I also happened to think growing up that she seemed the coolest and loveliest of the two women.

SBs: Ooh yes, we agree! Frida always looked like the one who could hold a drink. You've been in lots of other West End shows. What was your favourite?

LS: This is such a difficult question, and there is no good answer. I have loved every role and every musical I've been in has been such a joy and a challenge for different reasons. But if I had to choose one, I think I would have to say Guys and Dolls. I honestly could have played Sarah Brown the rest of my life and felt challenged every night. The music, the choreography and the beautifully written scenes were just a gift for an actor. I got to fall in love and have my heart broken, as well as dance the tango, get drunk and stage fight every night. Can't beat it.

SBs: Besides appearing in musicals what else have you been doing up to now?

LS: I created my own docudrama called Lisa Goes to Hollywood two years ago, where my two young children (my husband had to stay working in London), my Mother and I moved to LA for three months. That was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life, and if I could, I would most definitely move to LA. The show aired in Scandinavia and Finland, a very proud moment. I've also been on several Norwegian tv shows, and this year I played a lead in a Norwegian dramedy in 8 episodes called Småbyliv (Suburbia) which was a very rewarding experience. In 2006 I released my solo album with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra "A Piece of Lisa", a huge highlight career wise. I've also played at my beloved Union Theatre in London twice, first in Assassins, and this autumn in The Baker's Wife playing Genevieve, for which I've been nominated as Best Actress in the Off West End Awards. Playing fringe has become one of my favourite things to do, as it really challenges you as a performer. It leaves you very naked and vulnerable, and removes all trickery that performers often tend to use.

SBs: Have you decided what you will be wearing on stage in Ørland? And have you got a dance routine?

LS: I am having a costume made by Cåre Jonny, a famous Norwegian drag performer, who's also a costume designer and hair and make up artist. Needless to say, it will be fabulous! As far as I know, I don't have a dance routine, but if required, I'll dance (we have 3 days rehearsal).

SBs: Can you do Stella Mwangi’s "Haba Haba" dance?

LS: Sadly, no, but it's not too late, ha, ha! I thought she seemed like such a lovely girl with a great song, and I was shocked that she didn't get through to the international final.

SBs: Yes it was a schlager travesty! Who is your Norwegian Eurovision icon? Have you met Bobbysocks?

LS: My Norwegian Eurovision icons are of course Bobbysocks (I know them both, and they are inspiring women and amazing performers) and also my very dear friend, my brother-from-another-mother Haldor Lægreid, who was robbed in Eurovision with "On My Own". I don't understand what happened that year! He should have won.

SBs: Do you have a message for the readers of Schlagerblog?

LS: Please vote for my song "With Love", its message applies to us all (and, it's a lot of fun to sing along to)! Have a fun Eurovision this year!

Thanks Lisa! Good luck next week in Ørland and see you in the Spektrum!