Actress lands role in Green Day's American Idiot musical

The 24-year-old says she is excited to be joining the cast of Green Day’s American Idiot – and the musical is undoubtedly a big step from her recent role as Sophie in Abba musical Mamma Mia!

She starred in Mamma Mia in London for a year before returning home to appear in Dick Whittington at Newcastle’ Theatre Royal.

Now she’s getting ready to head out on a UK tour as Extraordinary Girl in the show based on Green Day’s 2004 album American Idiot.

She said: “It is totally different but that’s the great thing about being an actor, getting to go from one extreme to another and taking on new challenges.

“We haven’t started rehearsals yet though so I don’t know how much of a challenge it’s going to be but I’m really excited because I love singing rock.

“The album was so huge when it came out, especially for people around my age, because it was so different. I think it was a really defining album of the time.”

She added: “I saw the show in the West End last year. I went because I’m a Green Day fan but also because it was something really different; it was winning loads of awards and had a lot of critical acclaim.

“I’ve always wanted to do something rocky but never had the opportunity before. I loved the show when I saw it, it’s so energetic and so different. I know it’s going to be hard work but it’ll be fun.

“It’s really edgy but at the same time it’s accessible for people. Taking heroin certainly isn’t something that most can identify with but the angst in the songs is.”

Alice will star with X Factor’s Amelia Lily as Whatsername and Newton Faulkner as Johnny. The show follows him and his friends as they try to cope with life in post-9/11 America. It will be Alice’s first UK tour.

She said: “I’m so excited to get to go to all these different cities to perform. We’re in a different place every week, so I’m going to try to see as much of it as I can.

“Obviously I’m excited for the Sunderland show because I get to come home for a week and all my friends and family will be coming along to see the show.

“I’ve only ever done panto at home before so it’s great to be doing something different. I love the Empire too.

“I did the stage experience summer schools with them when I was younger and that taught me a lot about being part of a big production on a big stage like that, so it’s amazing that I’m going to go back there professionally.”

l American Idiot runs at the Empire from May 24 to 28. Tickets cost from £12.90. To book, go to www.atgtickets.com/sunderland or call the box office on 0844 871 3022.