Material Girl – tribute to the Queen Of Pop, Madonna by Jodie Jackson at Albert Halls, Bolton was filled with incredible vocals, amazing dancers, video footage and narration. Audience are taken on a journey through the scandals, the controversy and of course the music of one of the world’s most iconic figures. Told through the eyes of leading lady, Jodie Jackson, Material Girl featured all of the hits such as Like A Virgin, Papa Don’t Preach, Vogue, Crazy for You, Into The Groove, Like A Prayer, Express Yourself and many more.
We had the opportunity to interview the amazing Jodie Jackson.
What motivated you to play Madonna?
She is the most creative and most innovative artist there has ever been, therefore allowing a great amount of variety to perform an amazing and entertaining show of her work.
How did this ‘dream theatre tour come about?
I was already a solo Madonna Tribute Act (UK’s Official No. 1) and the company Slamdunk Entertainments approached me, saying they were putting on a show about Madonna and offered me the role.
Tell us a bit about ‘young Jodie
I was born and raised in Hull, East Yorkshire. When I was seven, my dad showed me a map of the world which fascinated me and wanted to travel all over it singing and dancing, which is exactly what I did and still am doing. I appeared in the West End production of Bugsy Malone when I was 14 yrs old with Catherine Zeta Jones ( name drop) lol and just had the most fantastic experience. I then moved to London permanently when I was 16 years old and trained for three years at Laine Theatre Arts. I have had an amazing career in West End Shows, UK pantomimes, Cruise Ships, Theatre tours. Lived in Germany seven years working in musicals, a year touring inland Mexico, four months in Monte Carlo and a year on a Cruise ship sailing in and around the Americas.
One flashbulb moment ?
This has to be the first time I appeared on stage on roller skates in Starlight Express in London’s West End 1991. I was frightened to death as I was shaking so much I literally could not feel the floor. But, the ecstasy and the euphoria I felt was off the scale, the most amazing feeling I have ever felt on stage.
One incident which restored /strengthened your faith in humanity?
In 1994 I played Cinderella at The Lincoln Theatre Royal, the cast were invited to the local Special Needs School’s production of Cinderella. I met Craig Garner a 9 year old pupil there who was the most beautiful child I had ever seen suffering with a very rare growth deficiency. We became great friends from this day he is 32 now and still the size of a 4 year old with a million problems, but never complained ever, he is in show business too and says I inspired him, but it is absolutely the other way round. He has achieved so much in his career even appeared alongside Angelina Jolie in one of her films. Graig Lewis Garner, google him, he is incredible.
Your views on #100years of suffrage ?
Well, change is imminent and the world is a forever changing place. Yes women deserve a voice and to be heard as we are all human beings and all deserve a fair chance in life.
Have you performed at Albert Halls before ? If the answer is ‘No’, why choose Bolton ?
No I have not performed at the Albert Halls. I actually do not arrange the schedule of our ‘Material Girl tour, we have other departments doing this. But we, as a cast are so excited to be coming to Bolton, we love that we can entertain lots of different towns and not just the big cities, giving the whole country a chance to see us and have a great night out near their homes.
One dream moment (already happened or you wish for)
I have had so many dreams come true in my career, many highlights along the way.
Future plans?
To continue playing Madonna as long as I can, then I would like to help people. Not sure what field yet, but lots of people need help and I want to make a difference.
Advice to young girls aspiring for a career in music industry? Would you be a mentor to someone?
If a young girl wishes to take the show biz path in life, my advice is ask yourself, ‘Do I really want to do this more than anything in the world?’. If the answer is Yes, then go for it. If you are hesitating do not do it. It is an extremely difficult and dog eat dog lifestyle. But, also has the most fantastically, rewarding experiences one could ever wish for.
Yes I would mentor someone devoted and determined, I would love to help anyone.