Humans Of Hitchin... Edition 1: Rebecca Lisewski
Each month we shine the spotlight on a local legend; talented creatives with inspiring stories that need to be heard!
This month we meet West End superstar Rebecca Lisewski...
I grew up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire but I’ve lived in Hitchin for just over 13 years now. In fact, I lived in Hitchin for about 10 years and then just before the pandemic hit, I moved to the lovely village of Lilley – but if anybody asks, I’m from Hitchin – I’m a Hitchinite!
I came to Hitchin in 2012, there was a lot of creatives I knew here... musicians, actors, performers- I came to visit one day and loved the vibe… I’ve never looked back!
I’m in musical theatre, I’ve been doing it for many, many years! My first West End show was 23 years ago in 2000, after I graduated theatre school. I went straight into ‘Fame’ at The Cambridge Theatre (where Matilda is currently showing now) and then from there it's pretty much been non-stop!
I am currently performing in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club in The West End, alongside the amazing Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters and Rebecca Lucy Taylor - the one & only Self Esteem! We open on the 25th September, I’m really, really buzzing about starting the show as it’s something so incredibly different and is such an immersive piece of amazing theatre. I’ve got a year contract there, but I’m hoping I’ll be there for as long as they’ll have me!
I had a real ‘sliding doors’ moment back in 2009, when I was doing Carousel at The Savoy with Leslie Garrett .
Whilst I was in that show, I auditioned for another West End show. My agent called me and said you’ve got both good news and bad news. Good News – you’ve got the job. Bad News – Carousel won’t let you leave as the shows overlap. So unfortunately, I had to turn down this fabulous West End show opportunity. Then a couple of days later our producers in Carousel called us out on the stage and told us they were giving us our two-week notice. So, I would be finishing Carousel on the Saturday & then I would have started rehearsals for Les Misérables on the Monday… if I hadn’t have turned it down!! I haven’t auditioned for it since. A definite turning point – my career could have turned out completely differently! But I’m grateful, I feel like I’m on my right journey.
I always remember having my first headshots in the Danum Hotel in Doncaster City Centre. Oh my goodness I was so young! I think I was about 6 years old - I’ve still got the pictures somewhere. That’s when I knew I wanted to be in musical theatre, actually I’m pretty sure I knew since I was 3 years old. That’s when I started singing, dancing and doing all the showbiz stuff!
My ultimate dream is to be in a sitcom or Coronation street! Just because I’m Northern & the way Coronation Street is written I think it would really suit me. It’s got that dry sense of humour, which I’m allll about! So watch out – I’m coming for ya!
What makes me happy? Hitchin makes me happy – the vibe this town gives out & the love you feel from everyone in it, is just beautiful! My two vintage caravans, Phyllis & Winnie, also give me joy! I sometimes take Phyllis on tour with me up and down the country or on holidays up to Norfolk. Everyone in Hitchin seems to love a trip up there! With Winnie the caravan, I made a little business in lockdown called ‘Cabaret in a Caravan’. She’s a little pink vintage Cheltenham Fawn, with a purpose-built stage, so I just park up and sing! I’ve performed at street parties around Hitchin and The Vic in town - plus many, many festivals!
** SMALL BUSINESS SHOUTOUT **
Shout out to the beautiful Hannah at Jolly Brown, (who you’ll find upstairs at Treat Yo’ Self!) where I have spent a small fortune in over the years! I am also OBSESSED with Neighbourhood Bakes – Such delicious cakes! I could easily move in! Haha!
If you get the chance to go support our local gal and see the fabulous Rebecca at the Kit Kat Club now.
Great job Jo. Love this! x
Love the article, particularly as I’m going to the Kit Kat Club tomorrow! Incredible to know a fellow Hitchinite is in the cast of Cabaret. We’ll be cheering with double the enthusiasm 🫶🏻
Love the article, particularly as I’m going to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club tomorrow! Will be an extra special experience knowing there is a fellow ‘Hitchinite’ in the cast. 🫶🏻