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Exclusive: Sarah Brightman On Sunset Boulevard And Returning To The Stage

The thespian talks about her most important beauty tip and her pre-show rituals.
Published: February 4, 2025
Exclusive: Sarah Brightman On Sunset Boulevard And Returning To The Stage
Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Boud

Everyone loves a comeback story. From Demi Moore making waves this award season with her role in The Substance to Pamela Anderson's riveting return in The Last Showgirl, it seems 2025 is all about making a grand return to the spotlight. For musical stars, Sarah Brightman's is the biggest of them all.

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One of the greatest sopranos to grace the stage, Sarah made her mark on the West End in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats as Jemima before originating the iconic role of Christine Daaé in Andrew's Phantom of the Opera. She later transitioned to opera houses and concert stages, entertaining audiences around the globe—even performing at the 1992 and 2008 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and Beijing respectively. After three decades, Sarah returns to the musical theatre scene and makes her Asian theatrical debut as Norma Desmond, a faded silent screen starlet, in the musical adaptation of Sunset Boulevard.

Here, she talks exclusively about her return, preparing for the role, beauty tips, and more.

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What drew you to this particular role and production for your comeback?

It was age-appropriate, and I felt that with the experience that I have had in my career and in my life, I could bring some of that to the role. It was great fun researching the character and I was told by the composer that some of the music was written on my voice. It is just a wonderful meaty role to play for someone with my experience as a performer and of my age.

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This also markes your Asian theatrical debut. What excites you most about performing for audiences here?

It's wonderful to go to different countries, perform a piece, and to enjoy the audience's reactions which are in some way culturally different—I feel very privileged that I am allowed to do this in my career.

If you could revisit one role or moment in your career, what would it be and why?

I loved doing a part in an Andrew Lloyd Webber piece called Aspects Of Love. I played an actress called Rose Vibert and it's a beautiful piece, but quite upsetting. I worked with Trevor Nunn, a famed director from our Royal Shakespeare Company on this piece, and he spent a lot of time with me on it—I learned a huge amount. A lot of the learning I did for these musical roles, I actually learned in that short period of time how to navigate it.

Any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

I get into the character before I walk on stage for a good two hours before. I do a lot of subtext in my head, warming up my voice, putting my costume and make-up on and then, I am Norma Desmond.

What was the process like preparing for the role of Norma Desmond?

I did a huge amount of research and reflected on my own career and how I have navigated it through the years. It was a mixture of both things that brought me where I am today in this role.

What is the most important beauty tip you learnt while on the job?

Skin is the most important thing to me because when you have that beautiful blank canvas. It is like an artist—they are very particular about what their canvasses are like before they start something. I think our skin is our canvas and you can do anything on it if it is in the right place.

In your own words, what should audiences expect when they come to see Sunset Boulevard?

I think they should enjoy the story and become immersed in the piece because it is fabulous. This particular production is wonderful and a lot of thought was put into it. I feel it is the type of production people expect and want to see.

Sunset Boulevard will be on from 7 to 23 February 2025 at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. For more information, visit their website.

*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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