Alexandra slips into the comedy habit with ease

Instructions arrive saying it will be in the form of a conference call. What does this mean? Several writers asking questions at the same time of the singer’s decision to join the cast of musical theatre show, Sister Act? Oh dear.

Alexandra’s manager, Jess, comes on the line. Doesn't sound good. Alexandra Burke is 28 years-old, has been in the public eye since winning X Factor in 2008, (having been mentored by Cheryl whatever-her-name-is-now.)

Ms Burke has been around the block more times than a retiring roadsweeper. Surely she doesn’t need a Big Sister listening in to vet any awkward questions? Jess reassures however. “I’ll leave you guys to it.”

Mmm. If that’s the case, why the conference call? And if Alexandra is being monitored, will she be subdued?

The first question is a little tester; last year the singer came to Glasgow with The Bodyguard, and revealed she had confidence issues about taking on such a huge role.

Alexandra went on to explain she had in fact gone to New York to take a lifestyle course, with the idea of boosting her self-esteem.

How is her nerve these days? Did she readily accept the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act, given that it requires a real comedy bent?

“Well, I was really nervous when offered the part, and to be honest I turned it down quite a few times,” she admits.

“But at the same time, I was aware this was a show that could make or break me. People would either say ‘Yes, she can act, and she’s funny’ or ‘Jeez, get that girl off the stage!’

“It was only later when I listened to the sound track I thought I would be really honoured to sing these classic seventies songs.”

Sister Act is of course the musical theatre piece created from the memories of the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg.

The premise, you will remember, is thinner than communion wafer; when a singer witnesses a mob crime the police hide her in a convent, and she dresses up as a nun.

Deloris Van Cartier then she teaches the world to sing.

The show has been set in the Seventies, largely because there were a lot of great soul songs around in that period.

The stage show is directed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Right now, Alexandra is picking up great crit. Yet, in a previous conversation the singer revealed how she took herself off to New York to attend a life skills course, to give her confidence.

Does she feel more confident now?

“It has on stage,” she says, suggesting that off-stage Alexandra Burke is still a work in progress.

“The nerves are a bit more controllable than they were two years ago, but I never walk on stage without saying a prayer first.

“In fact, once in this show I’ve gone on stage without praying and I mucked up the first two lines.

“I felt I was stumbling over my words, shaking, all because I hadn’t prayed.

“But I’m pleased overall about my improvement.”

Alexandra adds; “Yes, but with comedy acting you can never be complacent. If someone you are on stage with changes their timing it can really affect you.

“When I read the script I thought it was hilarious but to be honest, I didn’t think I could do it justice. Thankfully, I’ve been getting really good reviews.”

They are a result of talent – and hard work. “It shows people that acting is something I love to do as well. And I’m working hard to achieve credibility.

“But it’s really intense on stage. You can’t walk on and have an off day. If there’s something else going on in your life you have to leave that behind when you go out there.”

Did she watch Whoopi on film? Did she get special coaching in comedy?

“When I landed The Bodyguard I didn’t watch the movie for two years. It was the same with Sister Act. I didn’t want to morph into Whoopi Goldberg.

“And I didn’t get special comedy coaching. Craig Revel Horwood thinks I’m funny, so apparently I am. He keeps saying ‘keep doing what you’re doing. You’re clearly enjoying yourself.’”

Alexandra adds; “Yet, when he has given me notes I take them. I’m the sort of person who wants to improve. I want to give a hundred and fifty per cent every time.”

Alexandra’s friends think she is funny off stage.

“When they come to see the show they see a part of me that the public aren’t used to seeing. I try and put a lot of myself on stage, and in that way I’m not really acting

As a kid growing up in Islington, could she ever have imagined herself appearing on stage in a nun’s habit belting out soul songs?

“Never in a million years,” she admits, laughing.

“But looking back, my family always told me I made them laugh and I would come out with one liners.

“And my brother, who is my best friend, said last week, ‘See, Alex. You’re making me laugh again. You are funny.”

Now that she’s used to laughter, is this more seductive than the applause she gets from hitting a high note?

“That’s a good question. But I guess I love both and I do know I give everything for the two and a half hours I’m on stage.”

What of life off stage?

“I’m back in the studio during the week recording my album,” she offers. “I’m also excited about getting back into music. And doing more charity work.”

And personal life. It’s been written she has a new man in her life?

Alas, the manager, who hasn’t been listening in, cuts in and ends the conversation stone dead.

Which was a shame. Alexandra Burke seems a nice lady who’s open and honest about her professional limitations.

It would have been nice to learn a little more about life.

*Sister Act, The King’s Theatre, October 3-8.