Most people will remember when Susan McFadden, sister of Brian McFadden, rose to fame in Grease Is The Word back in 2007.

But you might not know that Susan, six years after winning the ITV reality show, is set to hit the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this August in Cats, something which she has the competition to thank for.

“Before the show, which was six years ago, I had auditioned for lots of lead roles and had always gotten down to the last two or three but never made it. That was the first time that I actually landed the role and it was a part I had always wanted to play.

“After being Sandy in Grease I also did Legally Blonde The Musical which was incredibly fun. So it did open up a lot of opportunities for me and thankfully I’ve been very busy since it finished.”

 

Susan won the role of Sandy on Grease Is The Word in 2007.

Speaking of being busy, Susan is continuing with musical ensemble Celtic Woman up until she joins the cast of Cats in Belgium the week before it comes to Dublin. As well as feeling the pressure of being in one of the longest-running shows of all time, Susan is very excited about taking to the stage.

“Well it’s Andrew Lloyd Weber so obviously it’s a fantastic show to be involved with. It was good that it also fitted in with my Celtic Woman schedule. I’m just so glad I can do it and in front of a home crowd.”

She added: “I definitely think there is something special about an Irish audience. They always commit to the show and give absolutely everything. I can't wait to perform here.”

 

She is currently on tour as part of Celtic Woman.

As well as the Irish audience there is another thing that the 30-year-old, who is spending every spare second planning for her wedding to boyfriend Adam Booth, is looking forward to.

“Because I’m playing the role of Grizabella, I will be singing Memory. It’s her big number and the one that most people think of when they think of Cats so I’m very excited about doing it in front of a live audience.”

Cats is showing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from August 21st to September 7th. Prices start from €20.00 and are available from Ticketmaster.