Promising a night in the West End at your local theatre, The WestEnders is an unmissable evening celebrating the world’s most popular musicals including Les Misérables, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.

A company of past performers from the record-breaking West End production of Les Misérables will be joined by Olivier-Award winning actress Tracie Bennett.

Louisa Clarence-Smith caught up with the Corrie star in between rehearsals.

Louisa Clarence-Smith: Where were you born and where do you live now?

Tracie Bennett: I was born in the town of Leigh, North-West Manchester. I then moved to London in 1978 where I have lived all over, mainly south but now I'm in north London.

LCS: What made you decide to become an actor?

TB: I saw a touring production of a play at my school, Leigh Girls Grammar, and it was life changing. The way it affected us all made me want to learn the skills of communication and I wondered how the actors made everyone laugh or cry at the same moments.

LCS: What was your first big break?

TB: Being cast in Coronation Street back in 1982.

LCS: You’ve worked with the crème de la crème of theatre, from Penelope Keith to Ray Winstone. Who’ve been your favourites to work with?

TB: I've been very lucky to work with some really lovely people, and my favourites are the ones who don't have an ego and serve the piece, not themselves (Oooooh!). My favourite director is Terry Johnson.

LCS: What made you want to get involved with The WestEnders?

TB: It's a wonderful, family celebration of the world’s greatest musicals, and the company of performers are fun and fabulous and gifted.

LCS: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened in rehearsals so far?

TB: It wasn’t during rehearsals, but the other day I was travelling to work on the train with the Judy Garland wig on a head block with a carrier bag wrapped around it. People were staring at me and I could hear folk wondering if I was a serial killer with a head in a bag! I was crying with laughter.

LCS: How do you think we can secure the future of British theatre?

TB: It shouldn't be an issue. But of course it is. Imagine a world without theatre? Or any of the arts. Why should the repertory theatres in the regions have their grants cut? Will it all have to be publicly or privately funded? What do YOU think the answer is? Is there a democracy anymore?

The Westenders; New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway; Thursday April 24, 7.30pm; £10 - £37.50; atgtickets.com