Wendi Peters is best known on TV for her role as the iconic Cilla Battersby Brown in ITV’s Coronation Street, as well as series regular Cook Jenkins in CBBC’s Hetty Feather. Alongside her screen work, Wendi’s many stage credits include the National Tour of John Cleese’s Bang Bang!, the West End premiere of Big! The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, the European premiere of You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse, and national tours of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, White Christmas, Quartet, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Rutherford & Son.

Now, star of stage and screen Wendi Peters has joined the convent as Mother Superior in the UK tour of Sister Act The Musical,  which visits the Theatre Royal Bath this month.  We caught up with Wendi to chat about life on the road, and in the habit!

You’re a regular face on TVs across the country, much-loved for your time on Coronation Street as Cilla Battersby-Brown, but you began your career in theatre. What keeps bringing you back to the stage?

Yes! Although, while I am best known for Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street, I did start my career in theatre. I trained in musical theatre for three years and did ten years before Corrie on stage in musicals, plays and comedies – so it really is part of me. It is what I adore. It is why I wanted to be in the business in the first place. My mum used to take me to see all the big musicals when they came to Manchester and that is when I really knew that’s what I wanted to do for a career – there is nothing like the stage. There is nothing like a live audience and being part of a company, so that is what always brings me back.

Numerous people have taken on the role of Mother Superior – Maggie Smith on screen, Lesley Joseph and Sue Cleaver on stage. How would you describe your characterisation?

Quite a few actresses now have played Mother Superior. I think, in terms of my characterisation, the nice thing is that everyone who has played Mother Superior has been so different – not just physically but within their acting and characterisation – I am going to play her American and quite stern but with a heart. And hopefully a little bit cheeky, too!

Sister Act features a fantastic score by the multi award-winning Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid). How would you describe the soundtrack, and do you have a favourite number to perform and/or watch? 

I absolutely adore the soundtrack. It is one of my go-to’s when I am feeling a bit down – you stick it on, and you can’t help smiling and feeling a bit happy. Every number is just a killer and that is the great thing about the show – it builds and builds and builds. If I had to pick one, I’d have to say ‘The Life I Never Led’ which is just the most beautiful song which tells a story and is just wonderful – a wonderful piece.

What do you hope audiences take away from this production?

I don’t need to hope – I just know audiences will take away from this production a brilliant evening. Two hours of complete escapism where they will have fun, they will laugh, they may even cry towards the end and just enjoy themselves. I think it is so needed in the world at this moment – people need an escape and to enjoy themselves so come and see Sister Act on tour.

People often say, to survive in musical theatre you need to live like a nun – how will you be looking after yourself on the road?

Yeah, musical theatre is hard. I have done musicals over the years for a very long time and there is, sort of, a rule – not quite a rule but you do have to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Especially on tour, you’re going to be away from your loved ones. And physically – I do a lot of walking on tour. I am going to be taking the dog on tour so I will be walking the dog every day and trying not to have too many late nights. The odd glass of wine is fine, but early nights and trying to get out during the day which hopefully will keep me going throughout the tour.

Is there a piece of advice you’ve received or that you would pass on to anyone hoping to go into the creative industry?

I’ve had lots of pieces of advice over the years, but I think the best piece of advice is that you really need to work hard. It is a tough business out there and you need to love it, truly want to be in it and just work so hard. But also, treat people as you would like to be treated. Everyone within the theatre is doing an amazing job – not just the people on stage but the crew, the wardrobe, everybody – stage management, sound, lighting – it’s a real team so treat everybody as you want to be treated, get on and you will have a fab time!

Sister Act The Musical tours to the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 6^th to Saturday 17^th August. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk

Photo credit: Oliver Rosser