About | charlottebradfordweb

About Charlotte

“Her faultless Cockney for Mrs Lovett in Sondheim’s ‘The Worst Pies in London’ was a joy!” (Jeremy Chapman)

I started singing at about the age of 15 (formerly, at least, after years of begging my mum to stop making me play the violin!), and after a few lessons I was hooked! I was, of course, always putting on shows to various musical soundtracks in the living room since about the age of 10. I think I even wanted to be ‘Greaseball the Diesel’ for a good proportion of my tweens...but I digress!

I trained at East 15 Acting School, gaining a BA in acting, and have always been influenced by the works of Mike Leigh and houses like the Royal Court and the Almeida. I’m passionate about storytelling and new writing - particularly in musical theatre and comedy - early in my career I loved being in the longest running sketch show NewsRevue and then being asked back to direct it!

Musical and theatrical mentors have been Clive Rowe and Janie Dee, Colin Sell (of "I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue" fame) and super Tenor Stephen Douse.

As well as performing in straight plays and Musical Theatre, I have a series of my own one-woman cabarets, which include Where Did the Rock Go?, Books Bikes and Bouquets, The Last 7 Years, and Songs my Dad said I should Sing, which I’ve performed at various locations throughout London. I have also appeared as a vocalist in BrynFest - The Golden Age of Musicals at The Southbank Centre, and the BBC Prom 'Sondheim at 80' at The Royal Albert Hall.

I’ve had an eclectic taste in music since childhood, and some of my musical and vocal influences over the years have been (in no particular order) KD Lang, Carole King, Idina Menzel, Bette Midler, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Eva Cassidy, Stephanie Lawrence, Jason Robert Brown, Camille O’Sullivan, Maria Freidman, Tom Lehrer, Tracy Chapman, Tom Waits, Brecht and Bob Dylan. Theatrical influences include Jenna Russell, Mike Leigh, Lesley Manville, Dennis Kelly, James Graham, Neil LaBute, Catherine Tate and Bertie Carvel.

“London girl Bradford started getting us onside with her warm stage presence from the ‘Waltzing Matilda’ gem onwards, telling us about the influence of her parents, Bradford proved she has plenty to offer...

The Sondheim pieces, from Sweeney Todd, Company and Into the Woods, were some of her best work, showing off a strong, tuneful voice and good acting ability.”