I
met Bexi in December when she came to sing at my debut burlesque show for
Appleton Productions which I produce and manage. It was my first show and out
of all the many applicants and videos and options I knew I wanted Bexi to be a
part of my first show. She oozed glamour and looked and sounded every inch the
1950’s showgirl! It was an utter pleasure to work with her. Not only does she
do a fabulous job on stage but she’s very sweet, kind, a real pleasure to have
backstage and in the dressing room. You
need to all know about this lady and to help that I have interviewed her! She
has lots of exciting news from performing for Hollyoaks recently and even writing
this on return from a wonderful show she attended in Switzerland.
Winner of
The National Vintage Awards 2013
'Best Musical Performer'
'Best Musical Performer'
Bexi is a swing and
jazz singer/dancer who performs music from the 1920s through to modern
classics. She performs at vintage fairs and festivals across the UK and also at
many burlesque and cabaret nights, has modelled for numerous companies
including Vintage Girly Whirly and Dr Sketchy's. She loves everything that encompasses
vintage including music, clothing and film, all aspects of her life are in some
way connected to this passion.
Bexi's beautiful vintage costumes and authentically reproduced handmade dresses that she wears on stage enhance her unique style as do the bespoke song arrangements that are made specifically for her performances.
Bexi's beautiful vintage costumes and authentically reproduced handmade dresses that she wears on stage enhance her unique style as do the bespoke song arrangements that are made specifically for her performances.
Bexi has worked at many large vintage and rockabilly events across the UK
including The Festival of Vintage and Speke Hall Vintage Festival. Burlesque
and cabaret shows are also a large part of her singing work and she has
performed at shows including The Frou Frou Club, Looking Glass Burlesque and
Carny Cabaret.
How did you decide you
wanted to become a singer?
I began singing in
school and started taking it seriously as a teenager, having private training
and joining everything that involved performing. When I went to University I
lost a lot of confidence in myself so it wasn't until a few years later that I
returned to it and I'm very glad I did!
Is performing as a
singer your full time job?
I'm lucky enough to say
that it is now, yes! It took a long time to build up to that point but I had
such a supportive workplace (Britain's Best Bakery Finalists Mad Hatters
Tearoom in Chester) who allowed me to be very flexible with my working
schedule. Gradually we cut my hours down to the point where I could leave and
concentrate on singing. I held the launch of my tour there and it was wonderful
to be back where I feel I started with them. I love all aspects of what I do
from rehearsing, arranging everything and then actually performing so I put all
my energy into every facet.
The 1950s is my
favourite era to choose songs from, both for the music and I'm also drawn to
the styling of the decade too. I like singing upbeat songs that people can
dance to. One of my favourite performers from the era is Diana Dors as she was
representing Britain at a time when everyone looked towards Hollywood for their
glamour. She was a talented actress, singer and comedienne as well as being
blindingly stunning!
You have performed in a
huge amount of places. Do you still get nervous about going on stage?
Definitely! I used to
get nervous to the point of feeling I was about to collapse but over the years
I've developed strategies to cope with this such as making sure I'm breathing
steadily. I wish nerves didn't have to be a part of performing but I always
tell myself if I'm not nervous it likely means I don't care about what I'm
doing so I hope I'll always have some butterflies before stepping on stage.
I don't get worried
about things going wrong though as most things that could have done have! Music
skipping, tripping, revealing too much- all have happened so I can cope now if
things do go a bit awry and cover it so the audience either don't notice or can
laugh with me about it!
It was an absolute
pleasure having you a part of my very first show for Appleton Productions.
Working with you first hand I know you’re ever the professional, stunning in
person and a great singer. How much of your time is spent travelling out of
town to shows?
Thank you very much, it
was a joy to be with you on your first and highly successful debut as a
producer! I really enjoy the travelling aspect itself, the only downside is
having to leave my partner and kitty behind. I'm based in the North West so I
to travel to London a lot for work but there are some brilliant shows situated
all over that I've been involved with too.
It can be tiring but
whose work isn't?! Last week I performed in Switzerland so that was even more
travelling on top but I'm very lucky to be able to see so many wonderful places
that I might not have visited if it weren't for singing.
What are the staple
items you never leave home for a show without?
All the usual showgirl clichés
of course...false lashes, red lipstick!
Who is your biggest
inspiration and why?
I work with so many
inspirational women (Appleton Pin Up Girl included!) who possess multiple skill
sets. For example, they might not only perform but also produce, design or
utilise other skills they have in some way and I find that very motivating as
they're aiming to be the best they can be whilst doing something unique too. I
love working with such creative people and feel very lucky to call so many
friends.
In terms of inspiration
for performance, I take a lot from past performers- 1950s musical stars mainly
but also literature and art (Bexi completed her first year of a Literature
based PhD but is currently taking a
break to focus on performing). I'd love to develop this in the next year as
I really want to work on the aesthetics as much as the sound of my shows.
What do you like to do
with your time off from being a singing, swinging showgirl?
Being self-employed, I
feel extremely guilty if I have any days without doing something performance
related whether that be admin, rehearsing or an actual show itself. So I try to
do something everyday even if it's just replying to bookings, the world of
entertainment moves so quickly so I like to be moving just as quickly too!

Yes, it was a lot of
fun! I played the part of a showgirl club dancer and was part of a few comedy
scenes. I was on set for a whole week and the cast and crew were lovely.
How did it all come
about?
It was all very fast, I
was asked to do it on the Sunday night and was on set 8 am the following
Tuesday!
What was it like performing
on a TV set?
Performance wise, it
felt slightly unnatural as it was take after take as various scenes were setup
and so the spontaneity and excitement of a live performance was lost but on the
other hand, it meant that any mistakes that were made were able to be erased
which can't be done on stage!When are your scenes due to air?
Not too sure of the exact date but I believe later this month!
More exciting news is that last year you won The National Vintage Awards 2013 'Best Musical Performer'! Congratulations! How did you feel to win such a great award?
Not too sure of the exact date but I believe later this month!
More exciting news is that last year you won The National Vintage Awards 2013 'Best Musical Performer'! Congratulations! How did you feel to win such a great award?
Thank you, it was an
amazing night and such a great experience from start to finish! I genuinely
didn't expect to win, I was just happy to have reached the final so I could
attend the awards ceremony. It was such a glamorous affair, with everyone
dressed exquisitely. When my name was called I was in such shock that I didn't
make any speech other than a quick thank you! I'm looking forward to this
year's awards night as I'll be performing!
I'm very much involved
with the organisation of my upcoming tour, "Shake, Dazzle and Roll"
as I want to help my tour manager (Vintage events specialists Happy Heritage)
as much as possible so we both know were happy with everything. Laura, the
director, is great to work with though and is a bit of a super woman juggling
her own business with three children under 5! So it's great to work with such
motivated, inspirational women like her.
What type of gigs do you
enjoy performing at the most and why?
I love most of the gigs
I do for different reasons. Burlesque shows are great fun as it's a team effort
and it's great catching up with everyone backstage. Then vintage fairs are
lovely to do as well as I like chatting to the stall holders afterwards and
seeing what lovely things they have.
What would you say makes
a well-run show?
Having a friendly crew
and venue helps so that the performers and audience feel welcome. I don't mind
if things aren't perfect as long as people are nice. I'd rather have a toilet
sized dressing room and a smiley stage manager than a palatial boudoir and a
frosty atmosphere!
You are on stage and
being photographed a lot of the time. Looking after yourself must play a big
part in your life. What are you favourite beauty products and why?
I like a mix of budget
and higher end products. I wear factor 50 sun cream without fail every day even
if it's the middle of winter and I'm only popping out for half an hour, I've
done so since I was 12!
Do you have a set beauty
routine?
I remove makeup with
Clarins Cleansing Milk as I have quite sensitive skin then moisturise. I also
apply pure vitamin E to my skin every night. I make sure I drink a lot of water
and sleep as much as possible as I can tell the difference in my skin if I
haven't.
On that note how to you
keep yourself in shape for your performances?
I try and do some form
of exercise everyday. On days when I'm quite busy I'll fit in at least a 30
minute walk on top of rushing about. When I do have more time though I'll
alternate between interval training, full cardio and strength training. I do a
lot of dance classes, not just for fitness but also to try and improve my
performing style too.
What is your diet like?
I would say fairly
healthy! When I'm busy I don't have regular meals so I try and focus on eating
small amounts throughout the day. I'm a vegetarian so I have to be careful to
eat enough protein. I'm not a big fan of meat alternatives like quorn as
they're very processed.
I actually do love
healthy food though and enjoy the challenge of making each meal as highly
nutritious as possible with as much veg as I can fit on a plate. A typical pre
show dinner might be a big salad with seeds, goat’s cheese and hummus for extra
protein. I also like drinking a lot of herbal teas.
That said though of
course I like treats sometimes too, when I worked in the tearoom I loved trying
all the cupcakes there!
What are your must have
pieces of make up?
I've just discovered
Dermablend which is great for evening out skin tone. It's a bit heavy to wear
all the time so I mix it with moisturiser during the day but it's perfect for
stage. MAC products are great for stage too. When I won the NVA, as part of my
prize I was given a lovely make up set by Le Keux cosmetics and it is fabulous,
I hope they expand their range soon!
I've worn 'Romance' by
Ralph Lauren since I was 15, I love it!
Do you style your own
hair yourself?
Yes, I like big wild
curly hair! I did bleach my own hair for a long time too but had to admit
defeat and hand myself in to a professional who gave me a good telling off.
Where are your favourite
places to shop both online and in store?
EBay! Even though I'm
lucky enough to have my stage dresses handmade by a brilliant costumier (Christine
Edson of Costumes by Christine) - I love finding a £1.99 vintage ball gown!
This is why I also love Charity shop wandering too. My favourite vintage shop
is Vibrant Vintage based in West Houghton.
What is your approach to
fashion?
I don't think I'm very
fashion conscious in a modern sense as I wear things that I like whether
they're 'in' or not. It took me a long time but now I know exactly what suits
my figure and definitely what doesn't so I haven't worn trousers or jeans in
years!
How do you go about
making/creating your costumes?
I love customising my
stage outfits by adding crystals and beading. I've improved since I first
started but I leave anything that needs proper skill to the professionals! My
official tour costume maker is Christine Edson of Costumes by Christine who
also makes authentic Hollywood reproduction dresses. I knew I wanted her to
design my dresses as her style is so glamorous. She has recently joined forces
with the wonderful Andrea from Petticoats-a- Plenty and I'm delighted that my
dress will be their first joint collaboration- expect it to be big!
What else is coming up
for you?
I have lots of exciting
things planned, gigs in Marbella and Las Vegas coming up and then the start of
the tour as well as lots of lovely gigs in between, including performing in one
of the most beautiful Ballrooms in the world- The Tower Ballroom as featured on
Strictly Come Dancing- which I'm really looking forward to. I've had so
many amazing opportunities given to me so far and I aim to continue working
hard so I don't let anyone down!
I'm also trying to write
more, starting with a regular column in Speakeasy magazine which will be
a challenge but I'm finding it fun so far!
What advice would you
give to a girl reading this interested in getting into this industry?
No one will tolerate a diva however talented
you may be so work hard and be nice to people!
I would like to thank
Bexi Owen for her time with this fabulous interview.
To keep up to date
with Bexi head to her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bexiowen
Stay tuned for more!!
xoxo
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