Former CASUALTY actress Sue Devaney, who played paramedic Liz Harker, is currently touring the UK in musical ‘Girls Behind’. Remaining venues include Hull, Wimbledon and Stoke as the tour comes to a close in December. Liz talks to holby.tv about her current role…
What can you tell us about the musical ‘Girls Behind’ that you are currently touring the UK with?
It’s a comedy musical, set backstage in the dressing room of ‘The Star Club’, a Northern cabaret club! It’s a story about three friends who set up their own singing act. The play takes place over a period of ten years and takes you on a roller coaster ride of fun, laughter, tears and sadness – a bit like life with a few songs thrown in.
What made you want to do the show?
I wanted to wear a sequine sparkly frock!
What character do you play and how would you describe her?
I play Serena, who is very quiet and shy and she hates to perform infront of people because she has panic attacks! But stays with the Act because she loves spending time with Sadie and Lois – her best friends.
You perform a number of songs from Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand to Christina Aguilera, which are your personal favourites to sing?
I love singing ‘Big Spender’ because we have such a laugh performing it in the dressing room with red feather boas and slippers! I also love ‘Think’ by Aretha Franklin – it’s our first number and gets everybody going.
You’re cast alongside Maureen Nolan and Donna Hazleton, what are they like to work with?
Brilliant – we try and make eachother laugh all the time! Maureen’s an ‘old pro’ but still corpes on stage all the time. Donna’s got the most amazing voice. I love working with them both.
What was your first ever stage role?
An ugly sister in ‘Cinderella’ when I was 9. Professionally I played Jo in ‘A Taste of Honey’ at Bolton Octagon when I was 17.
Do you enjoy going to the theatre yourself?
My local theatre is the Oldham Coliseum and I see most productions there when I am home. I also recently went to see Pete Postlethwaite in ‘The Tempest’ at The Royal Exchange – it was fabulous.
What would be your dream theatre role?
Puck in a Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Finally, how would you recommend ‘Girls Behind’ to people thinking of coming to see it?
If you want intellectual drama with deep meaning and passion don’t bother! If you want a good laugh and a fun night out – switch off and come and see us! Check out the website too at
