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24 September 2014
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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?Ìý
Simona Armstrong

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? finalists



Simona Armstrong, 28


From Romania. Lived in Glasgow and now in Greenford, London
Occupation Actress/receptionist
Family Two sisters - one older and one younger, and Scottish husband Ian.
Experience Vocal training at Bucharest Academy. Acting roles in Romania and the UK.

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Born and raised in Romania, Simona is a passionate woman who puts her all into every performance. She is trying to make a career as a full time actress and has had some small TV roles.

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Simona has had two years of Romanian pop and classical vocal training at the Bucharest Academy, an extremely prestigious performing arts school. She completed two years of a four year course before moving to the UK.

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She is from a very musical background - her mother and sister sing and her grandmother was an actress. Simona's family are still in Romania and she misses them a lot.

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Simona is married to Ian, a personal trainer, who is "her greatest support" – she met him whilst living in Glasgow – a city she holds very dear to her heart.

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Simona finds casting in England difficult because of her accent but this is something she is working on. She loves a bit of karaoke and Abba songs but her favourite music genres are soul and jazz as they are full of passion.

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She loves playing volleyball with the neighbourhood kids and, other than performing, her ambition would be to be a lawyer or journalist.

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When did you first realise you had a talent for singing?

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When I was in kindergarten, I had to do lots of shows that included singing and performing. I got a very positive response (I was quite surprised!), all the kindergarten teachers wanted me to be in their performances as well, even if I wasn't in their class!

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What is your favourite musical?

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Little Shop of Horrors.

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Who is your favourite character in a musical and why?

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Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors because she never gives up her dream and she always follows her path. That's very important for me.

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What qualities do you have similar to those of Maria?

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Her vulnerability, her confidence, her spirit and, most of all, her honesty inside.

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Why should you be the next Maria?

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Because I really do love everything about this musical. It is so much me - it's a dream, it's a love story, it's also working with children which is a big satisfaction for me.

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How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?Ìý
Siobhan Dillon

Siobhan Dillon, 21

From Staffordshire
Occupation London College of Fashion student/promotions girl
Family Younger brother Liam.
Experience Singing lessons age 10-15.

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Extremely stylish and cool, Siobhan is currently in her first year of BA Hons in Product Design (she designs handbags) at the London College of Fashion.

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On her 10th birthday, Siobhan asked for singing lessons, and had vocal training once a week for two years and her talent progressed from there. Two weeks before the Maria auditions she decided to cram in some more lessons to get back in shape.

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She is a songwriter as well as a singer and has submitted some demos to record companies.

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She used to perform in her school shows but thought that she would not make it in music or theatre as it was such a huge and competitive world which is why she turned to fashion.

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After hearing a tape of her singing, Michael Parkinson insisted that Siobhan sing at his charity cricket ball three years ago, after which she got a standing ovation.

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Siobhan currently lives in a student house but comes from a very tight-knit family – her dad Michael is Irish (from Dunleary), and she is extremely proud to have Irish blood.

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Her mum is a drama teacher and the Irish side of her family are extremely musical. She describes her musical tastes as "random" - anything from John Denver to Massive Attack but Shania Twain will always be her idol.

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When did you first realise you had a talent for singing?

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When I was nine I took part in my babysitter's gala concert, raising money for her to go to drama school. I sung Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee from Grease (after having auditioned for her in my pyjamas just before bedtime one Friday evening!)

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What is your favourite musical?

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Starlight Express and Blood Brothers (Can I have two? Sorry!)

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Who is your favourite character in a musical and why?

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Esmeralda [ Notre Dame de Paris]. She is a beautiful gypsy character with a wonderful heart and a sensual streak also.

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She is strong-minded and free-spirited and it is because of this that she attracts much male attention!

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The story is a tale of lust, love and injustice. The songs she and the rest of the cast sing are powerful - not just musically but emotionally.

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What qualities do you have similar to those of Maria?

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The desire to help other people whenever possible; the drive and ambition to succeed. And optimism - every cloud almost always has a silver lining. This is one thing people always pick up on when they first meet me - apparently I'm quite unusually optimistic!

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A degree of uncertainty but a lot of excitement about where this whole experience will take me! Dedication in my beliefs.

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Why should you be the next Maria?

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It's the one character I have always dreamt about playing but never imagined that I would be given the opportunity. I can associate with her free-spirited yet rational character.

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To see problems and attack them with enthusiasm and strength... Her desire to feel complete... Ultimately, to find the place where she really belongs.

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I have grown up with the music - my Nana used to sing Edelweiss to me when I was very young. I would give it 110% and would enjoy every moment of it.

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I believe I have the talent to do it... I definitely have the ambition! I just can't wait to get stuck into the blood, sweat 'n' tears - the real training!


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