Snap out of it! Six decades of the one and only Cher are celebrated in The Cher Show, heading to the New Theatre in late August. John Evans chats with one of its three Chers, Danielle Steers, on what it’s like to play such an icon.

What was the process and the journey of getting the role of Lady in The Cher Show?

I auditioned back in October, November last year – I did a couple of rounds, sang a few scenes, and did a little workshop with Arlene Phillips over Facetime. And then I was called in for final rounds and found out about two weeks later that I’d got the role. I was thrilled because as soon as I knew that the show was coming to the UK, I was like, I have to be in that…

We started rehearsals in February, and March this year. It’s been quite hard – the Broadway cast of The Cher Show, they got to spend actual time with Cher, and she taught them how to walk, talk, mannerisms, stuff like that. We had to do our own research. I did hours and hours of watching and studying the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, watching her concerts and films, standing in front of a mirror and trying to perfect her mannerisms. We’re still learning – I still listen to her music just to keep refreshing myself!

How did you prepare to take on the role of such an icon?

When we were in rehearsals, I just wasn’t there – but I put the wig on in the last week of rehearsals, and I was like, oh, there she is! Having those inches of long hair really helped, because she is her hair: it’s like her crown. So the wig and the costumes definitely helped me get into character.

And before the show every night, [the other two Chers] Millie [O’Connell] and Debbie [Kurup] and I stand together and quick-fire run our opening lines, so we can all find each other, get into character and just try and be as unified as possible, which is really lovely.

Would you say you have any similar traits to Cher? Or do you see yourself in her at all?

I mean, she’s a very strong, feisty woman. I wish I could be as kick-ass as her. She’s pretty cool. But in terms of traits, I don’t think so. The only thing that really drew me to Cher way back was the fact that I have quite a deep voice, and I never really heard anyone [else] sing like that before.

You touched on this briefly, but have you had any contact with Cher or has she said anything about the show?

Well, she approved of the three of us going into the role – so she gave us her blessing – and tweeted a little good luck before we started, which was really lovely. So nothing specific to me, but hopefully one day…

What is it like working with your ‘co-Chers’ Debbie and Millie and playing the same person?

They’re both incredible women in their own right, so getting to work with them is amazing. I’ve worked with Debbie before – I understudied her in The Bodyguard about eight years ago – and mine and Millie’s paths have crossed, we both did Six but at different times. So it’s nice going into it knowing both of them already, and now getting to work with them.

We do work closely together, and watch each other and copy each other’s mannerisms as well as Cher’s! I feel like I could go to them for anything: if one of us is having a bit of a bad day, we’ve got each other. You have to be a team because essentially, you’re playing the same person.

Do you have a favourite Cher song that you like to sing?

There are so many! It’s a tough question… I love singing Bang Bang, that is such a rocket moment in the show, and Song For The Lonely at the end of Act One with the two other Chers. That’s a real moment for me, and makes me think “Oh my God, I’m in The Cher Show!”

Have you been to Wales much before? We’re looking forward to having you!

I actually did Hairspray in Aberystwyth, which is really random! And I’ve been to Cardiff before. So I’m really excited to come back.

The Cher Show, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 23-Sat 27 Aug.

Tickets: £20-£42. Info: here

words JOHN EVANS