Filipino stage star Joanna Ampil on playing Grizabella in Cats at Dubai Opera

Filipino stage star Joanna Ampil plays Grizabella in the production of Cats at Dubai Opera. Courtesy Lotus Communications

When it comes to filling stage shoes, they don't come much bigger than Grizabella in Cats, a role forever associated with Elaine Page. The OBE-awarded actress not only starred in the original West End production, but reprised the role for the 1988 video release and scored a UK chart top ten with her rendition of the show's blockbuster number, Memory.

Tasked with filling those shoes in Dubai is Joanna Ampil, a seasoned stage star whose lengthy list of credits include roles in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables,West Side Story and a solo singing career – check the video on this story.

With Cats in town at Dubai Opera until January 28, we took five with the London-based, Filipino born talent.

Hi Joanna. How long have you been involved in Cats, and what attracted you to the show?

I was in the show for the first time in 2013 for a short while. And this time I'll be touring the world with my fellow kitties for an entire year, and I couldn't be happier. Initially, I heard the music of The Jellicle Ball being played by an entire BBC orchestra. I was hooked. I had to see the show because I love the music so much.

How does it feel taking the spotlight to sing everyone's favourite song every night? Do you ever feel the pressure of all the 150 different voices who have sung Memory before?

The pressure will always be there. Although I always think that audiences who watch us are open enough to hear new versions and interpretations. People may be familiar with Memory as a standalone song and taken out of context. Watching Cats and hearing memory sung within the story will hopefully give them a new experience.

What’s the hardest thing about playing Grizabella?

Grizabella is very isolated from the rest of the company. I enjoy being with the cast and therefore having to separate myself from everyone is lonely. But then again, it also gives me the concentration I need to get into the zone and to keep my characterisation fresh, as if I’m telling my story for the first time.

Of all the many shows you’ve been involved in, which other role are you most proud of, and why?

I always fall in love with the character I'm currently playing. And since I'm doing Cats, it would be Grizabella. I enjoy the dance at the start of the show and I get to sing one of the most beautifully written songs in musical theatre history.

You’ve also released a number of solo albums – tell us about your recording career?

I like challenging myself and doing different things. Recording is another art form that I enjoy. It's different from live theatre but it also gives me a lot of satisfaction as an artist. The last recording I did was actually Memory from Cats, but it's not out yet – so listen to The Only Place To Be, the second single from my self-titled album.

How have you found your stay in Dubai so far? The crowd? The venue? The city?

Our stay has been pretty amazing. The theatre is spectacular. We’ve been very well looked after and spoilt. Dubai is such an interesting city. We’ve planned out certain activities to do whilst we’re here. I cannot wait to get to know Dubai.

• Cats is at Dubai Opera until January 28 (no show on January 22), at 8pm daily (7pm on Saturdays), plus 2pm matinées on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets, from Dh275, at www.dubaiopera.com