Gettrup, Amanda

26/08/2009

Audio file duration: 00:11:42 Format of original recording: wav 44.1 khz 16 bit ZOOM digital recorder.

These recordings are part of the One & Other interview series that has been licensed by the Wellcome Trust for public use under Creative Commons Attribution-non commercial-Share Alike 3.00 UK. This means that anyone based in the UK can share and remix the material, as long as it is for non-commercial purposes. Credits, where given, should be to the library at Wellcome Collection, London. (c) Wellcome Trust.

Amanda Gettrup is an actor who was born and raised in London. She identifies two parts to her personality, by day she works a medical secretary job while by night she performs a cockney knees up sing along act with her cabaret partner Jules. She has done this cabaret act for three years and as an actor and singer she finds this act fulfils her desire to entertain. She grew up learning this style of London music through her dad putting on old time musicals throughout the 70's. She loves singing in groups and encourages audience involvement, believing it creates a 'great old knees up' atmosphere. She hopes to recreate this atmosphere on the plinth. With a residence at the Hackney Empire, she also performs at festivals (including Edinburgh and Bestival), parties and weddings. On the plinth she will be in performing in the character of Rosie Lee a wannabe starlet. Dressed up in Edwardian summer bathers and pantaloons and she will be singing London songs and has brought bananas and biscuits to throw down to the crowd. Her cabaret counterpart 'nana' will be helping from the floor by getting the audience involved and encouraging them to sing along. She chose to do the cabaret partly to publicise her act but also because she believes it is easier and safer to present yourself in character.