Ripper Street: I had to let rip with a song but I'll stick to acting – Charlene McKenna

HERALD IE
28 August, 2013

Petite actress and reluctant singer Charlene McKenna had to warm up her vocal chords while filming the upcoming season of Ripper Street.

The 27-year-old, who plays prostitute turned songstress Rose Erskine in the hit TV series, had to belt out several show-stopping tunes on set. And Charlene says it was a daunting experience.

"I just had to sing for Ripper Street, it was my first time. I don't know if it was worth the nightmares and panic attacks," she laughed.

And Monaghan native Charlene doubts she'll be launching a singing career anytime soon.

"I have a very low voice. Beyonce is safe – let me put it that way," she laughed.

Charlene and the rest of the cast finished filming last weekend. But, before they started packing up the faux cobble streets and 1880s set, Charlene made sure her parents experienced the gruesome world of Jack the Ripper which is being filmed in Dublin.

"Mammy and daddy came to visit the set. It's only their second time ever visiting me on set. They usually just let me at it," she explained.

Charlene's mum and dad enjoyed checking out the cells and chatting to the crew but Charlene says she's the only theatrical member of the family.

"No one else in my family is in to acting – just me. I thought I'd go out on that ledge on my own."

And Charlene is in demand.

No sooner had she ditched the corset and tight, ringlet curls, she was she on a plane over to London. She will star in a West End production of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts.

Charlene will play the part of Regina at the Almeida Theatre and began rehearsals yesterday.


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