Playlist: Songs that strike a chord | Nancye Hayes

14 Oct 2021

Musical theatre’s leading lady steps into the spotlight! The legendary Nancye Hayes takes the stage to tell us 5 showstopper songs that have struck a chord and why. Listen now on the Spotify playlist below.


THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Cy Coleman sung by Tony Bennett – Todd and I danced to this in Six Dance lessons. One of my favourite shows. What a lovely play combining a wonderful script and the chance to dance with Todd for 2 years and a revival on the 10th anniversary. Directed by Sandra Bates who thought of casting us as soon as she read it Thank goodness.

STRIKE UP THE BAND by George Gershwin – Everything is better with a band.

SO IN LOVE by Cole Porter from KISS ME KATE – I appeared in this show directed by Hayes Gordon for Menzies Hotel. One of the happiest experiences of my early career. To be able to play one musical at night and rehearse another during the day was music theatre heaven.

I GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING by Irving Berlin from ANNIE GET YOUR GUN – This was the first musical I saw at the old Theatre Royal when I was 5. From the moment it started I knew what I wanted to do. Be on the stage. I played Annie Oakley at Menzies directed by Jon Ewing who had replaced Hayes when he went into Fiddler.

THE MUSIC THAT MAKES ME DANCE by Jule Styne from FUNNY GIRL – I had the great pleasure of seeing Jill Perryman in this role and will always remember this moment. Besides years later I married a musician so it took on a new meaning for me.


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