91Èȱ¬

The best bit of the whole process is always the performance - this is what all the work has been leading up to. Performing in the Wales Millennium Centre is fantastic as the acoustic is so good and it's such a big, comfortable stage.

First nights are very funny things. There's a certain very special excitement to them, especially when it's a new production - but in other ways the first night is something to be endured, or an ordeal to get through. So much hangs on it, and I'm always much more nervous than for other performances.

It's important to be absolutely at your best for the first night - so no going out or late nights beforehand.

Once the day arrives, I like to get to the theatre in good time to prepare myself. Here's what I take with me:

• Bottle of still water
• Coffee or cola - not tea as it dries out the throat.
• Allergy tablets (in case of emergency!)
• Nasal spray
• Indigestion tablets
• Salve for dry nose
• Sandwich, fruit. Some singers can't eat before a show, but I have to eat a little bit for energy or I'd fall over!
• Cardigan to put over shoulders between scenes
• Little gifts for colleagues - maybe just a chocolate bar - just to show you're thinking about each other.
• No mascots, photos, sentimental things - because if you forget to take them, or lose them, it feels like the end of the world!

You never know what's going to happen. On the first night of the Magic Flute, the tannoy system in the dressing rooms suddenly wasn't working, so you couldn't hear how the performance was going.

There was never a chance of being late, as the stage staff will always make sure you are where you should be, but it just adds to the nerves factor! Apart from that, everything went well and the atmosphere was great, with a very appreciative audience.

You have to be prepared for anything though. During one of the performances, there was a problem with the trap door through which I am supposed to disappear. This is always a little nerve-wracking, as I have to be standing in exactly the right place and with the huge dress, I can't actually see my feet!

On this occasion, however, the trap just didn't open - so I had to revert to plan B and use one of the many doors which make up the set. As this is my final exit, I have to leave at the exact point in the music, so I have to act quickly. Thank goodness that didn't happen on the first night!

Afterwards, there's the first night party - of course! It's a few drinks for the cast, crew and their guests in one of the rehearsal rooms. Although you're tired, you're still on a high from the adrenaline produced by the performance and you need to wind down. There was some music playing, but nobody was dancing! I love to dance, so I did a few of my moves on my own...

The last performance of a production is also special, in a poignant sort of way. Everyone is saying goodbye and it can get a little bit tearful.

Sometimes little tricks get played on the last night - once during The Merry Widow, I found my wine glass contained real champagne on the last night, instead of the usual fizzy water!

91Èȱ¬ just after midnight, and it was time to make some phone calls - although it's an hour later in Europe than here. I couldn't go to bed without speaking to my husband and mother first!