Interview with Desmonda Cathabel, ROSIE - A New Musical

ROSIE is a new musical that shares the remarkable true story of Miss Rosie Boote, who was raised in an Irish convent and dreamed of becoming a star on the West End stage in Edwardian London. Now, after more than a decade in development, it will receive its West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre for one night on 17 March 2026.

Ahead of this event, we caught up with Desmonda Cathabel, who recently starred in the West End production of Hadestown and will be part of the company for ROSIE.

What does it mean to you to be part of this milestone moment for a brand-new musical?

I feel honoured that I’ll be a part of their history! Developing a new musical is always such a long, arduous process that being a part of it at any stage is just incredible.

The show tells the true story of Rosie Boote, a young woman raised in a convent in Ireland who dreams of making it onto the Edwardian West End stage. What initially drew you to this story, and how have you connected personally to its themes of ambition and determination?

Just like Rosie, I too took my chances and moved all across the world, leaving everything I knew behind, to fulfil my dreams of being on the West End! I connected most with how she knows this is the thing that she MUST do, and she follows her soul and always does her best, and it leads her to where she's meant to be!

The studio cast album, released in 2024, has already built a strong following, with songs like “Starlight,” “Suddenly,” and “Broken Dreams” receiving international acclaim. How does it feel to now bring these songs to life in front of a live West End audience?

Thrilling, I can’t wait for the West End fans and audiences to finally hear these songs live for the first time!

The music by Chris Broom has won multiple International Songwriting Awards. What stands out to you most about the score, either vocally or emotionally?

Chris Broom has the exceptional ability to create melodies that pierce your heart, and as a vocalist, it's such a joy singing melodically satisfying songs and allow you to express emotions through the music alone. 

How does originating a role in a new musical compare to stepping into an established classic?

Originating a role means every single decision is yours to make, which can be both scary and also freeing; it feels like everything is possible!

You will be performing it in the Adelphi Theatre. What are you most excited about being able to do it in that theatre?

This will be my first time working at the Adelphi, so I’m excited for that! Experiencing a new atmosphere in a new house is always thrilling.

Given that this is a one-night-only performance, does that add an extra layer of pressure — or excitement? How are you channelling that energy?

So much pressure! Since this will be the first impression that a lot of people have of the piece! So there’s definitely a bit of fear, but also excitement because it's something new and amazing.

If people haven’t bought their tickets yet, why should they come and see your concert?

Come to support a new British musical! Come for the genuine bangers that this show has, and hopefully you’ll have some new musical theatre tunes to get obsessed with!

ROSIE will play at the Adelphi Theatre on 17 March.