Introducing..the new Holly Golightly, pop singer Pixie Lott, star of North Yorkshire director Nikolai Foster's new stage production of Breakfast At Tiffany's PIXIE Lott will be in Yorkshire from tomorrow to Saturday, playing Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's at Leeds Grand Theatre in her first role in a play. Here, The Press puts Pixie on the spot.

How does this new stage version differ from Blake Edwards's 1961 romantic comedy film?

"It’s staying true to the original story that Truman Capote wrote, so it's set in the 1940s. The play still has all the amazing characters and stories from the film, the different characters that make up New York, but this isn’t the film brought to life on stage. The movie was set in the Sixties, so the era alone makes it quite different. I haven’t actually watched the movie again since I knew I was doing the play because I didn’t want to get too caught up in it."

How does it feel to be playing such an iconic character as "exquisite, extrovert American geisha" Holly Golightly?

"I feel really lucky because it's such an amazing role to take on for my first play. I adore Holly. She's extremely free-spirited and has lots of energy, but when needs be, she's also very direct and can tell people how it is. She has a secret past, but she’s a survivor and she makes it through."

Do you feel pressure because Holly is so well loved?

"To an extent, but because the play is based on the book and not a complete copy of the movie, the pressure is off slightly because I can’t be completely compared with Audrey Hepburn, who was obviously amazing. Hopefully people will see I’ve created my own interpretation and brought my own personality to the role."

Some might say this is quite a departure for you as you're best known for your pop music…

"Well, I've always believed in being as rounded as a performer as possible. Music is my first love and passion, but I love acting as well. I think it’s really cool to go outside your comfort zone and push yourself as a performer. I did that when I took part in Strictly Come Dancing [in 2014], where I had to learn ballroom and Latin from scratch, which I really loved.

"I'm continuing to write music at every opportunity I can – I'll hopefully have my new record ready towards the end of the year, with maybe a little teaser in the summer – but this year it’s been really amazing to focus on acting."

York Press:

Pixie Lott as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's. Picture: Sean Ebsworth Barnes

Was there a tough audition process?

"It was, I guess, because it came a little bit of out of the blue and I had to quickly prepare and learn the script. But once I got in there, the director [Nikolai Foster] made me feel really relaxed so I could get into the role easily. So I actually really enjoyed the audition."

Did you have the classic Breakfast At Tiffany’s Audrey poster when you were growing up?

"I actually have it as a coaster for my cup of tea next to my bed. I’ve had it there for ages, long before I won the role. I only realised that the other day. It was obviously meant to be."

Are you like Holly Golightly in any way?

"We’re both really forgetful, she lives at apartment number 2 and my flat is number 2, and we’re both short-sighted. She also likes fashion, I like fashion, and I’d say I’m pretty free-spirited and I love travelling as she does too. So there are a few things that make us quite similar."

Does it concern you that audiences will be making comparisons with Audrey Hepburn's Holly?

"I don’t think the play can be compared with the movie. It’s the same when I perform covers of songs by Kings Of Leon or The Killers that I put up on YouTube. I always say I can never compete with the original because it’s always going to be the best. I always do my own interpretation and make it completely my own, and then it stands on its own rather than being compared. I feel like this is the same sort of thing."

The song Moon River is hugely associated with the story. How does it feel to be performing such a classic number?

"It’s a timeless song and a dream to sing and I’m pleased that I get to sing a little in the show. There’s always pressure, but I’ve got to focus on enjoying myself. In previous experiences of performing, as long as I enjoy myself, it helps the audience enjoy themselves, and that’s what it’s all about."

York Press:

Tim Frances as Rusty Trawler and Pixie Lott as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Picture: Sean Ebsworth Barnes

This is your first major stage role since you were a teenager. Why did you leave theatre for so long?

"Because I wanted to get my songs out there. I started writing when I was 13 or 14 and I always wanted to be a recording artist and make my own albums. That was always the goal, and it just sort of took over because it came in first. Music is something I will always keep on doing."

Does your Holly have a cat?

"I’m still getting used to the cat. I’m not really familiar with holding cats or being with cats. Thankfully, I’m not allergic, but I’ve got to get my cat acting up to scratch."

What will surprise audiences most about this production?

"Probably that it is not exactly like the film, and it’s also quite a rollercoaster of emotions. Most of the time it’s very high-energy and then there are times when it can move you. It covers all areas. It’s surprising that even though it was written in the 40s, so long ago, Truman Capote’s story is still so relevant and ahead of its time."

How would you sum the play up in a few words?

"Exciting, moving…and fun!"

Breakfast At Tiffany's runs at Leeds Grand Theatre, tomorrow to Saturday, 7.30pm and 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Box office: 0844 848 2700 or leedsgrandtheatre.com