Sanne den Besten is the first Actress and the first Dutch national to be featured in The Curious Interviews! I know - it's about time on both counts...but I am delighted that Sanne is the first. As an actress who would describe myself as a character singer at best, I am constantly in awe of performers like Sanne - she works mainly in BIG musicals which demand serious skills, enormous stamina and rigorous personal upkeep to hit every note, every beat, every show, every night to their packed out houses.
Having trained at the Conservatoire Codarts in Rotterdam, Sanne was soon building her experience and impressive CV across The Netherlands in touring musicals such as 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Sound of Music'. Sanne also starred in (Dutch) TV show 'Like ADAM' which followed the fictional lives of the members of the girlband 'ADAM'.
Last year Sanne auditioned for and won her first West End role, covering Fantine in the legendary 'Les Miserables' and so relocated from Amsterdam to London. Last summer she left the barricades, crossed the West End and exchanged the corsets for a distinctly more continental wardrobe (not to mention an impressive tanning schedule), and stepped aboard the Greek island life of global mega hit, 'Mamma Mia' (written by W&W's chum Catherine Johnson) to play the lead of Sophie.
The Curious Interview with Sanne den Besten
What are you most curious about?
So many things! I'm curious about the daily life of the Queen, what does she have for breakfast? I'm curious as to how I can improve a scene, I'm curious about what the world will look like in 100 years. I'm curious about what I'll be doing this time next year, because you never know in this industry...
How does your curiosity serve your creativity?
I think my curiosity is one of the most important things for my creativity! Especially being in a long running show, doing 8 shows a week. It's so important to keep pushing yourself, to keep asking questions. About the show, how can I make this scene more interesting?
Outside of work too, in my daily life, finding things which can then give me some inspiration to do the show that little bit differently that evening.
What inspires you?
People who live fearlessly and take big risks. People who work hard to achieve their goals. Seeing a great actress makes me want to work harder than ever. My mum, because she's the strongest woman I know.
How would you describe your style?
I don't think about it too much, I just buy what I love! It's probably a cross between vintage and designer. Classy but cool. Sexy but comfortable. And because I bike everyday my guilty pleasure is wearing activewear all the time!
What do you particularly like about Wool & Water?
I love the exclusive feel of it and the fact that it's completely handmade. It's such a classic item that we all know but with a little twist which makes it different. It's the perfect accessory, that you can dress up or down!
I feel set for business, feminine and yet ready for lunch with friends in my favourite vintage pie shop."
Sanne den Besten's Wool & Water Bow Tie of choice is The Blue Marl
Follow Sanne and her backstage adventures on Instagram @sannedenbesten and/or Twitter @Sanne_Besten
I am Alice and I run Wool & Water and Wool & Whiskers, a unique Bow Tie label from my garden studio in Amsterdam, fuelled by copious amounts of green tea.