Biography
Rosanne grew up near Sheffield, where she was influenced by her theatrical family from an early age. Her grandmother was a professional ballerina, who subsequently ran a dance school; and her mother directed local pantomimes, where Rosanne would accompany her to rehearsals; her older sister, Jill Priest, is also an actress and songwriter, with Rosanne following in her footsteps. She gained her first taste of the stage, performing in local amateur dramatics, and attending dancing class throughout her childhood.
At sixteen, straight out of secondary school, Rosanne studied for a year in Colorado, USA, where she embraced the many opportunities available to learn singing and acting as part of her course in the United States: She competed in 'Show Choir,' became a member of the 'International Thespian Society,' was listed on the ‘Honor Roll,’ and ultimately graduated with a US High School Diploma.
On returning to the UK, Rosanne enrolled at North Cheshire Theatre College, under the tutelage of David Johnson (formerly of Oldham Theatre Workshop), where she gained her Musical Theatre and Acting Diploma. While at drama school, she showcased various leading roles, including Mary Poppins, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, and Fantine in Les Misérables. She signed with an agent, and embarked upon her professional career, immediately securing roles in commercials, corporate videos, and playing principal girl in pantomime.
Shortly after graduating, Rosanne moved to London, to perform her first professional lead role as Ruthie in I Can Get It For You Wholesale, at the Arcola Theatre, closely followed by the role of Judith in Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens. She remained in London for many years performing professionally, while simultaneously furthering her education at London Metropolitan University, going on to achieve a BA honours degree in English and Theatre Studies. As part of her degree course, Rosanne also studied for a semester at City College, New York (USA), taking part in several productions with the CCNY Theater Program, comprising part of her degree.
In the UK, her varied professional career has included unique highlights, such as Tony Blair the Musical, which sold out for the duration of its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, and a stint with NewsRevue - the world’s longest running live comedy show. She has appeared with the cast of the acclaimed Thursford Christmas Spectacular, the UK’s largest Christmas show. Her voice is featured on the concept album recording of the musical A Christmas Carol as Mrs Dilber and Mrs Cratchit, and she voiced the role of Mary in children’s musical, AlterNativity. Rosanne is a seasoned pantomime performer, having worked her way through roles as Principal Girl, Principal Boy, Wicked Queen, and Fairy Godmother, in various pantomimes in the UK. Recently, she toured the country in Mad About the Musicals, alongside Gareth Gates (Pop Idol), and Jai McDowall (Britain's Got Talent winner).
Internationally, Rosanne’s career has taken her all over the globe, including three contracts on Cunard ships: she performed as principal vocalist on board QE2, until the famous ship's retirement in Dubai in 2008, before going on to complete World Cruises on the QM2 and Queen Victoria. She has also toured Spain with a potted Shakespeare show, and in recent years travelled with major European tours, in both Abba Mania, and Abba Gold - the Concert Show, performing to sell-out crowds at venues such as the World Forum Theater in Den Haag, Salzburg Arena in Austria, and the National Theater in Bern, Switzerland.
Offstage, Rosanne has expanded her professional credits to include screen work, in addition to her extensive stage experience. Among her screen credits, she has filmed the role of Kayleigh O'Clearigh in feature film The Haunting of the Lady-Jane, by award winning director Kemal Yildirim (multiple winner in various film festivals), and she co-starred opposite her sister in the comedy web-series InGeneous. Rosanne also produced and starred in her own scripted film, Sex On The Beach, which was shortlisted as one of the top ten scripts in the CenterFrame "Get It Made" competition.
During her panto contract in December 2022, Rosanne was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She managed to complete the panto run, but was forced into a temporary career hiatus throughout most of 2023, while undergoing active treatment. Despite this, she managed to appear in a commercial for Macmillan Mighty Hikes, and played a cameo role in the feature film, Teddy On The Mountain, before being declared officially cancer free.
Rosanne is now based in Derbyshire with her partner and her son, though she still travels frequently, working throughout the UK and abroad. When not performing, she is a keen photographer, with a portfolio that ranges from motorsports, through to travel, and children’s portraiture. You can view her photography and read some of her musings, via her blog: