Join spectacular ‘60s girl group The Dreams on a musical rollercoaster of fame, fortune and friendship.

For one night only (well, 12 actually but who’s counting?), the critically acclaimed Dreamgirls will be raising the roof at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The production is heading out on its first ever UK tour, almost six years after its West End debut at London’s Savoy Theatre.

The show tells the story of Effie, Lorrell and Deena, three talented singers trying to make their dreams come true in the 1960s, a revolutionary time for American music.

The three friends test their relationships with each other and themselves as they face the ruthless realities of show business.

“I think staying humble in this industry is so important and you can get completely swept away with the industry, and [playing] Effie has taught me that a lot,” says The Voice finalist Nicole Raquel Dennis, who is reprising the role for the UK tour. “She’s taught me about more self-love.”

Dreamgirls first made its name on Broadway in 1981, and gained further notoriety with the 2006 film starring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.

“With something so iconic like this, it's so easy to compare people,” says Nicole, who will be stepping into Jennifer Hudson’s shoes. “But I think I have to remember I'm a completely different person. I can also recognise who I am as an actress and put my own stamp on it.”

However, Nicole has surely picked up some tips from Jennifer herself, as the Academy Award winner was Nicole’s mentor on her series of The Voice.

“[Jennifer] was my coach on The Voice,” explains Nicole. “I think because she came from a background of reality TV as well, she had a lot of genuine wisdom. She was so patient and so understanding.”

Although the show is fictional, creators Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen drew heavily from the history of the Motown record label and its acts, most notably The Supremes.

The show contains iconic musical numbers such as And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen and One Night Only, with an uplifting message of self-love and self-worth.

“It's a very strong female show, which is so empowering,” says Nicole. “We're going to empower so many women, men and non-binary people. And I think it's so empowering to know our worth, especially as black people to fully embrace that. She’s taught me about more self-love.”

Dreamgirls is at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Tuesday, July 12 to Saturday, July 23. Book tickets online here or call 01227 787 787.