TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT: Yvette Clutterbuck

British entertainer comes full circle in the Smith Center presentation of ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’.

Caricature sketch by Neal Portnoy

As much as I try to keep atop upcoming productions, they sometimes slip by. In a case of “closing the barn door after the horse escapes”, it’s a pleasure to tout THE GRUFFALO’s CHILD. An enchanting stage show based on the beloved book, The Gruffalo’s Child is playing at Smith Center’s Troesh Studio Theater on April 12th. And it is already sold out.

As charming as this story has been to generations of readers, its tie to Sin City’s own Yvette Clutterbuck is equally endearing. The sassy actress/comedian/singer/vocal artist/musician/producer/director returns to the show after nineteen years, and on a different continent, no less. How’s that for the circle of life? (Oops, wrong fable…)

Yvette Clutterbuck may not be a household name, nor will you likely see it splashed across massive marquees along the Strip. And chances are, she’s just fine with that. Yvette’s boundless energy, scathing wit, and courage to take on daring roles make her just as dynamic as any superstar. Spend five minutes conversing with Ms. Clutterbuck, and you’ll know that to be true.

I first became familiar with Yvette when she appeared on Vincent John‘s scathing, sorely missed WHAT THE CLUCK!? (you can watch it here.) Her cheeky humor and infectious smile immediately won me over, and I’ve been a fan and friend ever since.

Yvette was just coming off a short-term stint hosting Miss Behave Gameshow, followed by a role in Menopause: The Musical and referee duties at BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon. She often works in Reno with husband Jimmy Denning (Tenors of Rock), and is the keyboardist for the rock band REBEL.

Jimmy Denning (far left), Yvette Clutterbuck, and REBEL

Long before coming to Las Vegas, the youthful performer was carving out a name for herself on stages in the UK. She even appeared in the touring and West End productions of Room on the Broom, a follow-up to the Gruffalo stories.  How’s that for eclectic?

Room on the Broom (2008)

If you’ve followed my Women In Song series, you’re aware that March is Women’s History Month. Since Yvette Clutterbuck is preparing to make some career history of her own, we asked her to contribute to this edition of TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT. Here’s what she had to say.

“Around 2006, The Gruffalo’s Child was my first West End theatre job. I absolutely loved it, and it turned out to be a great springboard for my career. If you’d have told me that 19 years later, I’d be living in Las Vegas and about to bring the show to The Smith Center, I’d have called you crazy. But here we are!”