Following her performances in some of the hottest West End shows of the last years, the performer puts the writer’s hat on for this one-woman piece, as she explores the humanity behind one of the greatest legends in Hollywood history. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artist to learn more about the creation of this work and how it will break fast into Audrey Hepburn’s dreams, sorrows, and tiffs — if any.
How does it feel to play one of the biggest icons in film history?
I feel honoured and so lucky to portray such a beautiful person and icon. She is a joy to play, I sometimes wonder where Helen ends and Audrey starts. I feel like I blend into her for the performance (as bizarre as that sounds). I’m so thrilled when people who have seen the show admit they truly believed they were watching the real Audrey at times. Who could ask for a better review than that?
What enticed you to play this character among other film legends?
I have always loved her but didn’t really know much about her and her life. Yet, I have had a couple of people tell me I reminded them of Audrey Hepburn, and when my tenant during lockdown thought as much (I have some big coffee table books of her and had a pixie hair cut at the time), I figured I’d look to see if there was a play I could learn and put on for myself. Since I couldn’t find anything, I made the decision to try and write it myself, and discovered we had so many similarities. She just felt like the perfect person to try and ‘become’.
The play is described as “a fresh, poignant homage” to the actress. How would that translate in terms of the show’s approach?
The premise is simple and, although made-up, could very well have happened. It is very much like having an ‘audience with…’. It’s very conversational and honest and tells as much of her life story as it’s in an hour.
Every stage is her reminiscing her wonderful life and tells interesting stories along the way that just come to her and has not thought about for a long time. So, it’s an exciting journey for the audience to go through with her, as she opens up and expresses many things she’s never even voiced before.
What elements of uniqueness does this show have in comparison to previous depictions of Audrey?
The only things I’ve found to compare are the television documentaries about her life. Much of the same information is what I talk about, along with other interesting facts and stories about her life and films and relationships.
She’s always portrayed so ‘perfectly’ and makes all her films look effortless, but in actuality she suffered terribly from nerves and anxiety and had many traumas in her young life. I like to show the truth of all of it — good and bad, which sometimes can be glossed over.
The show also deals with the actress’ early traumas. Is the piece trying to make a comment by exploring her vulnerability?
I think all aspects of her life are valid and interesting. Not many people realise she was a child in World War II, and she suffered greatly from what she experienced and witnessed. Things that can affect the whole life of a person, especially someone of her character and vulnerability. She always gave off the impression of being a happy and confident person, which shows what an amazing actress she was, as she was able to cover up a great deal of the real feelings she had whilst filming.
What other themes does the script deal with?
She talks about her relationship; her issues with her father; obviously, her filmsand love of children and dogs; and of course, her work with UNICEF, but I don’t want to give too much away!
What’s been your process of preparing for this role?
I obviously watched as many of her films as I could for research and for trying to learn her accent, which was a hybrid of many things. She really has a one-of-a-kind voice. I didn’t want to portray a caricature of her. I always said I wanted to play the ‘essence’ of her and her voice, hence the title!
Apart from the pressure of portraying such a well-known real-life character, have you found any other particular challenges in this role?
I think the most challenging thing was learning it all. But as I wrote it, with my way of speaking, it actually went in pretty easily in the end, thank goodness!
How would you describe your overall take on the role?
With honesty, I want people to feel they have spent some quality time with her. She was such a beautiful person and gave so much to the world in so many ways. I want people to know that, and want to watch her films again with fresh eyes!
How would you describe the essence of Audrey? Not the play but her own essence.
I would say her essence was one of purity, innocence, joy, love, and massive generosity.
Why come see ‘The Essence of Audrey’?
Take time out of the business of life and grab a coffee and croissant for a relaxing and casual breakfast at Audrey’s. You will see her in her own surroundings, being her true self, with no airs and graces, and discover what really made her into the icon everyone loves.
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All pictures credit to Mark Macdonald.
The Essence of Audrey plays at 11:15 at Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August 2025 (except for the 13th). Tickets are available on the following link.