London’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse gets a taste of Britain’s sweetest (and somewhat spiciest) culinary author with this new musical honouring her legacy through laughter, tears, and home-cooked meals. Guillermo Nazara chats with the actress portraying the iconic TV personality to learn more about the show’s development and how it will stir the pot in the savouriest way.
How does it feel to play one of Britain’s greatest national treasures?
It’s an absolute DREAM! I’m so excited to bring audiences the essence of the absolute icon they know and love, whilst also having a little bit of creative license to play and bring myself to the role too. Our version of Nigella is born out of Anna’s subconscious, and as Anna evolves throughout the show, so does Nigella.
Apart from the character, what enticed you to be part of this musical?
I have been involved right from the very start, and have been closely connected to every element of the show throughout each stage of its development. Writer Emily and I became friends working together at a cinema in 2018. I adored her writing immediately. Her hilarious way with words, and her music that just connected with me so deeply.
Whilst on shifts together, I started to think about what types of roles I’d love to play one day – we had jokingly discussed that a Nigella-esque character would be fun. Soon after, we both left the cinema and worked on various different projects (together and separately). A few years later, I applied for a Stage One producing bursary to commission the early seed of what has now become How To Make A Mess.
There was no audition process, or anything like that — the show has been shaped and written around myself as Nigella, and Natasha Karp as Anna. We’ve been developing it for the past 3 years together. It’s very rare to have a process that unfolds in this way, I have found it so rewarding, and it really feels like it’s all happening at the right time. I’m soon to be 31, and I don’t think I would have been ready to play this kind of role when I graduated from drama school. Getting to play it now, at this stage of my life, feels like a complete full-circle moment.
The show tells the story of Anna, who, following a family tragedy, finds comfort and reconnection through one of Nigella’s cookbooks. Should we be expecting something in the style of Julie & Julia?
I can definitely see why people might make that comparison! Both stories explore how food and cooking can become a source of comfort, connection, and rediscovery during difficult periods of life. How To Make A Mess is ultimately a very different experience theatrically. Whilst there may be subtle echoes of Julie & Julia in the premise, How To Make A Mess very much has its own identity and voice.
What’s the recipe for this show’s appeal and uniqueness?
A generous helping of indulgence, a healthy dash of humour, a large sprinkle of warmth — all mixed together with a lot of heart!
How would you describe your approach to the character: will we see a deliciously satirical portrayal or something more sugar-coated?
My approach to the character has been with the utmost respect and admiration for Nigella. It’s important to me that I bring an essence of the Nigella that audiences know and love- the warm, candid authenticity she radiates -whilst also allowing for the fun fairy-godmother playfulness that comes from her being born out of Anna’s subconscious within this show.
What particular challenges have you found in this role?
A challenge I’ve experienced during some of the development stages has been how far to push the humour and silliness whilst not stepping into parody or impersonation. It’s having the confidence to go for it but then to strip it back where needed. But this is something director Grace Taylor is amazing at guiding. I’m so excited to rehearse the show fully — we’ve developed it mainly through its music / readings, and I am very much looking forward to now delving fully into the text, getting the work up on its feet, and deepening my character further through that process!
Does the show have the potential to become more iconic than Nigella’s way of pronouncing “microwave”? If so, how?
It absolutely does! This is a show which could absolutely build a fan base and strong community following — I can’t wait to see how this debut run resonates with audiences.
Why come see ‘How To Make A Mess’?
Everyone should come and see this show because there is nothing else quite like it. The simplicity of two women on stage, going through this journey together, is something really beautiful. The songs are magic, there’s live cooking on stage, and it’s just got SO much heart. You’ll leave with a very warm fuzzy feeling, and probably a little peckish too.
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How To Make A Mess plays at London’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse from 4 to 28 June. Tickets are available on the following link.