Following the spectacular success of the London production, now in its 8th year, the show is preparing for its first international tour, assembling its largest cast ever for a new, larger version opening in Aylesbury at the end of the month. Guillermo Nazara chats with its upcoming MC, who bares it all about her role and what it’s like to start in arguably the hottest show in town.
How does it feel to emcee the show’s first performances ahead of the international tour?
Insanely exciting. I feel so proud of this extraordinary show, and I honestly can’t wait for the UK to see it. What makes Aylesbury particularly special is that it’s the only place in the UK where we’re performing this brand new production before taking it on its international tour. So, audiences here are genuinely getting the very first look at it, which is pretty incredible.
What enticed you to be a part of the show?
The script really made me laugh. The whole concept is so different from what I’m used to, and I loved that they wanted me to bring so much of my own personality to the role. They work the script around who you are, and there’s also room for improvisation, which makes it thrilling.
And then, there’s the show itself. It’s such a unique, artistic production full of incredible world-class dancing and talent. It honestly feels like I’ve stepped into a world where I’m onstage with Beyoncé.
The show has been running in the West End for almost a decade. In your opinion, what’s the reason behind its success?
Because they’re not simply riding off the name of the movie. They’ve creatively crafted something unlike anything you’ve experienced before, with great expertise and care. There is an enormous amount of thought behind every element of it; it’s full of artistry, creativity, and class. And when you look at the people behind the production, they’ve choreographed the biggest names in the pop industry: Madonna, Britney, Pink, and many, many more. The show is in incredibly great hands.
Will this new chapter in the show’s life bring anything new?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Channing, Alison and Luke have been thinking about and planning this new version for a long time, and from what I’ve seen so far, what they’ve created is so clever and endlessly entertaining. Even people who have been part of Magic Mike Live for years, in productions all around the world, keep talking about how sick this new version is! So there’s a real sense of excitement amongst both the new people and the MML veterans.
It’s bigger, it’s fresh, and it’s ridiculously entertaining, and I genuinely think there’s something in it for everyone.
Apart from its setting, what makes this show unique for you as a performer?
What makes it unique for me is that the more “me” I can be, the better it is for the show. Usually I’m building a character and finding my way into them, whereas here the line between me and the role is cobweb-thin.
We’re creating and selling a vibe, and that feeling stays with you long after the night itself. It’s actually very rare for me to see a show that leaves me feeling genuinely alive, and that’s what Magic Mike Live does. You have so much fun, you’re in awe of these men and their talent, and you leave feeling like you’ve just had one of the best nights of your life. Sharing that experience with people you love makes it even better.
Has your role entailed any kind of preparation?
A lot more preparation than you might think! A huge part of it is working out how to put as much of my own personality into the script as possible. We spent the first week with our director, Alison, really individualising the role, but I don’t think that process ever completely ends.
There’s also so much room for improvisation. You go in with a very clear structure, and you have to know exactly where you’re going, but within that it can almost feel like a free fall. Every audience will be different, so you have to be completely present and ready for anything.
What particular challenges do you find in your role or the show?
Knowing the show inside out is probably the biggest one, because I don’t really have the same back-and-forth conversations you would have in a traditional play or musical. I’m guiding the audience through the whole experience while also mingling with them, responding to what’s happening and, most importantly, actually having fun. So, many moving parts. But the most surprising challenge has been learning to be more myself. I can’t hide behind a character in the same way, and that has been both terrifying and incredibly liberating. It genuinely feels like a once in a lifetime role, and I love it.
Are there any highlights that you would like to flag?
Ooooo, MANY. There are tricks, aerial, insane choreography, singing, drums, world-class dancers; the list is genuinely endless. I spend every rehearsal saying “wow” at every number, and somehow I’m still being surprised every day.
I don’t want to give too much away because part of the joy is experiencing it without knowing what’s coming. But trust me, A LOT is coming.
Why come see ‘Magic Mike Live in Aylesbury ‘?
Because it’s the only place in the UK where you’ll get to see this new production before it heads off on its international tour, and truly, it is SPECTACULAR. You just have to see it. There is nothing else like it.
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All pictures taken from the London production. Credit to Danny Kaan.
Magic Mike Live will play in Aylesbury from 27 to 29 August, with further tour dates to be announced. Tickets are available on the following link.