In our profile series Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week we hear from Miracle Chance – taking up the role of Brianna in FANGIRLS, opening at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on 13 July.
1. My route into theatre was…
I always loved to sing and dance: my dad is a great singer, my grandma was a tap dancer and my mum loved to sing around the house. So when people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I used to say a pop star! I started off singing in my bedroom, and then taking some dance classes at a local school. Shortly after that I tried to find some after-school drama clubs, and I think my passion for acting grew from there. Whilst I was at school, I honestly didn’t think there was much else I could see myself doing so I just put all my energy into any form of creativity I could. After secondary school I was lucky enough to attend Idyllwild Arts Academy in California, and then later went to The Guildford School of Acting.
2. My West End idol is…
My West End Idol, or should I say international icon, is Lea Salonga! She was the first East Asian Musical Theatre actress I ever saw – as I had the Les Misérables 10th Anniversary concert recorded at home (which I used to watch a lot), I could see myself in her. I definitely looked up to her, and I actually got to meet her when she saw The Witches last year! It was such an honour.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Quirky, silly, ambitious, energised yet chilled, a perfectionist and I hope they would call me fun!
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
I was blown away by Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre! A new British musical with wonderfully unique music and performances, it encompassed everything I love about musicals whilst maintaining a very clear identity. Just stunning. I also adored watching Girl from the North Country a few years ago at The Old Vic. The performances were outstanding and I love me some Bob Dylan!
The cast of Standing at the Sky’s Edge in the West End. Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg. Featuring the ‘I Love You Bridge’ (c) 2001 Jason Lowe
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
This is such a tricky question as I truly believe every job is a part of a rich tapestry and journey we go on in our careers! It is hard to define any job to a proudest moment.
If I went on the role alone I would have to say Veronica Sawyer in Heathers. It’s such a mammoth role, and an iconic sing – playing her 8 shows a week was the challenge I had always hoped I would get to take on. There was always something new to find, which made each day exciting, and I felt really proud to get to play her arc every night.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
The hardest part is the industry itself. It’s a world that isn’t kind, you have to really want it and nothing else, and this means you have to work extremely hard to not only maintain your craft and keep progressing, but also have the strength to persevere when things don’t go your way or if you hit a low slump.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
I’d say maybe an astrologist or a wedding planner, I’m very obsessed with astrology, and who wouldn’t love to constantly be planning amazing parties?
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m very scared of heights and clowns (but not clowning!).
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Always bring a brick, not a house.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Remember that being fearless isn’t a bad thing, always show people who you are, don’t be afraid to go for the things you want, or even better, just do them!
FANGIRLS, a new musical, runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 13 July until 24 August. Book your tickets on the Official London Theatre website.