Elena Breschi saw The Lion King as a 7-year-old and remembers ‘the feeling of adrenaline watching every performer deliver the goods, the costumes, the set, everything! I laughed, I cried and thought to myself: I wanna do that, it looks like so much fun!’, writes Michael Holland.
An attempt at competitive swimming ended when Elena realised she would not make it professionally: ‘I had always loved performing, having performed in school plays, etc., but it wasn’t until I decided to quit swimming that I fully committed to training to get into drama school!’
The hard work paid off and Elena studied her new craft at the Performance Preparation Academy. Since then she has played some big names: Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie and Catherine Parr, the wife of Henry VIII who survived.
‘I’ve always enjoyed telling their stories,’ begins the actor, ‘but the most fun was definitely Frida Kahlo. She is just such a powerhouse of a woman; her passion, fire and vulnerability took me on such an emotional journey night after night. I feel honoured to have brought her back to life on the stage.’
Elena will be back on the stage as Dolores, a character in the new musical based on the iconic 60s’ film Midnight Cowboy. This time, however, her female status has hit a low. Elena explains: ‘She is a 17-year-old prostitute (not by choice) and is held captive in a brothel.’
The film was originally banned. I asked if this musical version would be family viewing. ‘All I will say is that the age rating is 12+,’ she says diplomatically.
The songwriter, E.G. White, has an amazing pedigree. Does it show in the music written for this production?
‘Absolutely! His music and lyrics work incredibly well along with the storyline and overall mood of the show. I can’t wait for people to hear it, they’re all so catchy! I can’t get them outta my head!’
How are the rehearsals going?
‘I’m having so much fun!’ Exclaims Elena excitedly. ‘We are now in our second week of rehearsals and it is definitely a show like no other. We have such a stellar cast! I feel so lucky to be working in a room with top-tier talent! I am learning so much and Nick Winston’s vision with his direction and choreography is euphoric. This show is undeniably a highlight of my career so far!’
Now I am as excited as Elena.
‘Come watch us at the Southwark Playhouse – You won’t want to miss it! Yeehaw!’
Midnight Cowboy: A New Musical. Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX from the 4th April – 17th May! Mon – Sat 7pm, Matinees Thurs & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets: Previews 4 – 9 April | Pioneer’s Previews £12 (4 April only), Standard Previews £18; Standard tickets from £20 | Concessions tickets £22.50.
Booking: 020 7407 0234 / southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Box Office opens Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm.
