Kim Ismay is an actress and singer and is currently appearing as Madame Morrible in the London production of WICKED at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, following on from the very successful UK and International Tours. She spent a record 7 years starring as Tanya in Mamma Mia!ย We got some time to speak with Kim about Wicked, her inspirations and falling flat on her back in a sea of dry ice!
How did you get into acting, was there a particular performance you saw that resonated with you?ย
Iโve always known it was what I wanted to doโฆ I loved going to the ballet and to pantos when I was little, but the first time I saw a musical I thought โaha yes thatโs it.โย
What has been your favourite role you have played and why?ย
Iโve been really lucky in that Iโve loved nearly every role Iโve playedโฆ Obviously, Tanya in โMamma Mia!โ was very special to me, as is Madame Morrible, but another all-time favourite was Mona Kent in โDames at Seaโ which is a hilarious pastiche of all the old screen musicals.
Can you tell us about your current show (Wicked) what drew you to the role?ย
I saw Wicked on Broadway shortly after it first opened, and was absolutely blown awayโฆ I was convinced that eventually I would play Morrible. Sheโs such a wonderfully terrible person.ย
Whatโs your go to song for auditions or just singing in the shower?ย
Fickle againโฆ.. although all of us have a few favourite standards in our music folders! As Iโve been doing this for so long, I donโt always have to sing my own choice song at my first audition/ casting any more, as Iโll be sent the show song/material and script. I do have a few I love though and I try to ensure the style of song I choose really fits the show Iโm up for. I get earworms that I completely obsess over singing round the houseโฆ. currently โSixโ from (obviously) โSixโ and โYou Canโt Stop The Beatโ from โHairsprayโ as theyโre on my exercise playlist.ย
Is there a role (regardless of gender) he would love to play in a show?ย
Definitely Mama Rose in โGypsyโ, Mona Kent again in โDames at Seaโ, and I quite fancy Miss Hannigan in โAnnieโ. Ohโฆ.and Shirley Valentine.ย
Where can people follow your work on socials like Twitter/Instagram etc?ย
Come and say hello via @kimismay on both Twitter and Instagram, or drop me an email via my website www.kimismay.com.
See Kim in www.wickedthemusical.co.uk playing at The Apollo Victoria Theatre.
What can you tell us about your character Madame Morrible โ is it fun to play someone nasty?ย
Sheโs a total psychopath and sociopath! She only cares that she gets what she wants and that things work out her way, and if she has to destroy and kill to get it, it doesnโt bother her in the slightest. Itโs great fun playing horrible people, and maybe not letting the audience know how dreadful they are straight awayโฆ. letting her full true evil be a bit of a shock.ย
How do you think Wicked inspires people and what do you want them to take away from the show?
Wicked is really all about love and friendship and has such strong tolerance/anti-bullying/anti-racism messagesโฆ I think if it makes one person more aware about how they treat others, then thatโs brilliant. The show works on so many levels; politically and historically of course, and kindness and tolerance, but also itโs a wonderful and inspiring spectacle and the music is sensational.ย
What is your favourite number in the show?ย
Iโm too fickle to choose one! I go through phases of having different favouritesโฆ โDefying Gravityโ is of course amazing, but I also love โThe Wizard and Iโ. Oh and โNo Good Deedโ. Told you I was fickle.ย
Where has been your favourite place to perform on stage and why?ย
Hmm thatโs a tricky one as Iโve loved different places for different reasons. The Palladium, The Old Vic and the main stage at Stratford upon Avon for their history and to know whose feet trod there before you; Shakespeareโs Globe because itโs so extraordinary, and I love all the regional theatres Iโve played that bring affordable live performances to inspire new audiences.ย
What is the most rewarding thing about your work?ย
I love the fact that I get to earn my living doing the thing I like best. And sometimes we can make people forget their problems for an hour or two, or inspire them in some way, or just ensure they have a fab night out.ย
Whatโs been a funny moment for you on stage? Any mishaps you want to share!?ย
Iโm pretty clumsy, so there are plenty of mishapsโฆ. My best one was falling flat on my back in a sea of dry ice so only my legs in the air were visible, but if I start listing them ALL weโll be here all day!!ย
Who are your influences and inspirations?ย
Again, too many to mentionโฆ My mother was incredibly supportive and inspirational, and every day, every cast, every job, you learn something from everyone around you โ the day you think you have nothing left to learn, or that you canโt improve yourself in some way, thatโs the day you should stop because youโll be wrong!ย
