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 how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Esther Jun, director of award-winning Korean musical You & It and Frances Mayli McCann who plays Mina in the show. Set in a near-future world where humans and AI coexist, the hit musical follows a grieving widower who encounters an artificial intelligence created in the image of his late wife. As technology offers him a second chance at connection, he is forced to confront grief, memory and the true meaning of love. Combining an intimate two-person story with a soaring contemporary score, the musical asks a universal question: if technology can recreate the people we love, what truly makes us human? Praised internationally for its emotional storytelling, universal themes and poignant exploration of humanity in the age of AI, You & It returns to London for its most ambitious UK staging to date.
Esther Jun
1) My route into theatre was…
Seeing a youth company at the Citadel theatre (in Edmonton, Alberta). I had never seen live theatre and to see teens, my age acting live in front of me, about things that affected me – it blew my mind. I was hooked.
2) The thing I love most about my job is…
Creating magic on stage. Theatre is about suspension of disbelief, we literally can transport audiences to different places and times – magic!
3) My favourite show from present or past (that isn’t one I have worked on) is…
The Oresteia (currently at Bridge) – Stunning production that is so relevant, political and epic.
4) A misconception about my job is…
That it’s about blocking. Or telling the actors what to do. Or that I have all the answers.
5) The hardest part about my job is…
Managing people and feelings.
6) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Directing Cymbeline at the Stratford Festival (in Canada).
7) On my days off I like to…
Cuddle with my 3 cats and 1 chihuahua.
8) My daily work rituals include…
Morning coffee and oatmeal to start. Post lunch Americano. Post dinner review of scenes for the next day. At least one hour of NOT thinking about the show, generally in front of the TV.
9) My inspiration is…
All the women before me who forged a path in this industry.
10) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Fake it til you make it. DO THE WORK.
Frances Mayli McCann
1) My route into theatre was…
When I was younger I loved to sing and dance and act, so I started stage school and when the time came to think about careers I thought I’d study musical theatre and see what happened. Luckily it’s worked out so far.
2) My West End idol is…
Lea Salonga is the original idol. Kim in Miss Saigon, Éponine in Les mis and is a Disney princess. And One of very few Asians on stage when I was growing up, so of course I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
3) My colleagues would describe me as…
Hard working but I don’t take myself too seriously, I’m always the first to corpse.
4) My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Hamilton. That style of music is right up my street, so when a musical came out in that genre, I was instantly in love!
5) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Being part of Our Ladies Of Perpetual Succour. That show will always be so special for me. Creating a show with 5 friends, starting at the Edinburgh festival then playing the National Theatre, West End, and winning an Olivier is a pretty cool journey.
6) The hardest part about my job/role is…
The stamina. Having the energy and commitment to be 100% 8 shows a week. And when you do have to call in sick, not feeling guilty for doing so and letting people down
7) If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
A designer of some sort. I love art, fashion and design. Or an interior designer, I just finished redecorating my home which I loved!
8) Something people don’t know about me is…
I was in the final for Britannia high along with Ed Sheeran and Pixie Lott.
9) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
It’s ok to say no. You don’t have to people please or commit to something that ultimately isn’t for you!
10) The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Be yourself. Don’t try and fit in a box you think they want you to be in. What’s for you won’t pass you by.
Get your tickets to see You & It at the King’s Head Theatre running from 21 Aug – 26 Sep.
