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 Inès Mazdon Delas who is currently starring as the tile role in Toto – an endearing tale about never giving up on your dreams, or the people you love, told through the adventure of a little donkey.
1) My route into theatre was…
I have always been very creative but I was painfully shy as a child. I’m very lucky that my mum always raised me on good music and media. I did musical theatre at school and just completely fell in love with it. I was really fortunate to take part in dance and singing lessons on top of choir; I took part in British Youth Music Theatre and Stagebox London projects alongside dancing at Trinity Laban. When it came to university, there was no question of what I wanted to do and I got to go to drama school. My love for theatre has never faltered and I feel so, so proud to have this career.
2) My West End idol is…
That is a very tough question. I really look up to the likes of Marisha Wallace and Grace McGonigal as authentic and stand-out performers, but my favourite people to look up to are absolutely my friends!
3) My colleagues would describe me as…
Bubbly and boisterous! I’m a very chatty and energetic person.
4) My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Another impossible question! I absolutely adore anything Sondheim, especially Assassins and Sweeney Todd, and those are dream shows. I loved Pride, having seen the film about twenty times, and I am seeing Falsettos next year (beyond ecstatic). The show I laughed the most during was Flo & Joan’s One Man Musical with George Fouracres – hilarious! Oh, and Rocky Horror, of course!
5) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
This show, for sure, and being a part of Indigo at Curve Theatre, Leicester last year was a dream come true. I played an autistic character and, as an autistic person myself, the show meant the absolute world to me. I got to chat with so so many amazing people which was so lovely.
6) The hardest part about my job/role is…
Imposter syndrome! That’s a universal experience for sure, but it is very difficult to not read too much into things or to not appreciate the work you put into the space. I find myself focusing more on others a lot of the time. Toto has been such an incredible show for many reasons but the safe space that has been fostered has allowed us all to flourish as we discover the details together and it’s truly felt like a collaborative approach.
7) If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
I am a big fan of science and history and my twin brother works in the scientific field. My back-up has always been to study nursing or to enter into a research field, however, I work in an SEN school when I’m not acting and I absolutely love that job and could see myself doing it for the rest of my life!
8) Something people don’t know about me is…
Not much because I talk so much! I am a twin and I’m Franco-English so I speak fluently in English and French.
9) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
My therapist told me this, ‘you can’t control what’s been or what’s to come, so you may as well enjoy the life you are in’. This has become my mantra when I’m anxious and it helps so much!
10) The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Being different doesn’t make you bad. Being passionate doesn’t make you overly attached. All the bits you think are flaws are actually what make you a special person. And please wear your retainer!
Get your tickets to see Inès in Toto at the Polka Theatre below!
