In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week, we’re talking to Michelle Gayley who plays Hermione in the iconic two-part production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.
Besides starring in the West End in Beauty and the Beast (Dominion Theatre) and several productions across the UK, Michelle has also appeared on the small screen in various TV shows including Grange Hill, EastEnders and Doctors. Her talent doesn’t stop there however, as Michelle is also an author and even achieved seven top 40 singles in the UK chart (Sweetness, Do You Know), garnering success as a soul and R&B singer in the 1990s.
Today, Michelle plays the books-smart and always very logical, Hermione Granger. Grab a cuppa (or some butterbeer!) and settle down as we find out more about Michelle…
1. My route into theatre was…
Easy. A 20 minute walk to the tube station. Then a 25 minute ride to Leicester Square!
2. My West End idol is…
I saw James McAvoy in Cyrano De Bergerac when it opened and I still talk about it to this day. He was magnificent.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Easy going
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Hamilton. I’ve seen it three times!
Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley), Susie Trayling (Ginny Potter), James Howard (Draco Malfoy), Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger) and Jamie Ballard (Harry Potter) in the West End Production of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child (Photo: Johan Persson)
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Being nominated for a Brit Award as I was told it wouldn’t be likely because I had been in Eastenders.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
The unsociable hours! My ‘weekend’ is Monday and Tuesday and all my friends outside of the show are working.
7. If I wasn’t an actor I would be…
Solely a writer.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I love scrabble
Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger), Rayxia Ojo (Rose Granger-Weasley) and Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley)
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Don’t make myself smaller to accommodate others.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Don’t listen to your manager when he says refuse to fly to Australia economy class (because he didn’t want to fly economy!). The record company didn’t budge so I ended up not going.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or want to treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience, check out the trailer below and grab your tickets.
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