Interview with Michaela Bennison!

Posted on 24 Nov 2017

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The wonderful Nutcracker are cast are now rehearsing at Cornerstone! We had a quick chat with the lovely Michaela Bennison to find out more about her... 

Q) What have you been up to lately?

Over the summer I performed at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in ‘Brexit the Musical’. It was my first time performing at The Fringe so it was a fun way to spend the summer.

Q) What made you want to start acting?

When I was about 14, I went on a school trip to see The Lion King. I’d been performing in school and dance shows since I was 6, and I’d been to the theatre many times. But when I watched the opening of that show, it was the first time I’d ever seen something that had left me speechless; it moved me in a way I still find hard to describe. And I thought, 'I want to make people feel like this'. 

Q) What are you looking forward to most about starring in The Nutcracker and The Mouse King?

I’m looking forward to telling a story that I grew up with in a new way. It’s going to be a fun world to explore.

Q) What's your favourite Christmas memory?

It’s not a specific memory, but we always used to go to my Uncle’s house on Boxing Day. The whole family would go, all my Aunties and Uncles and Cousins, and my Grandma would cook for everyone. It was all Jamaican food and there’d be music and everyone would be chatting and laughing. It was my favourite part of Christmas.

Q) Turkey and all the trimmings or something a little different for the big day?

Not necessarily Turkey, but some kind of roast meat. Pigs in Blankets is a must, though!

Q) What have you planned for 2018?           

Nothing as yet, acting wise. But I’ve had auditions for a few things, so fingers crossed!

Q) Which do you prefer, stage or screen?           

I haven’t had any professional screen experience yet. But it’s something I’d like to try.

Q) Would we have seen you in anything before?          

Probably not.

Q) What is the best thing about performing over Christmas?           

Christmas is always a busy time (if you’re an adult, anyway!) so it’s nice to be busy doing something you enjoy.

Q) Favourite bit of the festive season?           

Pigs in Blankets. Also, stuffing.

Q) How did you get into acting?           

I decided to do a music degree before training as an actor. Then after I graduated I trained in Musical Theatre at The Royal Academy of Music in London.

Q) What was your favourite toy when you were a child?           

When I was little I had a Doodle Dog you could draw on. I still have her; she’s called Mittens.

Michaela is playing Maria in our Christmas production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King! Running from 8th - 30th December! CLICK HERE for tickets.