INTERVIEW | Mireia Mambo, Sunset Boulevard

There’s no doubt that one of the most talked about West End productions in 2023 was Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard. It marks the first production of the newly formed Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals company, a joint venture by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison. This new production is “exciting, gripping, and visually stunning” (Eleanor, Theatre and Tonic), but what is it like to be a part of Sunset Boulevard? We spoke with Mireia Mambo who plays Jean/Beautician and the show's Dance Captain to find out more.

Hey Mireia, to begin with, can you tell us a little bit about your journey into the industry?

Sure! Well, the true start of my journey would have to be my mom. She was always the first to encourage and support me to pursue this career. At times it might have felt like she pushed my artistic development more than she did my academic progress, which is unusual for an African single parent who gave birth and raised her children in Spain. However, it meant that I would take every opportunity to prove her right. And so from the extracurricular dance and music classes after school, to my first amateur production, to landing my first role with Stage Entertainment Spain, to then coming to the UK for training and continue growing and working in between both countries up to this day, it has truly been a journey of deep appreciation for every single person and experience I have come across in this industry thus far.

You’ve worked on a lot of great productions including just finishing at the Troubadour Wembley Park with Newsies. Now you are working on the new production of Sunset Boulevard. How do both experiences differ from each other?

Maybe the main difference is getting to take part within the creative process in Sunset Boulevard. I missed this part with Newsies, as I joined later with the extension of the run. So to define that better, during the creative process you get to work as an ensemble, in a collaboration of offerings with the talent in the room. Slightly contrary to the moment you join a production that is already up and running, where you essentially come in to replace a vacancy. There is more to it than that, but it is the best way I can summarize it.

You have Nicole Scherzinger and Rachel Tucker playing Norma Desmond in this production on alternate performances. Are their perceptions of Norma Desmond different in their performances?

I cannot wait for people to come to experience this revival. Not only because of what we have in store for you all but because the work these two magnificent ladies do is serving as true inspiration for me. They are certainly very different and each one takes you on a journey of their own. I personally would come to see both! 

You’ll be playing Jean and taking on the role of Dance Captain in this show. For those who are unaware, what is the responsibility of a Dance Captain?

In a few words, I will be “the bad guy” once the show has officially opened and the lovely Fabian Aloise isn’t watching the show every night (joke!). I will be in charge of keeping the show in good shape and on its marks when it comes to his choreography, making sure we are all warmed up and physically ready to do the show and adapting where necessary should there be anyone unavailable to do the show. And as you have mentioned I am playing Jean in the show as well, so it is amazing to have Michael Lin as Assistant Dance Captain, and I am sure that Fabian’s right hand, Paris Green, will be in the building from time to time to supervise as well.

Some people may not be aware of what this show is about, can you give us a little summary?

Sunset Boulevard is the story of a tragic encounter in between a faded Hollywood star, Norma Desmond, and a young screenwriter, Joe Gillis, and their fame hunger driven actions. 

What can audiences expect from this reimagining by Jamie Lloyd that maybe they haven’t seen in previous productions of Sunset Boulevard?

EVERYTHING about it. I won’t spoil it for anyone. I will just say come with no expectations. And if you are a fan of Jamie Lloyd’s work, I truly believe you are going to love this one too.

Are there specific parts in the rehearsal room that you’ve been working on already that you can’t wait to see transform on the stage?

The answer truly is (was) all of it. But yes, there is one specific thing that I haven’t experienced in this art form before and I look forwards to seeing it and to experiencing in connection to the audience.

This production is full of some showstopping songs, which is your favourite?

I can’t choose only one. So today, I’ll say “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye”.

And finally, why should people purchase tickets to see Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre?

This is my second time working with this incredible team, Jamie, Fabian and Alan and the beauty of the kind of theatre they like to create resides in the boldness, the vulnerability and the true value that is given to the language of the piece itself, so that it speaks to us today just as it would have done in the 90’s. This and the amount of talent that will be splattered across that stage every show, in my opinion, will be worth every penny.

Sunset Boulevard is performing at Savoy Theatre until 6 January 2024.