DIVA caught up with the queer actor starring as Andy Sachs in this new reimagining of the iconic film
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY MATT CROCKETT
The Devil Wears Prada is one of the most iconic stories of all time. Who doesn’t quote the illustrious Miranda Priestly on a daily basis? Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name, the 2006 film has been cemented as one of the greatest watches in the history of cinema. And now you get to relive the glamour, fashion, and backstabbing all over again – this time with musical numbers written by none other than Sir Elton John.
This new musical imagining of Andy Sachs’ story – an aspiring journalist who finds herself at the fashion magazine Runway – brings an even campier and queerer twist on the beloved classic. Working alongside the powerhouse that is Vanessa Williams, the show also sees Georgie Buckland make her West End debut as none other than Andy, played by Anne Hathaway in the film adaptation.
DIVA caught up with Georgie to find out more about taking the lead in the West End’s most highly anticipated show.
So many people have such a strong connection to this film. Did you have any nerves bringing a character like Andy to life?
Did I feel nervous? Yeah, I did. I loved the film so much when I was growing up. I think I am quite true to how Anne Hathaway does it in the film. But obviously, I wanted to make her more me. So she’s a bit more goofy. But I did feel a lot of pressure because it was my first role, on top of it being something iconic and something that was portrayed by Anne Hathaway!
Congratulations on your West End debut. What has the journey been like for you since receiving that call?
It’s been crazy. I got the call two weeks before we started rehearsals, and I was on tour at the time with Shrek. I’d always waited for this moment, but I didn’t think it was going to happen as quickly as it did. I’ve grown so much in confidence from when we started in May to now. I’m a totally different person. I used to come after rehearsals crying going: I can’t do this. I’m not good enough. It really tested my confidence in this industry. But I think now, because the proof is there, I’m like: Oh my gosh, I know how much more I’m capable of.
There’s a song during the show that is all about being seen as a queer person. When you’re in that scene, do you feel like it hits home in a quite different way?
Yeah, definitely. There’s a line that Matt [Henry], who plays Nigel, sings when he says “Being a queer kid’s not some kind of crime/In fact, it’s pretty fucking sublime.” I always smile. I just watch him and think: “Oh, this is joy.” It actually makes me want to play a queer character on stage. I watch him with such admiration, but such envy that he gets to sing that massive anthem.
In recent years we’ve seen more queer characters than ever on stage. Why is representation so important in musical theatre?
Representation across the grade is important because there’s nothing more familiar to humans than seeing themselves portrayed in a celebratory light. In our show, you’re in a 2,000-seater, and you are listening to a four-and-a-half-minute song about a gay man. It is really powerful.
We can’t talk about the show without talking about Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly. What’s it been like working with such a legendary actor?
She is just a joy to work with. She is so humble, so open, so normal. I’ve learned a lot from her about how to compose yourself when leading a company. I just love how she holds herself.
Fashion has always been important to queer people. It’s a really fundamental part of our culture. What does fashion mean to you? And how have you used fashion in your own life to express your queerness?
I’m obsessed with fashion and I don’t ever want to play it safe. I love wearing something that looks like I should be in a circus or I should be presenting a kid’s TV show. Life’s too short: wear the thing. Buy the bag that looks like a cow!
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
I just want people to come and have a good night out to escape all the crap that’s going on in the world. You want to see a spectacle and some gorgeous clothes, some gorgeous people on stage and have a camp time. It makes our job so amazing when we look out and see people escaping for a night.
The Devil Wears Prada The Musical now playing at the Dominion Theatre.
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