SCARLETT STRALLEN

JADE EWEN

I grew up in the theatre – my parents were both actors – and I honestly feel that theatre is sort of a home for me, no matter where it is. There is something about the smell and the energy of a place; it feels very comforting, even though the theatre can be quite nerve-racking.

Our dressing room is communal, with a plywood board between the men and women, but I found a secret cubby hole with props from past shows. I would sit in there for five minutes before the show and do a quick power meditation, tuning out every sound or any crazy activity from the day. I find I get into character the moment I step on to the stage.

I loved this production because it’s so full of yearning. Every single one of the characters has their moment, but we all have a similar theme in common: we’re longing for this huge romantic love.

I’ve been lucky with most of my parts as I’ve really loved them, even when they’re slightly devilish and naughty. Amalia is very funny and witty, and yet what she wants most is to find love. It feels Pollyanna-ish to say but I looked forward to going in and being Amalia. It didn’t feel like work in any way. Playing Jasmine was my childhood dream, so trying on my turquoise costume for the first time was an amazing moment. The show is so huge: the clothes are breathtaking and it’s so glamorous and glitzy. We get the most incredible response from the audience because the show has big numbers such as ‘A Whole New World’, which really move people. It’s so rewarding. I have goosebumps every single night. There’s a moment when the magic carpet takes off and everyone is in darkness, and I’m suspended with the audience beneath me, surrounded by the moon and stars and smoke to look like clouds. It’s beautiful – I always think, ‘I’m so lucky.’

Plays Princess Jasmine in at the Prince Edward Theatre