Laura Michelle Kelly
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Laura Michelle Kelly is currently enchanting audiences as Galadriel, the Elvin queen, in the lavish new London stage production of The Lord of the Rings. And if the intensive work required for the journey to Middle Earth wasn’t already enough, she’s been filming her role in Tim Burton’s forthcoming movie of Sweeney Todd at the same time. It’s surely this kind of indefatigable dedication to her craft that’s responsible for gifting 26-year-old Kelly with such a packed CV. In 2000, while still a teenager, she was already gracing West End stages in Beauty and the Beast and Whistle Down the Wind. From there, she went on to play Eponine in Les Miserables and Sophie in Mamma Mia! But it was her performance as Eliza in My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane that was to cement the notion once and for all that here was a performer who really had something special. Never one to rest on her laurels, Kelly headed off across the pond to score yet another success, Broadway's Fiddler on the Roof. She returned to London to star in Mary Poppins and picked up the 2005 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. With scarcely enough pause to let the medicine go down, she was Singapore bound, and starred there in a revival of A Twist of Fate, produced by the Singapore Repertory Company and choreographed by her husband, Nick Winston. Phew! And through all this globe-trotting and intensive thesping, she’s somehow managed to branch out as a recording artist too—her second album What's It All For has just hit stores. Now it’s your chance to find out for yourself the secrets of this sorceress of the stage. Our glittering Galadriel has graciously agreed to take time out from rescuing hapless Hobbits so that she can bring her legions of fans up to date on the burning questions you put to her.
From Libby: What attracted you to the role of Galadriel?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I wanted to be part of Matthew Warchus’ vision for a new experience of a musical. He had a lot of exciting thoughts on bringing The Lord of the Rings to stage, and I was excited to be asked.
From Alanna Smith: What has been your process for preparing for this role? Have you read the books? Watched the movies? Gone to the show? Also, how long does your transformation into Galadriel take? Thanks so much and all the best!
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: To get ready for a part I like to research the role so I read a lot of Tolkien’s descriptions of Galadriel—learnt some Elvish and read a lot of the history of each race to try to make my interpretation as inspired of Tolkien as possible. I loved the movies, but tend not to watch someone else’s interpretation in case I want to copy. It can hinder the creative process. It takes an hour and a half to get ready usually.
From Amy: What has been the most enjoyable role you have played to date?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I really get new things from each part that I’ve had the opportunity to play. So they really can’t be compared. There’s always something so special about all of them. I’d say that playing Eliza in My Fair Lady was quite pivotal for me though.
Laura Michelle Kelly
in Mary Poppins
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From Carina: Do you think you will ever come to Broadway to play Mary Poppins?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I would love to play Mary again if the occasion arose. I also love New York very much. I can’t wait to work there again. But who knows?
From Jake Seage: How do you relax and keep your voice and body in perfect shape to do eight shows a week?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: It’s always a fine balance of rest and playtime—usually you have to sacrifice the playtime, but it’s so worth it if you do a good show, because you’ve been careful what you eat or drink and early bedtime.
From Melanie: What is the hardest part of playing Galadriel?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: So far there isn’t many hard times playing this part. It’s so brilliant fun. Especially the people I work with. They are all great!
From Robert Laughton: How do you feel about coming into a show that may have had a strong fan response (myself included) but was generally disliked by critics? Any chance of a cast recording this time around?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I’m never worried about critics. I love that people can make opinions for themselves. I’m proud of what we have achieved and who I am working with, so I won’t care if someone happens to say something negative, ‘cause I see how hard everyone works to make it good and the audience also—they all care a great deal to give people a great time.
From EK: Hi! What was it like to fly over the audience in Mary Poppins? Were you ever afraid of falling down and did anything funny ever happen during your flight?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I had to get stuck there for a while once—it was quite funny when it went wrong—it was never scary. I trust them all with my life and that’s quite exhilarating in itself. I love flying!
Laura Michelle Kelly as Galadriel
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From Ben: I saw you on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof at the Minskoff Theatre. You were such a nice person at the stage door, and you’re very beautiful. I was wondering, would you ever want to do Broadway again? It would be lovely to have you back.
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I loved living in New York. It’s truly incredible and the people are so friendly. The community feel was much the same as the West End, so I hope to make it my second home. It just depends if I can get offered a job to go over and be part of. If I’m lucky enough and thanks for the compliment.
From Adam Starr: What is your favourite musical?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: At the moment my favourite musical is The Lord of the Rings!
From Adam Crinson: To date, what has been your favourite moment spent on the stage?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I keep making favourite moments. I can never say just one—but when flying in on silks as my first entrance is a really great thrill for me.
From Richard: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: I like drinking Rose Tea and honey if I ever have a sore throat. And I practice walking on my foot tall shoes before I get pre-set in the sky.
From Trevor: Laura, I’m so excited about the Sweeney Todd film! What was it like being on set? And what do you think Johnny Depp will bring to the part?
Laura Michelle Kelly responds: Johnny’s going to bring something completely natural, sinister and heartfelt to the part-his voice is great and he’s such a great friendly guy. I love working with him. I’m excited about the film coming out in December.