Miriam Teak currently playing Juliet in west end show ‘&Juliet’ took time from her busy schedule to speak with Music promotions about being in the amazing west end show, her own music, career plans, the short film she created and much more.
Your playing Juliet in &Juliet; how have you found playing Juliet since you started the role?
Oh my goodness, it is honestly amazing. I connected with her right from the beginning with how strong she was; she went on her own journey and found her confidence then she was able to help others find their confidence. I love the spin on the story and the music every time I do it, and I love it more and more. It really is a dream.
What is your Rehearsals time like before each show?
We actually don’t rehearse once we get into the swing of things and get the press night out of the way; we just come in and do warm-ups, physical and vocals.
For auditions, what is your process, what would draw you to a role?
I really enjoy powerful roles, the ones where women are respected and admired and really stylish, that’s a bonus (laughs). Roles that stimulate me as an actor and challenge me, In terms of music, songs that speak to my soul and touch people.
Your voice is outstanding. Do you have your own music you’d like to release?
I would love to do that; I like writing music; it’s just having that production side and someone to make the music is the part I don’t know much about, finding that connection.
During lockdown, I put a song on my Instagram called ‘One Touch’; it was a story about that connection and having to stay away from everyone. It is a slow emotional song. I definitely want to make more music.
How did it feel to win the best actress for a musical? What was your initial reaction when you found out you won?
I don’t know how it is done normally because it was different this year, only certain people could go to the actual ceremony, so they had to tell people beforehand.
Actually, funny story; my agent called me and said, ‘I’m just giving you the heads up that you didn’t win, just letting you know. ‘I was like aww, it’s incredible to be nominated, and I was in that mindset; it is what it is; then a few hours later, he rang me back and was like, Oh my god, you won. It was just so crazy I didn’t know how to feel. It was so surreal. We didn’t do it in the usual setting of the Royal Albert Hall. It was still amazing and holding to that Olivieraward, and it was a dream come true.
Having started in Hamilton and On The Town, what other West End shows would you like to star in next?
I don’t have anything at the minute; I’m focused on & Juliet. I did want to be in Moulin Rouge, but the cross over wouldn’t have worked. I missed out on that one.
Right now, I’m so in love with & Juliet. There isn’t another show I want to go into.
You filmed a short film recently; what was the idea behind this and anyone who’s not seen it where can watch it?
I created a short film called ‘Family First’. I heard the music first, and it spoke to me. The rise made me think of a child always wanting to play, and the drop made me think of being an adult always being busy and what you deal with.
The show deals with a mother and her two daughters; she doesn’t realise she is putting her work first, and it became a story about how important family is and how children aren’t young forever and how parents aren’t around forever, they are going to get old.
I wanted to touch on that there is no dialogue. It’s narration throughout. It’s told as a children’s story.
Where can we watch it?
You can watch it on my Instagram page @Miriam_teak
Would you like to do any more films behind or in front of the camera?
I love both, I have such a directorial mind, and I am very creative. I do want to create something and have a vision; directing something and also being in it would be where I want to go. I would love to work with Netflix and Disney; that would be amazing.
I’d love to go into TV and film. A TV series that has music in it would be an absolute dream.
What are your plans after & Juliet? Anything you can talk about? I am definitely staying in & Juliet for the forseeable. My tie on the sow was cut short with the Pandemic, so I haven’t finished with this role yet.
https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/
