Millie O'Connell: A Jellicle Conversation

Send us Fan MailAhead of her highly anticipated run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Millie O'Connell sat down to discuss her role as Demeter in Drew McOnie's radical, gritty reimagining of Cats. As an artist known for her high-voltage presence on stage, Millie gives us an unfiltered look into what it really takes to strip away forty years of theatrical tradition, trading nostalgia for a grounded aesthetic that frames the Jellicle tribe as London’s strays and rebels. We hear her reflect on the delicate art of unearthing fragments of vulnerability within McOnie's rigorous and emotionally exposed choreography. Our conversation explores the physical and psychological realities of performing outdoors under an actual night sky, unpacking the energy exchange between actor and audience while navigating the unpredictable elements of an open-air amphitheatre.In this brand new interview, Millie O'Connell offers an introspective look at a powerhouse career that has seen her move seamlessly from Anne Boleyn in SIX to Cookie in Come Fall in Love. We talk about how her affinity for portraying fierce, complex women in iconic shows like Rent and The Cher Show has shaped her artistic identity, as well as the personal resilience required to navigate a career in musical theatre. Indeed, we also delve into the profound importance of community, reflecting on positive structural shifts in the industry in recent years. It seems like the perfect time for Millie and Demeter to come together and audiences should come expecting Cats unlike they've ever seen before in the magical and jellicle setting of Regent's Park.Cats runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from 25 July - 19 September with a UK tour to follow.