Allyson Ava-Brown joined the West End cast of Hamilton in 2018 as Angelica Schuyler, returning to the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical in 2022 after the pandemic and maternity leave, and finished her run last year. In July 2023, Allyson was a special guest for Khiyon Hursey In Concert at The Other Palace, and her further stage roles have included Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jasmine in the pantomime Aladdin, both at Lyric Hammersmith, and she played Fantine in Les Misérables in the West End. On screen, Allyson has had guest roles in Doctors, Casualty and Vera, and for her first regular TV character, she played Beatrice in Bear Behaving Badly for CBBC. We caught up with Allyson, who talked to us about her time as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, performing as a special guest for Khiyon Hursey In Concert and being in the cast of Bear Behaving Badly as Beatrice for her first regular TV role.

Last year, you completed your run as Angelica Schuyler in the West End production of Hamilton, having originally joined the show in 2018, how did you feel on your final performance?

On my final performance I was terrified because I could tangibly feel my body caving in as if the gig was already over so my vibe was very much like an injured marathon runner with their eyes on the finish line. But I also had a “screw it” energy! Like, it’s my last night and I want to enjoy it and I want to celebrate the fact that I was ever here and part of this beautiful journey. It was a roller coaster.

What was it like returning to the show in 2022 after the pandemic (and maternity leave) and getting back into character?

Again, it was terrifying returning to the show after the pandemic and a baby. Over two years off and my body being pulverised in between… I couldn’t even imagine myself doing the show let alone actually doing it. Let me tell you that going back to the show took every bit of strength I had and every member of the team and my family that were available to help me get there and prop me up. It wasn’t and isn’t easy. The character? She was there waiting for me, but the physical aspect of doing it and maintaining it? Brutal!

What was Angelica Schuyler like to play and how was it performing the Lin-Manuel Miranda music?

Angelica Schuyler is a dream of a role to play. She is that chick! That strength and confidence and regality that I don’t necessarily possess, but to borrow from her gave me so much. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to live in her shoes for a time. And also, performing Lin’s music, for me, was like a throwback to the 90s girl groups who I have always loved. The Schuyler sisters in act one have so much Destiny’s Child in their musical makeup. I heard so much early Beyoncé in Angelica’s speed and rhythm and that was pure joy for me.

How did you find the experience working on the musical with the rest of the cast?

Hamilton attracts such a vast array of unique talent and that was a joy to be around. Watching people piece their characters together bit by bit… that is my happy place. But also it takes such a huge wealth of different skills in order to build the show and put that on. Everyone is at the top of their game from the least senior wigs assistant to the company management to cast, stage door and crew. It’s quite the thing to see that machine in motion.

Do you have any stand-out highlights from your time as Angelica Schuyler that you can tell us about?

I think a highlight for me would be getting the opportunity to perform the show for my first ever singing teacher and share a hug afterwards. She is a huge part of why I am still doing this today and was the first person to encourage me to sing. I don’t think she truly understands quite the impact she has had on my life, but that was a really special moment.

What was it like performing as a special guest for Khiyon Hursey In Concert at The Other Palace in July last year?

First of all, it was an honour to be asked to perform in Khiyon Hursey’s concert. I mean, he has worked with Octavia Spencer! Ryan Reynolds! Will Ferrell! All personal faves but his material really speaks to who I am now so to have that as my first gig post Hamilton, it was a real blessing. And to be able to be a part of showcasing his material in the West End? A dream.

How was it playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jasmine in Aladdin, both for Lyric Hammersmith?

Titania was always a dream role of mine so to be asked to play it was a lifeline as it came at a time when I wasn’t sure if there was space for me in the industry anymore. And this particular production was with Filter Theatre so, for anyone who is familiar with their work, I was literally invited into a wild playground with people that I felt super comfortable with so it was the best environment to revive my passion for acting and playing again!

Playing Jasmine in Aladdin was fun because not only was it my first time at the Lyric Hammersmith, it was the first time I got to work with Karl Queensborough, who is now a treasured friend and serial colleague! Panto is brutal but that one was great, A: because it’s the Lyric and they always put on the best pantos and really look after you so you weren’t out there slogging it out alone, but B: because it was such a great bunch of people. Lots of laughs were had on stage and off.

You have previously played Fantine in Les Misérables in the West End, what do you remember from playing the role?

Many moons ago I played Fantine in the West End and not many people believe that or even know that about me! I think if I cast my mind back, I felt a deep sense of unbelonging on that show. I was a young mixed race woman in traditionally a white woman’s role and felt essentially the residue of tokenism merely by being there. I stand by my performance, I gave my absolute best and I adored honouring her story every night in the role and I am thankful for the opportunity. I wish I had been able to enjoy it more. It was a different time.

On screen, you’ve filmed guest roles for Doctors, Casualty and Vera, amongst others, what were these like to film?

I have been quite fortunate because I have been able to alternate between theatre and television work, which I am really thankful for. I find I miss filming when I’m in theatre and I miss theatre if I’m filming. I love the relaxedness and almost lack of performance that goes in to filming these shows. You prepare, you do your thing immediately (with minimal rehearsal usually) and then you leave it there. You just have to think it and be it. In theatre, that doesn’t necessarily change but you have to amplify those thoughts so everyone gets to read them.

What are some of your favourite memories from playing Beatrice in the CBBC series Bear Behaving Badly for your first regular role on TV?

Beatrice in Bear Behaving Badly was my first regular character on screen and I loved genuinely every minute of it. We filmed for a couple of months every summer so it was like returning to a family every year and we just had such a laugh. I learnt so much from working on that show. Before then, I had only done episodic characters so it was nice to be a part of a family. I will always have a soft spot for that show. I think the highlight for all of us was when comedy legend Bella Emberg joined the show. She was amazing.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

I don’t know where my love of acting came from, I have just, for as long as I can remember, always been obsessed with characters and finding out what was going on behind the scenes. My mum said I used to mouth along to all the characters on TV as if I could press their voice into my memory and become them. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve had the privilege of observing incredible people rehearsing and acting first hand and that has only fuelled my obsession.

Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

My absolute favourite thing is to binge on a series! I can spend an obscene amount in front of the telly if I have time with absolutely zero guilt! I am currently on the hunt for a new series but recent gems I’ve watched are The Morning Show, The Bear, Boiling Point, Atlanta, Abbott Elementary and Queen Charlotte.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In a dream world, I love to spend my free time at the spa. In the real world, I love to curl up on the sofa with my cat and little girl, having a snuggle, watching a family film with snacks.

What are you hoping 2024 brings you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I am hopeful that this year brings an array of interesting projects on stage and screen. I am excited to see what’s out there and what I can lend my voice to and hopefully have fun in the process.

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