Having been part of the workshops for Roald Dahl’s The Witches in April 2023, Jersey Blu Georgia went on to be in the original cast playing Helga, sharing the role with Asanda Abbie Masike and Chloe Raphael. Whilst in the cast at the National Theatre, Jersey Blu recorded Helga’s song Get Up! alongside Asanda and Chloe, and she’d previously performed at the National Theatre in the Arthur Miller play The Crucible as Betty Parris, with both shows directed by Lyndsey Turner. In the original London cast of Bonnie & Clyde at the Arts Theatre, Jersey Blu played Young Bonnie, and prior to this, she played Young Miriam/Leah/Young Hebrew Girl in The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre (and performed at West End Live in 2021), and she made her professional debut in The Duchess of Malfi at the Almeida Theatre. We recently chatted to Jersey Blu about performing at the National Theatre in Roald Dahl’s The Witches as Helga, playing Betty Parris in The Crucible and being in the original London cast of Bonnie & Clyde as Young Bonnie.

Most recently on stage, you originated the role of Helga in Roald Dahl’s The Witches, what was it like being part of a new Roald Dahl stage adaptation and how much did you know about The Witches before auditioning?

It was absolutely a dream come true being part of this incredible new musical playing the role of Helga. Roald Dahl’s The Witches was an experience of a lifetime! The show was so colourful, humorous, emotional and had all our audiences engaged from beginning to end! It was a spectacular show that I’m so proud of. The creatives, cast and company are all so talented.

I was very familiar with Roald Dahl’s The Witches growing up. It was one of my favourite books and I also really enjoyed the movies!

Going into the audition I wasn’t sure what I was auditioning for at first but I knew I would have to lead a big number/song. I remember having that in mind and really expressing myself vocally.

What was Helga like to play and how was it getting into character?

Helga became a big part of my life, from the beginning at the workshops in April 2023 where I really embraced her! Helga the gnome has a really special place in my heart. Helga was a big sister, very confident with a caring nature. Stepping into the costume and the character felt so special every time. She was so magical!

How was it performing Helga’s song Get Up! on stage and recording the track in the studio?

I remember the adrenaline that would run through my body singing Get Up!. Such a big song with such an important message! I always felt so privileged to sing the lyrics to this huge song that I felt very connected to.

The studio recording was a pinch me moment! I was beyond excited Get Up! was going to be released for everyone to enjoy.

What was it like returning to the National Theatre for Roald Dahl’s The Witches having performed there in 2022 with The Crucible?

Finding out I was returning to the National Theatre was the best feeling! I felt so lucky and honoured to be going back to what felt like home to me. To be returning to the Olivier stage and working with the incredible Lyndsey Turner again was a dream come true.

Was there anything that drew you to the role of Betty Parris in The Crucible and what was it like performing in a well-known Arthur Miller play?

I was hugely excited with the opportunity to play Betty Parris in this well-known Arthur Miller play. I could really express myself with this character! Throwing myself into this role was so liberating. Betty Parris really helped my growth as a young actor and The Crucible was such a valuable experience and so special to me.

How was your time as Young Bonnie in the original West End cast of Bonnie & Clyde at the Arts Theatre?

I was so excited when I got the role of Young Bonnie with the original cast. Thank you to the amazing Nick Winston! I really enjoyed playing a very confident, feisty Young Bonnie and getting to open the show singing the song Picture Show!! The show has a beautiful score and this real life story made it all so fascinating. This show was absolutely incredible, it had a huge following and I really understood why! I loved the Arts Theatre, It really suited the show.

What are some of your favourite memories from being in the cast of The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre as Young Miriam/Leah/Young Hebrew Girl?

The Prince of Egypt was my debut musical, I was over the moon to be cast in this! It was the beginning of my musical theatre journey. One of my fondest memories was performing to Stephen and Scott Schwartz. The score and the biblical story was so special and spectacular! It was a huge stage with some very beautiful effects. Playing Young Miriam/Leah/Young Hebrew Girl alongside the very talented cast was absolutely amazing! I loved singing in Hebrew, It was all such an extraordinary and memorable experience.

How did you find the experience performing with the show at West End Live in 2021?

I remember walking out onto the stage and seeing an endless sea of people! All so excited to be there! My first thought was WOW!!! Once I started singing it felt natural, but with lots of excitement in my tummy. The support from the crowd was everything! It was one of the best experiences and I am super grateful this happened to me.

What do you remember most from making your professional debut in The Duchess of Malfi at the Almeida Theatre?

This was my very first experience of theatre and I loved every second of it. The Duchess of Malfi was when I realised how much I really love the serious side of acting. This taught me how to focus from a very young age! The show was a huge achievement for me. I had the honour of working with great actors who I learnt so much from. My incredible director Rebecca Frecknall trusted me with the role and I am forever grateful to her. The Almeida Theatre is a very special place for me.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I used to love role playing when I was very young so I knew acting was something I wanted to do. Michelle Kirby, my agent (Daisy and Dukes), has always been by my side supporting and guiding me from the very beginning.

Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?

I have so many favourites! Ain’t Too Proud, Hamilton and Wicked are among them, also Sylvia at The Old Vic! If I’m being honest, my list is too long! I’ve realised growing up I really enjoy a mix of musicals and straight plays, and real life stories are gripping to me too. I’m always on the look out for new productions.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I am a Dang associate. Along with acting, I love singing and dancing, commercial dance is my favourite! I’ve been homeschooled for many years now and have always had the freedom to spend my time on projects I enjoy the most.

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

Yes! On my debut for The Duchess of Malfi, one of the lead actors told me to always hold on to the feeling of freedom through acting! That’s always stuck with me and given me the confidence when approaching different roles. Resilience and patience is great advice I’ve been given too.

What are you hoping this year brings for your career and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store! I always remind myself to stay grateful for my previous experiences through the years and hope to continue my amazing journey going forward, feeling super blessed 🙏🏼❤️

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