Currently, Amelia Lily is performing in pantomime at the New Theatre Royal in Lincoln, playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White until Sunday 5th January alongside a cast including Patrick Monahan and Louis Smith MBE. Earlier this year, Amelia was once again at the New Theatre Royal playing Ursula in The Adventures of The Little Mermaid, and her further theatre work includes playing Princess Fiona in the UK Tour of Shrek the Musical and Whatsername in the original West End cast of American Idiot, followed by the UK Tour. In 2017, Amelia was runner-up on Series 20 of Celebrity Big Brother, and in 2011, she was a contestant on The X Factor, and her debut single You Bring Me Joy reached number two in the UK Singles Chart. Speaking to Amelia, she tells us about playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White at New Theatre Royal Lincoln, touring as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical and originating the role of Whatsername in American Idiot in London’s West End.

How did you prepare for your role of the Wicked Queen in Snow White and what do you think the character will be like to play in this year’s pantomime at New Theatre Royal Lincoln?

I’ve definitely had a lot to learn so basically had my head in my script and definitely worked on my cackles!

What can audiences expect from your portrayal of the Wicked Queen?

They can expect a glam/comical Wicked Queen, who is very dramatic!

What was it like meeting this year’s cast for the first time?

It was so lovely to meet everyone! It’s a super lovely company and everyone is a team member.

How is it interacting with a pantomime audience and seeing families getting involved?

It’s absolutely great, the kids scream so loud I can’t even hear myself, haha! The interaction is brilliant though and it’s so much funny being the baddie.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Snow White in Lincoln this Christmas?

The pantomime is super brilliant and full of fun, great songs and it’s an all round great production.

How does it feel to be returning to New Theatre Royal Lincoln after playing Ursula in their Easter pantomime of The Adventures of The Little Mermaid earlier this year, and is there anything you enjoy most about pantomime season?

It’s one of my favourite theatres in the country! I’m absolutely thrilled to be back, and debuting my Christmas panto villain here! I love Lincoln and the New Theatre Royal is such a special venue.

You played Princess Fiona in the UK Tour of Shrek the Musical, what was the production like to be part of?

I absolutely loved playing Princess Fiona in Shrek. It was super hard work but such a fun role. Getting to burp/fart on stage was definitely a lot of fun! I had a great hairline for almost a year but I wouldn’t change a thing. I learnt so much on that job too and think it made me a better actor.

What are some of your favourite memories from performing in American Idiot as Whatsername in the original West End cast and on the UK Tour?

American Idiot is still to this date one of my favourite jobs I’ve ever done. To be in the original UK cast was super amazing. Memories I will treasure forever.

In 2017, you were the runner-up on Series 20 of Celebrity Big Brother, how was your time on the show?

I loved being on Celebrity Big Brother. I really learnt a lot about myself in the house and met some really interesting people. I couldn’t believe I made it right to the end, I’ll forever be grateful to the people that voted for me.

How did you find the experience being a contestant on The X Factor in 2011, and what are some of your stand-out highlights of your career since The X Factor, which has included your debut single You Bring Me Joy reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart?

The X Factor was such a whirlwind! I feel like it was a lifetime ago. My time on the show was completely crazy. I’m super grateful I got brought back in. My time after the show and for the last 14 years has been so fast-paced and I feel like I’ve done so much! I’m super grateful for everything that came my way since the show.

What is it like filming for shows such as Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity Karaoke Club?

Celebrity Karaoke Club was so much fun. Imagine being in a room with a bunch of celebrities getting drunk on a karaoke machine! A complete laugh!

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

I grew up watching my brother perform and was quite inspired by him. I then joined a dance school at nine years old and the rest is history!

Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?

I love a lot of musicals! My top three are & Juliet, Wicked and FROZEN the Musical!

Follow Amelia on:

Instagram

Facebook