In May this year, Yara Fabricante joined the cast of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London, marking her professional and West End debut. Yara plays Nessarose in the musical alongside Emma Kingston as Elphaba, Zizi Strallen as Glinda, Jordan Litz as Fiyero and Claire Machin as Madame Morrible, and this weekend, Wicked celebrates their 20th anniversary in the West End, with a special ‘pink’ matinee performance themed around Glinda and a special ‘green’ evening performance themed around Elphaba on Saturday 26th September, followed by a gala performance on Sunday 27th September at 2:30pm, which is the anniversary date. Having completed a foundation year course at London Music School Jakarta during the pandemic, Yara went on to do a musical theatre course at the London College of Music, where she graduated last year, and during her time training, she played Fay Apple in Anyone Can Whistle and Claudia Nardi in Nine. We spoke to Yara about making her professional and West End debut in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, playing Nessarose in the musical and graduating from London College of Music last year.
What was it like finding out you’d booked the role of Nessarose in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and had you seen the musical live on stage before auditioning?
It felt like a dream, and honestly, it still does! I never thought I’d be able to do it, but it just goes to show that you should never give up on your dreams.
I first saw Wicked 10 years ago, and now it’s my first musical! So, it was a whole full-circle moment for me.
How is the experience so far making your professional and West End debut with Wicked and how was the atmosphere on your first performance?
It’s still such a pinch-me moment every time I perform, and nothing compares to the joy I feel when I’m on stage, being able to tell a story through music to everyone who comes to see Wicked.
On my first night, I remember how it didn’t really sink in that I was making my debut, not until I did the bows. Feeling the overwhelming love and support from everyone was such a special moment, and it brought me to tears!
How would you describe Nessarose and what is she like to play?
I feel like Nessarose is such a misunderstood character. From a young age, those around her have protected and cared for her, but that protection has also meant she’s never really had the opportunity to experience independence or discover who she is for herself. Because of that, she can sometimes feel powerless and become deeply attached to the people who make her feel safe, especially when she fears losing them.
What I love about playing Nessarose is exploring all those different sides of her. There’s real sweetness and vulnerability to her, but underneath that is someone who desperately wants control over her own life. It’s so much fun taking her on that journey, from the beginning of the story to the much fiercer side of her we see in Act Two (spoilers!).
Is there anything you find most challenging about getting into character as Nessarose, and what do you feel you’ve learnt since joining the cast in May?
I think the most challenging part is the time jump from Act One to Act Two and creating the scenarios in my mind that help me understand what Nessarose has gone through during that time. Since joining the cast in May, I’ve learnt to add more layers to her character, and I find that the more I play her, the more I discover.
What are you enjoying most about performing in Wicked and how is it seeing the audience response to the musical?
What I enjoy most is being part of such a wonderful story and getting to tell it eight times a week. Whether it’s your first time seeing Wicked or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover within the story.
Seeing the audience’s reaction is one of my favourite parts. Knowing that people are connecting with the story, the characters and the message of the show makes it so rewarding, and it’s lovely to see how differently everyone responds to it.
What is it like working with your fellow cast members, which include Emma Kingston (Elphaba), Zizi Strallen (Glinda), Jordan Litz (Fiyero) and Claire Machin (Madame Morrible)?
A dream! They are such an amazing, talented and very lovely group of people, and I feel very honoured to be working alongside them.
Have you had any favourite highlights from being part of Wicked so far that you can share, and how does it feel to be celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary in the West End on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September?
Yes, quite a few! From cast change and making my professional and West End debut, to being known as the first Filipina Nessarose in the West End, it feels absolutely surreal that I am a part of the 20th cast and I get to celebrate the anniversary with such amazing people!
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre?
Wicked is such a magical experience. It has an incredible story, beautiful music and so much heart, and whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you’ll always discover something new!
What encouraged you to apply for London College of Music and how was your time training on their Musical Theatre course, from which you graduated last year?
I actually did a foundation year with London Music School Jakarta during the pandemic, under my first singing teacher back in Qatar, and that was my first step towards LCM. It was a very important part of my journey because it helped me grow as a performer and into the person I am now! Graduating last year feels like just the beginning!
Can you tell us about playing Fay Apple in Anyone Can Whistle and Claudia Nardi in Nine whilst a student at London College of Music?
Both are very different roles that I enjoyed playing so much, and they hold a very special place in my heart. Playing these characters has allowed me to explore different sides of myself as a performer and taught me so much about telling their stories.
Where does your love of performing come from and how did you get into it?
It started off with my mum when she would sing and play Disney songs to me when I was three, and then she introduced Lea Salonga to me. From then on, it sparked my passion for singing! Seeing Wicked back in 2016 was definitely the moment I knew I wanted to pursue performing.
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t as yet?
I absolutely love the classics like Miss Saigon, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera. I grew up learning my first musical theatre songs from those shows! I have a few on my list that I’m yet to see, like Heathers, Legally Blonde and Ride the Cyclone. I just know they’re spectacular shows!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I usually like spending it with my friends, having lunch together, whether it would be before or in between shows, and, of course, ringing my family because I’m away from them, which I normally do before or after a show.
Have you received any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?
It’s to always keep going, and that your dreams are never too big!
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