Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode Featuring Sophie-Rose Middleton

Introduction

In this engaging episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo sits down with the accomplished actress Sophie-Rose Middleton to discuss her illustrious career in theatre, focusing particularly on her recent role in the iconic production of Starlight Express. Released on March 8, 2025, this interview delves deep into Sophie-Rose's journey, the intricacies of performing in a demanding role, and her experiences across various international productions.

Journey to Starlight Express

Sophie-Rose Middleton shares a heartfelt account of her path to landing the role of Pearl in Starlight Express. Her journey was marked by perseverance and passion:

• Initial Audition Setback (00:00 - 01:28): At 18, Sophie-Rose auditioned for Starlight Express but was initially put on hold and eventually informed that the role was no longer available. Despite this setback, she felt a deep connection to the show, believing she was meant to be part of it. “When your time is right,” she reflects, emphasizing her belief in destiny and timing. Five years later, she returned and successfully booked the role of Pearl, marking her ascent to the leading lady in a production with a 36-year legacy.

Training and Preparation

Joining Starlight Express involves an intensive four-month training program, encompassing skating, learning German, and mastering the show's complexities:

• Four-Month Training Program (01:28 - 05:17): Sophie-Rose details the rigorous preparation required, noting, “It's actually really quite a lot to learn,” highlighting the demanding nature of the role. Despite having no prior skating or German language experience, she embraced the challenge, learning these skills anew within the production’s framework.

• International Ensemble Dynamics (01:56 - 03:13): The cast is a diverse mix of British and German performers, each bringing unique dialects and accents. Sophie-Rose explains the meticulous process of teaching each performer’s accent individually to ensure consistency in the production. The skating training is standardized to maintain uniformity, likening it to “driving trains” with precise rules and signals (03:14 - 03:18).

Overcoming Audition Challenges

Sophie-Rose reflects on her initial audition experience and the lack of a separate skating audition for her production:

• Audition Process (03:26 - 05:57): Unlike the London production, which includes a dedicated skating audition, Sophie-Rose's audition focused solely on vocals and dance. This approach involved a risk, as not all dancers could adapt to skating. She credits Michael Fraley, the skate program designer, for creating a robust training system that accommodates varying skill levels, ensuring only those who can adapt make it through the probation period.

Prior Experiences in Iconic Productions

Sophie-Rose discusses her previous role in Cats and how it prepared her for Starlight Express:

• Experience in Cats (09:49 - 13:59): Performing in the international Korean Taiwan tour of Cats provided Sophie-Rose with invaluable experience. She highlights the disciplined and respectful nature of Korean audiences and the complexity of performing intricate choreography. “I never ever thought I was gonna get the opportunity to do Cats,” she admits, reflecting on the surreal achievement of performing iconic numbers like the Jellicle Ball.

• Swinging Multiple Roles (12:50 - 14:08): As a swing in Cats, Sophie-Rose managed multiple roles, including Elektra, Demeter, Tantamal, Jemima, and even stepping into male roles like Cora Kapat and Bill Bailey during emergencies. This versatility not only broadened her skill set but also built her confidence for future challenging roles.

Performing in a Different Language

A significant aspect of Sophie-Rose's role in Starlight Express is performing in German, adding a layer of complexity to her performance:

• Language Immersion and Authenticity (15:31 - 18:55): Sophie-Rose emphasizes the importance of conveying genuine emotion and story through language. “You have to play it with the truth,” she states, underscoring the necessity of understanding the full context and emotional weight of her lines. Learning German phonetics and integrating them seamlessly into her performance was a demanding yet rewarding process, ensuring that the audience connects with the characters on a deeper level.

Living and Performing Abroad

Sophie-Rose shares her experiences of moving to Germany for the production and the personal growth it fostered:

• Embracing Opportunities Abroad (18:55 - 21:54): She passionately advocates for young performers to seize international opportunities, highlighting the immense personal and professional growth that comes from immersing oneself in different cultures. “Travel, travel, travel, travel. It is the most incredible thing,” she encourages, citing the invaluable interactions with a global cast and exposure to diverse creative processes as key benefits.

• Adjusting to a New Environment: Despite initial uncertainties about relocating to Germany, Sophie-Rose found the experience enriching and fulfilling. She praises the accessibility of the location and the vibrancy of the local culture, making her transition smooth and rewarding.

Documenting the Journey on Social Media

Sophie-Rose discusses her presence on social media platforms, where she shares her experiences and insights from the production:

• Social Media Engagement (21:54 - 23:00): Through Instagram and TikTok, Sophie-Rose provides followers with behind-the-scenes glimpses of skate training, rehearsals, and daily life in the production. “I hope that if you do see my sort of like skate training videos or, you know, I have some, like, funny fools in there, it says, I hope you find it as entertaining as we found it to experience it,” she explains, aiming to inspire and inform aspiring performers about the realities and joys of Broadway-level theatre.

Conclusion

The interview concludes with Mickey-Jo expressing excitement to see Sophie-Rose perform in Starlight Express. Sophie-Rose leaves listeners with an encouraging message about pursuing their dreams and embracing challenges head-on. “Just take the leap, give it a try,” she advises, embodying the spirit of dedication and resilience that has defined her successful career in theatre.

Notable Quotes

• On Persistence: “When your time is right.” [00:27]
• On Training: “It's actually really quite a lot to learn.” [01:28]
• On Audition Risks: “They are fully driving trains.” [03:18]
• On Performing in Cats: “I never ever thought I was gonna get the opportunity to do Cats.” [10:32]
• On Language and Emotion: “You have to play it with the truth.” [15:31]
• On Embracing Opportunities: “Travel, travel, travel, travel. It is the most incredible thing.” [19:18]
• On Social Media Sharing: “I hope you find it as entertaining as we found it to experience it.” [22:06]
• On Pursuing Dreams: “Just take the leap, give it a try.” [21:54]

Final Thoughts

Sophie-Rose Middleton's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and embracing opportunities. Her insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring performers, highlighting the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous personal growth. This episode of MickeyJoTheatre not only showcases the dedication required for high-caliber theatre productions but also celebrates the vibrant, diverse world of performing arts.