Interview: Ailsa Davidson, Marie Curie The Musical

Marie Curie The Musical has already captivated audiences in Korea and Japan and now its heading to London for the first time at the Charing Cross Theatre. The musical follows Marie Curies as she discovers the lifesaving potential of radium to cure cancer with a sweeping score and story.

Leading the London premiere is Ailsa Davidson. We chat with her about this new musical as she takes on the role of Marie Curie herself.

1. To begin with Ailsa, can you tell us a little bit about your journey into the industry? 

I graduated in 2015 and had a very slow start. It was far more rare for me to be working as an actor than not for those initial five years. After I was cast in Heathers the Musical the ball really started rolling for me and I have been fortunate enough to work across multiple areas in the industry since then.

2. You studied at Guildford School of Acting, what is it during your training that has been particularly fundamental in your career now?  

Yes, I was there from 2012-2015 and had a brilliant time. I think it was the discipline I was taught there that has been the thing that has contributed the most to my success. Respect, time keeping, hard graft and humility are hugely important in this industry. It's something that I think is unique to the arts, but going above and beyond the call of duty is ultimately what is required and my training definitely taught me that.

3. You've worked on some really interesting shows in your career but you are probably most known for your performance as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers The Musical. What is it like to work in a show that doesn't already have a cult following like that does?

Heathers is fairly unique in how much of a following it has which is amazing, with the following comes a pressure to live up to expectations though. In new work like this, there aren't shoes to fill in the same sense.

4. Marie Curie is a new musical, what attracted you to audition for it?

The team really appealed to me. The fact that an almost entirely female creative team is telling a story about a prolific woman in our history felt so important. The prospect of working with our director, Sarah Meadows (RIDE the Musical), was such a determining factor in me auditioning for the project.

5. In a role like Marie Sklodowska Curie, she's a real person so how do you even begin the process of developing your characterisation of her and what tools have helped you?

I actually visited the Curie institute in Paris the week before I began rehearsals. Being in a place where she actually worked felt really profound and gives me a lot to reference back to. I also read quite a few books about her, my favourite being Marie Curie and her Daughters by Shelley Emling - the nuances in her relationships are so helpful. I love the level of detail that is available for me to explore her. We aren't presenting her in a wholly literal way so I feel freedom to approach Marie without the pressure of impersonating her.

6. The production captivated audiences in Korea and Japan, what can UK audiences expect from this musical? 

The show is hugely popular in Korea and Japan so staying true to the show whilst finding a way of telling the story that feels right for english speaking audiences means lots of workshopping during the rehearsal process. Ultimately, I think we are creating a piece that encompasses several elements of storytelling, that honours the original work, whilst being something new for western audiences.

7. What has been the best part about developing Marie Curie for the London premiere so far?

It has undoubtedly been collaborating with the amazing cast and creatives I am working with. It's really inspiring being in the room with them everyday.

8. Charing Cross Theatre is also quite an intimate space, will this add anything to the atmosphere of the musical?

I absolutely think so. The design by Rose Montgomery is absolutely stunning and I think that the intimacy of Charing Cross will only enhance the beauty of it.

9. If you could create another musical around a famous woman in history like Marie Curie, who would you choose and why?

I think it would have to be The Edinburgh Seven, the first group of female undergraduate students to study at a British University. They consisted of Sophia Jex-Blake, Isabel Thorne, Edith Pechey, Matilda Chaplin, Helen Evans, Mary Anderson and Emily Bovell.

10. Finally, why should people come and see Marie Curie during its run at the Charing Cross Theatre?

Supporting new work is integral in the arts. I genuinely think this show will move, stimulate and provide a sense of escapism for our audiences.

Catch Ailsa Davidson in Marie Curie The Musical at Charing Cross Theatre from 01 June - 28 July 2024.