We woke Sleeping Beauty, Millie O’Connell, from her beauty sleep for a quick interview! We chatted about her career as Six royalty, her perfect day and her love for panto.
Tell me a bit about you.
Hello! I am Millie O’Connell, and I am an Olivier Award-nominated actress. I grew up on the Isle of Wight, born and raised, so coming to the mainland at 16 was a big step in my life and a huge passion of mine. So, I really love inspiring others to go and follow their dreams and go to different cities and explore the world.
How did you start your career?
I graduated with a job with an amazing choreographer called Stephen Mear out in Paris. That was 42nd Street, where I covered the lead, Peggy Sawyer when I was 19. Three days before we closed, I managed to get the part because the lead was off ill. It was just one day, and it was one of the best days and memories of my whole career.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that in essentially two and a half hours, you can make people laugh, cry, feel excited, nervous, happy or scared; those are my favourite parts. We affect people’s lives, whether that is one scene or the full show. We leave them with something, and that’s what I love.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I have a brother, and he is 15 months older than me, and we are basically twins. He was only a year above me in school. We have the same taste in music and pop culture, and he is my best friend.
How do you unwind after a hard day?
I love driving! Half an hour in the car is perfect for me to put some music on, wind down the windows and just chill and drive home. It is a really nice way to unwind because I can’t be on my phone; I can’t do anything else apart from the one job of driving.
You have been to Norwich before. What are you looking forward to when you come back?
I love shopping, especially at Christmas, it is so pretty. There is this one little shop that sells crystals and tarot cards along a cobbled street on a hill, and the best thing about it is I am excited to find it when I am back.
Perfect day?
Going home to the Isle of Wight and going down to the beach, have a nice barbecue on the beach and a nice dip in the sea.
If you could play any princess, who would it be and why?
Moana because everyone loves Moana.
Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale is at Norwich Theatre Royal between 9 Dec – 7 Jan. For more information or to book, click the link below or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.