Backstage: In Conversation with Cecilie Fray
Photo credit: @yellowbellyphoto
London’s West End. The highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. Glitz. Glamour. Shows that make us laugh, cry and (swiftly) book a return ticket.
We know and love the performances, characters and theatres. But what’s it like behind the stage door of a real West End show? And how (on earth) do you become one of the rare few directing them?
Our latest interviewee has been an Assistant Director on one of The West End’s most recent hits, Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The wonderful Cecilie Fray spoke to us about her experiences on the show, which was actually in the process of opening when she started there. Moulin Rouge was nominated for no less than 5 Olivier Awards this year – which she got to attend, no biggie. (*cries in fomo*).
A career in the world of theatre is no mean feat and Cecilie’s achievements thus far are pretty incredible. I hope you enjoy hearing about them as much as I did.
__________________________________________
Meg: I’ve been so excited to speak to you about this! For those who haven’t yet seen it, can you describe Moulin Rouge! The Musical UK in 5 words?
Cecilie: Magical, escapism and lots of love! (That was 6 sorry!). The show is so fun to work on and I’m in constant awe of the athleticism and dedication of the performers, the choreography is super high energy and so impactful. The story-telling and design of the show is beautiful too.
Meg: Can you tell us a bit about your role at Moulin Rouge?
Cecilie: I started out as Assistant to the Directing Team at the start of the original West End rehearsals last September. After opening, I was promoted to Assistant Director until April 22, and I’ve just been back to assist with a cast change.
When I started, I was in rehearsals making notes on where actors go during the scenes (on a very big spreadsheet). Then during previews, I was noting for the directing team and then ended up noting the show myself after opening night. During understudy rehearsals I assisted the Associate Director, making sure everyone was saying the right lines and in the right places and then I actually had the opportunity to run a few of these rehearsals myself, which was amazing.
When I was back for the cast change the last few months I looked after scheduling which was a big job (and involved making another spreadsheet of course!). There are so many things to consider when scheduling rehearsals - directing, dance, music, as well as fittings and making sure you stick to the rules with breaks with a cast of 34! It was great to be back and learn about cast change and feel like I’d seen the process through from the start last year.
Meg: What’s been your favourite part about working on a West End Show?
Cecilie: I think working with so many creative and talented people who are really at the top of their game. The amount I’ve learnt has really been amazing and something that you can’t get from books, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
Meg: What surprised you the most about working on a West End Show?
Cecilie: I remember my first day going into stage door being so excited to be going in Stage Door! I think I was surprised how quickly it just became normal life and the things I’d dreamt about the West End very quickly just become a normal part of my day. Also, the scale of this show in particular is something I could never have comprehended before coming into the theatre!
Meg: What’s been your proudest directorial moment so far?
Cecilie: Running understudy tech rehearsals [on Moulin Rouge] was a moment that I was really proud of. I had to jump in last minute and just make it happen, and it went really well!
In directing my own work, I have been part of Director’s Cut Theatre Productions Director’s Club and had the chance to direct 3 short pieces as part of their showcase. One of my pieces was very comedic and I remember being so shocked how well received it was. The writer and I were so proud of it, and it was a moment that has really allowed me to have trust in my abilities.
Meg: Have there been any ‘pinch me’ West End moments you won’t forget?
Cecilie: The Olivier’s for sure. It was such a magical, surreal day and I felt so much pride to be at the Royal Albert Hall with the company celebrating the hard work, time and love that had gone into opening the show.
Cecilie looking absolutely phenomenal at the (mother fekin) Olivier Awards
Meg: What’s next for you post Moulin Rouge?
Cecilie: I would absolutely love to be a resident director on a West End show, that’s the next step I’m aiming for now. I’m also really excited to be directing my own work and using the skills I learnt on Moulin Rouge to develop my own practise. I’m working with lots of writers on new plays and hoping to put them on next year! I am really excited to be able to direct a full length play now.
Meg: Are there any upcoming projects you’d like to mention? Where can we catch your work?
Cecilie: I’m currently working on lots of little things but next I’m directing an excerpt from Hamlet for a scratch night called Bard Bits on 2nd December, with a fun adaptation. It’s exciting to be able to work on a range of things and I’m really looking forward to trying my hand at Shakespeare. Link is below if anyone fancies coming along! https://www.goldengoosetheatre.co.uk/bard-bits-shakespeare-scratch-night
Meg: Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone wanting to follow a similar path as you?
Cecilie: A lot of the theatre industry is very hard work, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to it. There are a lot of rejections but also so many amazing moments which make it all worth it.
In terms of finding opportunities social media is helpful, following theatre companies and directors you want to work for and keeping an eye on when they post opportunities. I would also really recommend the OpenHire mailing list as they send out weekly opportunities for creatives within the theatre industry.
__________________________________________
For more of the wonderful Cecilie:
@ceciliefray on socials
ceciliefray.com online