Interview: Julie Yammanee on joining international tour of MAGIC MIKE LIVE

After nearly eight years of sold-out performances at London's Hippodrome Casino, global sensation Magic Mike Live is preparing to embark on an international tour, following a short run at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 27–29 August.

Featuring its largest set and company to date, the new touring production welcomes theatre performer Julie Yammanee (Young Frankenstein, Jerry's Girls) as one of the show's MCs.

We caught up with Julie during rehearsals to talk about joining the Magic Mike family, getting ready for the show's next chapter and what audiences can expect when Magic Mike Live hits the road.

People may have seen the Magic Mike films but how does that translate to the stage in Magic Mike Live?

The stage production is different from the films, and dare I say, I think it translates even better live. You have this insanely gifted, multicultural cast performing endless tricks alongside some unbelievable dancing and choreography. I’m genuinely blown away every day by the amount of talent in that rehearsal room, under the superb direction and choreography of Alison and Luke.

I think people are going to be really surprised when they see it because it’s probably not what they expect Magic Mike Live to be. There’s so much artistry and class to it, and the level of talent is the highest you can go.

What is your role in the show and what appealed to you about being part of this new touring version of Magic Mike Live?

My role as the MC is probably not what you’d typically expect. Essentially, I take the whole audience on a journey with me, and we all discover and unlock things together throughout the night.

What appealed to me about this production is that it’s new and it’s BIG. The original Magic Mike Live is already phenomenal, and somehow they’ve taken that and made this version even bigger.

If it’s already this amazing in rehearsals without the full stage, lighting and everything else, I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like when we’re properly up and running. I know it’s going to blow the roof off.

Why do you think Magic Mike Live has become so popular in London and around the world?

Because there is so much thought and creativity behind it. They could easily have created a show that simply rides on the Magic Mike name and the success of the films, but they haven’t. They’ve created a full-blown experience for the audience.

They also carefully select these incredibly talented, stunning, good-hearted men from all over the world. They’re so particular not only about the level of talent they bring into the company, but about who these people are as human beings too. The audition process for the guys is fascinating.

I think that care really translates onto the stage. There’s a warmth and generosity underneath the spectacle that you might not necessarily expect.

Having starred in numerous major musicals, what is it like to work on such a different type of show?

The hardest and probably most exciting part for me is being more myself.

I’m used to developing a character and bringing parts of myself into that character, whereas with this role, the more “me” I can be, the better. I can’t really hide behind a character, which is both liberating and quite vulnerable at the same time.

I’m also learning how important it is for me to genuinely have fun in it. We’re not just performing a show; we’re creating a full vibe and an experience that we want people to carry with them long after that one night is over. That is how I felt when I saw MML in London, and it truly has stayed with me.

What has been the highlight of the rehearsal process for Magic Mike Live so far?

Ooooooo, so many!! Firstly, the people. The cast and crew are so fun, kind and ridiculously talented. It’s a really supportive, happy environment full of people who genuinely love what they do. There’s a lot of laughter and a LOT of hard work.

But also the TALENT.

Watching these numbers unfold every day has been such a pleasure. I’m basically saying “wow” constantly, all day, every day. This show goes so far beyond how stunning these men are; they are world-class performers who have literally come from all over the globe.

And none of it would be as rewarding or enjoyable without the creative team being as brilliant, intelligent and supportive as they have been. It feels like a very special group of people to be making a show with.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and what are some of your future aspirations for your theatrical career?

To be honest, this is a huge career highlight for me. It’s very different from the musical theatre world I’m used to. It’s incredibly commercial, it’s incredibly cool, and every day I feel genuinely lucky to be part of it and to watch this new version of the show come together.

As for future aspirations, I’m currently writing a new musical. I can’t say too much about it yet, but it’s something I’ve been pouring pretty much all of my spare time into. I’m learning a ton through the process, but I’m finding it so fun and thrilling that I genuinely can’t stop.

Why should people come and see Magic Mike Live at Aylesbury Waterside and beyond?

Because there is genuinely nothing else like it.

I lost my mind the first time I saw Magic Mike Live at the Hippodrome, and this new production takes that experience and makes it even bigger. Their vision is extraordinary.

I really can’t stress enough that it’s not what you think it’s going to be. Even when I auditioned for the role, the clips I watched did it zero justice. Then I experienced it in the room and thought, this is INSANE. You honestly have to see it in person to understand it.

And it really is for everyone. There’s something surprisingly rooted in girlhood about the whole experience, but then you see and hear stories of straight men absolutely LOVING it! People come in with an idea of what Magic Mike Live is going to be and are surprised by how it’s not what they thought, and overall how much they love it.

It’s sexy, obviously, but it’s also funny, joyful, incredibly skilful and genuinely uplifting. The vibe they create is unmatched.

You leave feeling something, and I think that’s the magic of it.

Magic Mike Live plays at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre later this month, with tickets available here.