Five Questions With: Emily Lane

EMILY LANE plays Anna in the West End production of Disney’s Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Emily was previously in the Frozen ensemble and second cover Anna. Having trained at Arts Educational, her theatre work includes Before the Party (Almeida Theatre) and in the West End, Les Misérables and The Sound of Music.

Here Emily continues Musical Theatre Review’s interview series: Five Questions With…

Congratulations on taking over the role of Princess Anna in Frozen. Can you tell our readers about your experience with the show as an ensemble member and second cover Anna?

I feel so grateful for my Frozen experience so far. Being part of an ensemble, especially in an original company, is very special. With the addition of coming out of a pandemic, the joy everyone shared to finally be creating the show, was electric. It bought us all together in a unique and special way and I am lucky enough to say I made friends for life. I learnt so much from my time as a cover and I feel as though it prepared me for taking on the role full time.

How was preparing to play the role full-time and taking over from Stephanie McKeon? I imagine the cast and creative team were hugely supportive to you (and the brand-new cast member, Djavan van de Fliert as Kristoff)?

Being able to play the role full time is such a dream come true for me. I have always felt the most incredible support from all the cast and creatives and that continues to this day. I’ve also gained the big sister I never had in Samantha [Barks, who plays Elsa] who I can always count on for advice and guidance whenever I need it. Preparing for the role alongside Djavan van de Fliert was an extremely proud moment for us as we both trained at ArtsEd. We still pinch ourselves even now.

Emily Lane as Anna with cast members Isabella Glanznig Santos and Rebecca Botterill in Disney’s Frozen the Musical. Picture: Johan Persson © Disney

What do you think makes Frozen such a loved Disney musical, particularly for a young female audience? It must be great to be part of bringing that magic to life.

I think what makes Frozen such a loved Disney musical is that the story speaks to such a vast audience. My little cousin and my grandma have both seen the show and they love it equally. Although it is such a dazzling spectacle, the intimate story of sisters reuniting and their powerful love for each other is extremely moving and you really care about the characters as the story unfolds.

What is like juggling the acting, singing and dancing demands of the show and all the special effects?!

The role of Princess Anna is definitely a demanding role but it is also the most fun I have ever had on stage. I was lucky enough to have the most incredible training at ArtsEd along with (Ann James and Dane Chalfin) who taught me about stamina and how to best look after myself in order to perform eight shows a week.

You have performed in a number of musicals, what do you think makes the genre so special to so many people?

I believe there is nothing like musical theatre. When the emotion is too overwhelming and speaking how you feel isn’t enough – it results in emoting through song, which I think is so beautiful. I’ve grown up going to the theatre and the sense of escapism and transportation is what made me fall in love with the genre and why I wanted to pursue it as a career. The magic that comes with Frozen encapsulates this idea so perfectly and is why everyone needs to see it.