At the tail end of this month, the UK Theatre Award-winning Best Musical, This Is My Family, heads to London for the first time. Written by Tim Firth and Vicky Featherstone, this feel-good, family-friendly musical about a disastrous family holiday is one to watch during its run at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant. London Box Office is joined by Victoria Elliott from the production to learn more.
Victoria Elliott.
Victoria, you play the role of Sian in the London premiere of This Is My Family. Can you begin by telling us a little bit about her..
In the family, Sian is the mad aunty. Tim Firth describes her as chaotic, irrepressible and voluble (I had to google voluble – it means she talks a lot!), which is kind of perfect. She’s constantly searching for the next thing to give her life excitement and meaning – a new man, a course in psychology, a motorbike. But she’s so funny and brilliant. I wish I’d had an aunty like Sian!
How does it feel to be joining the London premiere of This Is My Family ahead of performances later this month?
I’m so excited to be part of this production – I’ve always wanted to work with Vicky Featherstone – she‘s magic. The cast are unbelievable, and Tim’s musical is heartfelt and meaningful. It’s a bit of a dream going to work at the minute!
For our readers, can you tell us a little bit about the story itself..
It’s a Musical Comedy about a family on the precipice of change. 13-year-old Nicky (played by the fantastic Nancy Allsop) wins a competition to take her family on holiday – she can go anywhere in the world, and she chooses to go back to the British camp site where her parents first met in an attempt to bring the family back together at a time where they seem to be growing apart.
Where have you drawn your influences from to develop the role of Sian?
The characters in the show are all so well written, you really just have to use the script like a set of instructions. Sian came to me pretty naturally through the text. I also think it’s just really well cast, I relate to her so much!
What can audiences expect from This Is My Family?
Most of all, audiences can expect a really good night out. The cast are extraordinary, the music is fantastic, the show is funny and heartwarming. It is the perfect antidote to the world right now!
How has working on this production impacted your understanding or perception of family dynamics?
Working on this show has made me realise that our relationships are defined by the choices we make when things get tired or tough. Sian is the kind of person to dispose of something once its shine wears off, her sister Yvonne is the kind of person to stay and polish it. In terms of family dynamics – the show is an exploration of what happens when the individuals that make up a family change, how can we find our way back to each other – to choose to grow together rather than grow apart?
What has been your favourite memory of working on this show so far?
Gemma Whelan and I play sisters in the show - in the second week of rehearsals, we accidentally came to work in the exact same outfit, and I mean down to the same jumper from the same shop. We looked like two little kids who had been dressed by our Mam. I loved it because it’s one of those telepathic coincidences when actors are starting to be in sync with each other.
A lot of our readers will be visiting Southwark Playhouse for the first time when they come to see This Is My Family. Do you have any recommendations on places to eat or visit prior to their theatre trip?
I’m new to the area too! If anyone knows any good spots – hit me up!
Finally, why should people book tickets to see This Is My Family?
It’s going to be a really special show – we have laughed and cried in rehearsals – it really gets you in the feels. Come for a good night out, fantastic songs and excellent performances from a stellar cast!
This Is My Family plays at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 May - 12 July 2025.
