In this heartfelt episode, Melissa Jacques shares her journey from childhood dreams to decades of stage performances, highlighting the importance of resilience, preparation, and self-awareness in a demanding industry. Discover how she manages stage nerves, maintains her voice through challenges, and inspires us to pursue what truly makes us happy. Melissa is a highly respected West End actress whose career spans landmark musicals, bold new writing and major international productions. Her theatre credits include leading and featured roles across the UK and internationally, with standout performances in Just for one day, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty, Company, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady and Chess, alongside extensive UK touring work in productions such as NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, I Should Be So Lucky and Spend, Spend, Spend. She has also originated and developed work in new musicals and workshops, contributing to the evolution of several high-profile productions. On screen, Melissa appears in Disenchanted (Disney+) and Wicked (Universal), as well as the BBC drama Doctors. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished recording artist and was one-sixth of the close-harmony group The Unconventionals, who released the album Flower to the People. With a career defined by longevity, range and consistency at the highest level, Melissa remains a trusted and dynamic presence in her profession. Follow Melissa’s socials here: Instagram ---------------- Timestamps: (02:35) Melissa’s daily routine and work-life balance as a performer (03:59) Just For One Day musical: Melissa on her current West End show (11:55) Theatre inspirations and early memories that shaped Melissa’s career (17:05) Building a career in theatre: passion, discipline, and longevity (30:40) Audition preparation tips and mindset for stage performers (41:40) Managing anxiety and building resilience in performance careers (50:47) Voice, emotion, and storytelling in musical theatre (01:02:27) Career reflections and future goals in musical theatre (01:10:58) Final thoughts --------------- This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I design and deliver bespoke transformative communication training, consultancy and coaching programmes to help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they present the best version of themselves everytime For more information check out my website and social media below: Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok ------------ This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality. (Now called Fade-in Media) Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game? Drop us an email: contactfadeinmedia@gmail.com Check out our website Or follow us on Instagram… Our DM’s are always open!
