Theatre News

What's in My Dressing Room? – Angelica Allen

We went backstage with the ”Thriller Live” performer

Angelica Allen
Angelica Allen

Angelica Allen joined the cast this week as the new female lead vocalist in Thriller Live at the Lyric Theatre. Named Rolling Stone's Artist to Watch in 2013, her previous credits include touring with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and her own songwriting project My Midnight Heart.

We caught up with Angelica to find out which five items she couldn't live without.


The Oatcakes

AA: Oatcakes are probably the best thing ever invented. I'm from the States and seriously, discovering these perfect circles of happiness has completely blown my mind. I keep them in my dressing room for a nibble at the interval or whenever I'm feeling less than stunning. They keep me from feeling hungry and give me that energy burst for the rest of the show. Love at first bite.

The Glove

AA: I wear this MJ style glove for two numbers in the show and I'm pretty sure it gives me superpowers. Michael had it right. Something about wearing that one glove and all of a sudden you're transformed into a complete rock god. I keep it by my mirror to remind myself that even when it's not on, I can still channel that energy onstage.

The Super Close-Up Mirror

AA: One mirror is just not enough. Everyone who has done shows knows that dressing room mirrors are just too far from from your face to accomplish anything worthwhile. I keep this extreme close up mirror to help me erase all those flaws I clearly don't have (ha) and to help me achieve that perfect cat eye. Rawr.

The Disorganised Make-Up

AA: I can't help myself. I am the person that given an empty space, will completely cover it with loads of stuff. In my head, my makeup is organised. At second glance, I suppose it could be a bit better. A bit. Regardless of how it looks, I can still tell you exactly which lipstick and which eyeliner is where so, no complaints here.

Dr Nelson's inhaler

AA: I bought this old time-y vocal steamer because another singer told me it was the be-all-and-end-all in vocal maintenance. I now use it every day and can swear I've seen a huge improvement in how my voice feels. Could it be the placebo effect? Sure. Maybe. Is it kind of enjoyable to walk around with this huge thing and breathe boiling water vapor very, very slowly? Absolutely.


Thriller Live is currently booking at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.