Interview: Djalenga Scott on playing Velma Kelly in CHICAGO
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Smash hit musical Chicago is a real fan favourite and continues to delight audiences on its international tour, which is currently navigating the UK. We were lucky enough to chat to Djalenga Scott who plays Velma Kelly in this production.
Chicago is such an iconic musical. What is it like to be part of such a beloved show?
Being part of this iconic show is incredible, it’s a team of such talent and I honestly feel privileged to have been asked to come back to play the role of Velma Kelly as I have a long affinity with Chicago. I first understudied the role of Velma when it was at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and I went back to understudy Velma again when it was at the Garrick. It was always a huge dream of mine to actually play the role and I’m so happy to be part of this incredible cast on tour.
How have you gone about developing your own version of the iconic character that is Velma Kelly?
I’ve seen so many iconic women play the role of Velma. It’s amazing how intricate the style of the show is, how strict certain things need to be to keep the ball rolling from scene to scene yet every person can still create their own version of these fantastic characters. We were extremely lucky to have Gary Chryst in our rehearsal process pushing us to play but also understand the material and movements to their fullest. Velma is such a full rounded character which makes her a joy to play. She starts at the top, gets pushed aside by Roxie and slapped down again and again but she is resilient and never defeated, there is always a plan of action to come up with, always more she can do, and I just love that about her. Having been in the industry for 20 years now, I feel like I have that knock back but get back up again experience to draw from!
What do you think makes Chicago so successful?
I think Chicago is so successful because it always stays relevant. There continues to be this hunger for fame this interest in celebrities and watching women be fierce and powerful can never be boring. Along with stunning choreography, music that is pure musical theatre at its best and so many iconic moments, it will always be in fashion!
What is it like to be in a show where new cast members are regularly coming in and out for limited runs?
Having new members coming in all the time is great. It can be hard to repeat the same show 8 times a week for a year and having new people join brings new and different energies to play with and keeps it fresh.
What do you enjoy about touring? And what challenges come with moving venue each week?
Touring is such a great way to travel and visit cities and countries that you may never get to see. We spent January in Dubai and what’s not to love about that! Every time we change venue, it’s always an adjustment for the first couple of days, with different sound qualities, stage sizes and backstage areas to get used to but again this keeps things fresh.
How are you finding touring whilst having a young child?
Touring away from my partner and 4-year-old is extremely tough. I’m lucky to live in the Midlands so a lot of venues I can commute home to every night and if not, I am straight in my car on a Saturday night to get back to them, and thank goodness for FaceTime! It can be difficult away from home but the pleasure of performing and seeing how proud my daughter is of me always beats any kind of down.
Why should audiences come to see Chicago on this particular tour?
Audiences should come and see this tour because they are guaranteed a fun, sexy, sassy, stylish night out with fantastic songs, dance routines, drama, laughs and so much talent to witness up on that stage. The band are up there onstage with us too and that just brings everything to another level. This cast is incredible. It would be criminal to miss it!
Chicago continues to tour until July 2022, with tickets for select touring venues available here.