Maimuna Memon Speaks Out on Theatre Industry Challenges After Olivier Award
This time last year, Maimuna Memon was riding an extraordinary career peak. The Lancashire-born composer, writer, and actor had just secured an Olivier Award for her standout performance in the musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, an adaptation of a segment from Tolstoy's War and Peace. However, the anticipated career acceleration never materialised, leaving Memon in an unexpected silence.
"I didn't expect to skyrocket, but I certainly thought, 'Alright, what comes next?'" she reflects. "It turned into a rather quiet year, which proved challenging." This period, though difficult, offered a valuable opportunity for introspection and ego-stripping. Memon retreated to Galway to spend time with her mother, a nurse and fiddle player, where she observed musicians performing purely for passion, detached from reviews or accolades.
The Peculiar Aftermath of an Olivier Victory
Memon, aged 33, is no newcomer to critical acclaim. She earned praise for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Tim Sheader's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, showcased her own compositions in the National Theatre's adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath, and received her first Olivier nomination for Standing at the Sky's Edge. The eerie quiet following her win left her perplexed, prompting deeper reflection on the state of the industry.
"It's brutal right now," Memon states emphatically. "Celebrity casting has become massive and is directly reducing the number of jobs available. I'm not criticising the decision-makers, but I must highlight how this impacts working actors. Many incredibly talented people I know had a really tough time last year."
Returning with Manic Street Creature
Pushing through the silence, Memon is now starring in a revived version of her musical Manic Street Creature, which she first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. This semi-autobiographical gig-theatre show follows singer-songwriter Ria from Lancashire to London as she records her debut album and falls in love with Daniel.
"Ria discovers Daniel has bipolar disorder," Memon explains, "and the narrative explores her journey to support him while neglecting her own wellbeing." The musical's themes resonate with Memon's own background, shaped by a music-obsessed family. Her Irish mother and Pakistani-born father, a doctor, immersed her in diverse sounds, from Deep Purple and Bob Marley to traditional Indian and Irish music.
Navigating Identity and Opportunity
Growing up in Darwen, a predominantly white area between Bolton and Blackburn, Memon faced racial incidents, including vandalism with offensive language. Despite this, she recalls fond memories and a strong northern identity. Recent visits home, however, have prompted questions about belonging, especially with visible displays like St George's flags.
"I'm so proudly northern, so proudly from Lancashire," she asserts. "For a long time, I was defensive, but lately I've been considering the circumstances of people there with more empathy. There's insufficient dialogue—just shouting back and forth."
Her sense of being an outsider, compounded by moves to Australia and her mixed heritage, fuels her creative drive. "It's why I write," she says, "because I grew weary of the lack of nuance on stage and screen." Yet, she warns that new writers face limited opportunities, echoing recent concerns from National Theatre director Indhu Rubasingham.
The Impact of Celebrity Casting on Theatre
Memon argues that celebrity casting can undermine a play's integrity, as audiences may prioritise star power over the writing. "We should have more faith that a strong script will sell itself," she insists. "A decade ago, unknown actors could lead major productions. Theatre used to cultivate new talent."
Her dream role is Dot in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, now cast with Ariana Grande in London. "It won't come round for a while now, will it?" she muses, acknowledging Grande's brilliance while expressing a tinge of envy. "How can you possibly compete with that?"
Manic Street Creature runs at Kiln Theatre in London until 28 March, marking Memon's resilient return to the stage amidst an industry she views as increasingly challenging for working artists.
