Q&A with singer and actor Mikayella Stephan about her role in A Tribute to DALIDA!

This week, London will be celebrating a global icon. Italian-French-Egyptian singer, model and actress Dalida was one of the biggest international stars of her day selling over 140 million records globally. Ahead of the show A Tribute to DALIDA! opening at the Peacock Theatre Thursday 19th June, we spoke to award winning singer and actor Mikayella Stephan tells us about taking on the role

What does it mean to you personally to take on the role of Dalida in this production? 

Taking on the role of Dalida is a deeply personal and emotional journey for me. She’s not just a legendary performer—she’s a symbol of strength, vulnerability, and timeless artistry. To embody her on stage is both an honor and a responsibility. It feels like I’m channeling a part of my own identity as a woman navigating complex emotions, public expectations, and private pain. Dalida’s story resonates with me on a soul level. 

You mentioned growing up listening to Dalida—how has she influenced your musical journey over the years? 

Dalida’s music was the soundtrack of my childhood and teenage years . Her voice, her elegance, and her ability to express heartbreak and joy with equal depth shaped my understanding of what it means to be a performer. She taught me that it’s not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about telling a story with your entire being. Over the years, her influence has helped me stay true to myself as an artist who values emotion, authenticity, and connection with the audience. 

The show is performed in five languages. How did you prepare for such a multilingual performance, and what challenges did that bring? 

Preparing for a multilingual show required an intense focus—not just on pronunciation and diction, but on understanding the cultural nuances of each song. I worked closely with language applications , studied Dalida’s performances in each language, and rehearsed daily to make the transitions feel natural. The biggest challenge was maintaining emotional continuity across languages while honoring the unique flavor of each. But it was also incredibly rewarding—it reflects Dalida’s global appeal and brings audiences from different backgrounds closer together. 

Dalida’s life was both glamorous and tragic. How do you emotionally connect with and portray those complexities on stage? 

Dalida’s story is a delicate dance between light and shadow. To portray her honestly, I had to tap into my own experiences with love, loss, and longing. I allow myself to be vulnerable on stage—to go to those places where pain and beauty coexist. It’s emotionally intense, but also liberating . I think that’s what makes the performance real. The audience doesn’t just see Dalida—they feel her, and hopefully, see a piece of themselves in her. 

Can you share what it’s like working under the direction of Sam Rayner and choreography of Christopher Tendai—both coming from major West End productions? 

Working with Sam Rayner and Christopher Tendai has been an extraordinary experience. Sam brings a cinematic vision and emotional depth to every scene, while Christopher’s choreography adds layers of storytelling through movement. They both push you to go deeper—not just technically, but emotionally. There’s a mutual respect and trust in the room that allows for creative risk-taking. I’ve grown so much as a performer under their guidance. 

Dalida remains a powerful LGBTQ+ icon and symbol of individuality. How does the show reflect those aspects of her legacy, and what message do you hope audiences take away? 

This show celebrates Dalida’s courage to be unapologetically herself, even when it defied the norms of her time. Her connection to the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in her empathy, her resilience, and her refusal to conform. We reflect that legacy by embracing the full spectrum of her identity—her femininity, her strength, and her emotional truth. I hope audiences walk away feeling empowered to live their truth, love without fear, and know that even in the darkest moments, there’s beauty in being fully seen. 

A Tribute to DALIDA! is at the Peacock Theatre from 19 – 22 June. For more information and tickets go to https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/am-mgt-prods-tribute-dalida/