"It’s so much fun to embody that energy."
It was a historic moment in the West End as Debbie Kurup became the first Desi actress to step into the shoes of Miranda Priestly, playing the role in a musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.
Debbie is replacing Vanessa Williams for a week, who is taking time away from the production due to the recent death of her mother.
In a statement, the production said:
“Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th January.
“During this time the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup.
“Vanessa will return to The Devil Wears Prada from Thursday 16th January.”
Debbie revealed that she grew up listening to Vanessa’s classics like ‘Save the Best for Last’, so when it came to rehearsals, she ran up to the singer-actress and asked:
“Vanessa, can I give you a cuddle? I’ve loved you forever.”
Explaining what Vanessa is like as a person, Debbie said:
“She’s so humble and inspiring.
“Watching her lead the company with such bravery, especially after a personal loss, has been incredible.”
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She is now temporarily fronting the musical as the demanding Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine.
Famously portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film, Miranda Priestly is an iconic character.
But for Debbie Kurup, stepping into the character’s Pradas is more than just designer shoes.
As an actress, she found herself drawn to Priestly’s complexity and unapologetic brilliance.
Debbie shared: “She’s sharp, decisive and commanding without ever needing to raise her voice. It’s so much fun to embody that energy.”
Admitting there is the risk of copying Meryl Streep’s portrayal, Debbie said:
“Going into the production, I knew people would be waiting for it.
“I didn’t want to parrot Meryl Streep, but I wanted to get across the way she punctuates the point she is driving across.”
A proud Anglo-Indian, Debbie’s West End journey began with dance lessons as a child, which she called her “salvation”.
She discovered her singing voice at 11 and transitioned to acting naturally. Debbie quickly realised she was meant to be on stage.
By 18, she left school, found herself an agent, auditioned and landed roles in West End productions such as Boogie Nights.
She said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate.
“I’ve worked hard and stayed passionate about my craft, and that’s helped me carve out a fulfilling career.”
Debbie Kurup’s success is due to her versatility, from playing Anita in West Side Story to Dolores in Sister Act.
However, playing these characters came with the misfortune of misrepresentation and the public’s failure to acknowledge her Indian heritage.
Debbie asserted: “Having South Asian representation in roles like this is vital. There’s no reason Miranda can’t be played by an Indian actress.
“Representation matters and I want to lead by example.”
The Devil Wears Prada The Musical is booking at the Dominion Theatre until October 18, 2025.
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