Take the Stage: Nicole Manumbre in RSC’s Matilda UK Tour
In this edition of Take the Stage, we caught up with Performers College Birmingham graduate Nicole Manumbre. Nicole graduated in 2024, and has since been performing as Hortensia in the UK tour of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda. Here Nicole talks about the experience of being in the show, life on tour, and her advice to up and coming performers.
What was it like to find out you were going to be in Matilda?
After the final auditions, I genuinely thought I hadn’t got the part. I remember walking back to the Tube station and calling my mum to say that I didn’t think I’d been successful, and that was okay, I was ready to move on to the next opportunity. I’d had my phone on silent during the auditions, but when I got home from London, I saw a message asking me to call them as soon as possible. I FaceTimed them, and that’s when they told me I’d been cast in Matilda. It felt completely surreal. Not only was it amazing news, but it all happened so quickly. I couldn’t quite believe it at first, and it took a while for it to really sink in. Once it did, I was absolutely overjoyed and so excited to start the journey.
What is an average day like for you on Matilda?
It depends on whether it’s a one-show day or a double-show day. On a typical day, I’ll get up and get ready, and if I have some free time before work, I’ll either explore the city we’re currently in with friends or relax at my digs. Then I’ll head to the theatre, do warm-up and safety checks, and get ready for the show. On a double-show day, it’s very similar, but after the first performance I’ll have dinner and some downtime before getting ready for the second show. Sometimes after the show, I’ll go out with friends for a drink and a chat before heading home.
What is the experience of touring like, and what are some of your favourite places you’ve visited?
Touring is so much fun. Being able to see new places and experience new things while doing a job I love is a dream come true. Of course, there have been ups and downs depending on the venue or location, but overall it’s been an incredible experience. My favourite places we’ve visited so far have been Liverpool, Manchester, and especially Edinburgh. It’s such a beautiful city, and I loved spending time there.
What are the challenges of being on a touring production, and how do you overcome them?
For me, one of the biggest challenges has been finding digs. As this is my first professional job after graduating, it was initially quite difficult to find places to stay while also keeping within budget. My best friend was starting her first job at the same time, so we often booked accommodation together through Booking.com to save money and stay organised. Of course, things don’t always go to plan, and we’ve had bookings cancelled on us before. However, there’s always someone willing to help within the company, which is incredibly reassuring. Knowing there’s support available makes those challenges much easier to manage.
How do you think your time at Performers College prepared you for the environment you’re in now?
Performers College taught me the importance of always moving forward and learning how to handle rejection. Before booking Matilda, I attended a lot of auditions. The industry is incredibly competitive, and rejection is something everyone experiences. I remember my Careers Manager Katie Kerr saying during preparation for Agent Panel Day that casting can be like looking at a jigsaw puzzle – sometimes it’s simply about finding where someone fits, whether that’s based on their look, skill set, or what the production needs. That advice really stayed with me. At the time, making it to final rounds and then receiving disappointing news often made me question my abilities. Remembering what Katie said helped me understand that rejection isn’t always a reflection of talent. It taught me resilience and helped me keep picking myself up and moving forward.
Performers also prepared me for the practical side of the industry – how to approach auditions, how to build professional relationships, and how to leave a positive impression through both talent and professionalism.
What memories do you look back on fondly from your time at Performers College?
Some of my favourite memories are simply going to classes every day with my friends, learning new routines, and being introduced to different dance styles by our lecturers. I sometimes miss having the opportunity to explore so many styles and just dance for the joy of it. I also really valued the conversations I had with friends and lecturers, hearing about their experiences and careers. As the first year to graduate from Performers College Birmingham, we were all learning and experiencing things together. That shared journey created a strong sense of connection between the students and lecturers, and I think it’s one of the reasons our year group remains so close and resilient.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to Performers College Birmingham?
I would always recommend Performers College Birmingham. I genuinely wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support of my lecturers and the friendships I made there. The training, guidance, and opportunities I received helped shape both my career and my confidence, and I’ll always be grateful for that experience.
What have you got coming up next?
At the moment, I’m still focused on Matilda, as I have another six months left on the tour. I’ve heard from my agents that there are some exciting opportunities appearing, but for now I’ll have to wait and see what happens when the time comes.
What would you go back and say to your 18-year-old self?
I’d tell my 18-year-old self to make as many connections as possible and learn strong communication skills as early as you can. Those are invaluable assets in this industry. I’d also tell myself to remember that rejection can be difficult to deal with, but it’s important to keep moving forward and stay excited about what’s next. Most importantly, I’d say: don’t doubt yourself. Keep working hard, keep improving, and embrace every opportunity and experience, both inside and outside of college. Be kind to yourself, don’t push yourself too hard, and trust that your hard work will pay off.
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or you can Apply Now, or book an Open Day on our Events page.
