…I would advocate for cultural exchange. People naturally gravitate toward the familiar, but exploring different cultures through music, theatre, or food can be transformative. London, as a melting pot of cultures, is the perfect example of how art can unite people in unexpected ways…
I had the pleasure of interviewing author and performer Alejandro Postigo. Alejandro Postigo has a PhD in ‘Intercultural adaptation of Copla’ from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Alejandro is Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music, and he has worked as an actor in West End productions such as ‘In the Heights’ (Kings Cross Theatre), ‘Flahooley’ (Sadler’s Wells), ‘The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake’ (Royal Opera House) and TV sitcom ‘Episodes’ (BBC), among others. He has assisted in West End projects ‘Strictly Ballroom’ (Piccadilly Theatre), choreographed musical ‘Nutcracker’ (Pleasance) and opera ‘The Merry Widow’ (Wilton’s Music Hall), and regularly collaborates with the Royal Ballet since 2012. As a theatre maker, his latest project ‘Miss Brexit’ (coming up to Omnibus in February 2025) champions non-native English-speaking artists.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Madrid, Spain, where I first started experimenting with musical theatre. As a kid, I would put on shows for my family, enlisting my sister as my backup singer. I’d write the scripts, choose the songs, and invite everyone to sit, watch, and occasionally I would let them sing along if I hadn’t changed the lyrics!
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My love for music and drama led me here. As a child, I sang in every choir, played the piano, taught myself guitar, and danced whenever I could. I was also a film enthusiast and passionate about storytelling. Eventually, I realized I had to pursue this love seriously, so I enrolled in drama school in Madrid. Later, I decided to broaden my horizons by moving abroad. My career took off in the UK.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One memorable moment was my audition with the Royal Ballet 13 years ago. There were about 100 men auditioning, and former director Monica Mason needed to select 15. She had picked 14 when an intense silence filled the room as everyone waited to see who the final choice would be. I couldn’t help but laugh at the tension, and she walked over to me, smiled and said, “You’ll be my number 15.” Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Royal Ballet.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Copla is at the top of the list! I’ve been working on this project since 2010. It started as a musical, evolved into a solo show, and has now been reimagined as a cabaret. The journey has been extraordinary, with performances across multiple countries and audiences discovering copla as a unique song form. It’s been wonderful to share this cultural treasure with so many people.
Who are some of the most interesting people you’ve interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I have plenty of stories! I’ve met Spanish celebrities while working at the London Spanish Film Festival, musical theatre legends like Lin-Manuel Miranda during the London run of In the Heights, and even royalty. But the most inspiring encounters are often the ones with theatre artisans working at your level — collaborating, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other in a hands-on way. These interactions have been some of the richest experiences in my career.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
I once attended a Q&A with Spanish actor Blanca Portillo, who said, “Performing is a profession in which, when you don’t have a job, you can invent it.” That sentiment has stayed with me and guided my career. Whenever I’ve had downtime, I’ve channelled my energy into creating new projects that align with my passions.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I like to think of myself as a copla ambassador outside of Spain. A few years after migrating to the UK, I started delving into this genre to reconnect with my roots and identity. Migrant performers have so much to contribute to an international society, sharing cultural treasures that foster a more inclusive and vibrant global culture.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
I teach theatre to university students, and every day I see how the world and the performance industry are changing. My experience when I started is very different from that of a young actor starting out now, but I can think of some advice that might still apply across generations:
- Be brave. Follow your instincts and trust yourself. I’ve seen talented actors leave the industry due to a lack of confidence.
- Be consistent. Keep learning and refining your craft. Performing requires resilience and continuous growth.
- Be present. In a world full of distractions, focus and presence are essential, especially in performance.
- Be curious. Travel and gather experiences. Every new encounter or situation can be a source of inspiration.
- Be proactive. Create your own opportunities. As Blanca Portillo said, “If you’re out of work, invent it.”
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would it be?
I would advocate for cultural exchange. People naturally gravitate toward the familiar, but exploring different cultures through music, theatre, or food can be transformative. London, as a melting pot of cultures, is the perfect example of how art can unite people in unexpected ways. This is a key theme in Copla: A Spanish Cabaret.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in business, VC funding, sports, and entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
Pedro Almodóvar. I’ve always admired his films for their aesthetic, themes, and storytelling. I would love to hear about his artistic motivations and ambitions. He has a gift for presenting an enhanced vision of Spain to the world and, with his recent international projects, I’d be fascinated to hear about his creative journey, and how it might connect to my own experiences.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
The best way to follow us is on Instagram at @thecoplacabaret. You can also explore more about us through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thecoplamusical.”
Thank you so much for sharing these great insights!
Alejandro Postigo: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.