Actor Mikayella Stephan on playing global icon Dalida

One of the biggest global divas will be celebrated in London next week. Italian-French-Egyptian singer, model and actress Dalida was one of the biggest international stars of her day selling over 140 million records globally. Award winning singer and actor Mikayella Stephan tells us about preparing for the role and playing a legend.

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/

How did you prepare emotionally and vocally to step into the shoes of such an iconic and complex figure as Dalida? 

To prepare for Dalida, I immersed myself in her world emotionally and vocally. I studied her interviews, listened to her music constantly, and tried to understand not just her voice, but her soul—her pain, strength, and elegance. Vocally, I trained to adapt to her unique style, mixing vulnerability and power. Emotionally, I connected deeply with her story, especially her need to be loved and her resilience. I had to feel her, not just perform her. 

Dalida had a rich, sometimes tragic life story. Which part of her journey did you find most personally resonant or challenging to portray? 

The most challenging part to portray was Dalida’s inner loneliness despite her fame. I resonated with her longing for peace and meaningful love, which made certain moments on stage feel very personal. Recreating her pain without letting it overwhelm the performance was hard. Her story reminded me how even those who appear strong and glamorous can carry deep emotional wounds. 

What aspects of Dalida’s personality or artistry did you most want to honor in your performance? 

I wanted to honor Dalida’s courage—both on and off stage. She was unapologetically emotional and expressive, which takes real bravery. Her artistry was about truth, and she used her voice to tell stories that mattered to her. I tried to bring that same honesty and intensity to every performance, to celebrate her not just as a star, but as a woman who gave everything to her art. 

Were there any particular songs in the show that felt especially powerful or personal for you to perform, and why? 

Yes, “Je Suis Malade” was a very powerful song for me to perform. It holds so much raw emotion, and every time I sang it, I felt like I was living through her heartbreak. It allowed me to be completely open on stage and to connect with the audience in a very real way. The vulnerability in that song mirrors Dalida’s story—and, at times, my own. 

How has portraying Dalida changed your perspective on fame, legacy, or the cost of artistic passion? 

Playing Dalida made me realize that fame can be very lonely if it’s not grounded in real love and self-worth. Her life showed me the price some artists pay for giving so much of themselves to their craft. It made me reflect on the importance of balance—between giving and protecting yourself, between ambition and inner peace. Her legacy is beautiful, but also a cautionary tale. 

What message or emotion do you hope audiences take away from A Tribute to Dalida after seeing your performance? 

I hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of Dalida’s humanity. She was more than just a glamorous icon—she was vulnerable, passionate, and deeply real. I want people to feel moved, inspired, and perhaps comforted in knowing that even someone like Dalida had struggles similar to our own. Through this tribute, I hope to keep her spirit alive and remind people of the beauty in being truly authentic.