Debra Stephenson interview
What attracted you to The Imitation Game?
I love impressions and messing around with them, so this idea immediately appealed. I love the idea that you get together with other impressionists and bounce off each other. I don't just love doing impressions - I love hearing impressions as well. All of us impressionists know each other. It's a small community because there are not that many of us. We always adore working together. It was like a party every time we recorded an episode. We all wanted to make a great show, and I think that joy comes across. It really is brilliant entertainment!
Anything else?
Alexander is a great host; he pulls it all together brilliantly. Beforehand, I thought he'd be lovely to work with, and I was not disappointed. I also love the fact that The Imitation Game is not just about voice impressions - it's singing impressions, too. I do those in my live shows. I love singing, and I've done a lot of musical theatre. I also love working with a live band - it brings an energy and an extra texture to the sound.
How would you describe the tone of The Imitation Game?
It's poking fun, but not in a nasty way. I am never too nasty - that's not what it's about for me. It's about paying tribute to someone by impersonating them. It's a joyful thing to do because you're doing it with affection. The best impressions always have an element of affection. It's like any role an actor plays - you have to find something in that character you like or identify with. Even if it's something you might not agree with politically, you find an empathy with that person.
How was it working with Rory?
I loved it. I've always admired him, and it was a pleasure to work with him. His attention to detail is incredible, and his approach is so clever. He understands the politics of a person very well and what makes them who they are. He is at the top of his game. His impressions are perfection.
Do you have a favourite round in The Imitation Game?
I love the one-word round. It's amazing to see another impressionist conjure someone up in front of you. For instance, I love watching Lewis MacLeod morph into Donald Trump in the one-word round. As soon as his hand goes up and he sets his face, he doesn't need to say anything. He just is Trump.
Which impressions have you enjoyed doing most on The Imitation Game?
The ones that had given me the most joy have been the singers. I love doing Dame Shirley Bassey - she is my all-time favourite. I love the drama in her voice when she sings. She is so expressive and puts emotion into every word of the song. I adore the way she stamps her personality on a song and paints a picture with every phrase. When she's singing Diamonds Are Forever, you can feel the diamonds in her hands and how they make her feel. As she is singing that song, she is glittering. When you're on stage with a full orchestra singing as Dame Shirley Bassey, you're loving every moment of it. You feel like she feels. There is nothing like it. As a performer, it's the ultimate.
Which other impressions do you relish doing?
Cilla. She was an all-time great. You don't want to take the mickey, but you still want to pay tribute to her. She enjoyed every word she said and sang and loved every minute of being on TV. That's great fun to portray.
What do you enjoy so much about performing impressions?
I love doing loads of different voices. I like doing Sandi Toksvig because when I'm her I feel clever. I also like doing Lorraine Kelly because I feel very warm as her. In the same way, it's great fun to do Anne Robinson. She's naughty - not in a nasty way, but in a mischievous way. Above all, when I'm doing impressions, I really enjoy feeling what it's like to be someone else. That's what's most fascinating. It's not about changing your voice or your face; it's about finding the essence of someone. It's like painting - you capture the essence of someone. The most gratifying thing is when people come up and say, "God, you've really captured that person."
Why do people love impressions?
It's great fun to see one person do so many different things with their voice. Sometimes during low moments, I think, "So what? What's useful about this?" Of course, impressions are not useful, but they really amuse and fascinate people. Audiences love to watch impressionists and think, "How on earth do you do that?" I think that's why they will really enjoy The Imitation Game.
Can you please sum up our experience of working on The Imitation Game?
I had so much fun. It's one of the most fun things I've ever done because all of us impressionists were together in the same room having an absolute ball. It's definitely the most fun I've ever had without alcohol!