Diana Vickers remembers a childhood steeped in the lore of Pendle Hill, a place where her father spun tales of witches and a palpable energy hung in the air. Growing up near this historic landmark forged a deep, personal connection to the infamous 1612 Witch Trials – a connection that would later draw her to a powerful new stage production.
Now, she’s starring in “Coven,” a musical that confronts the brutal silencing of the women accused of witchcraft in Lancashire. The story resonates deeply, she explains, because the condemnation and denial of women’s voices continues to echo through centuries, manifesting in contemporary issues like the ongoing fight for reproductive rights.
“Coven” boldly reimagines the historical narrative with an all-female cast portraying both male and female characters, a deliberate reversal of traditional theatrical conventions. Vickers herself embodies two strikingly different roles: Edmund, a manipulated young boy, and Covell, a ruthlessly unsympathetic police officer.
She embraces the physical transformation required for these parts, relishing the freedom to shed glamorous expectations. “I’ve got a beard, a moustache, a rash I itch… I’m a bit gross, and I’m really excited about it!” she laughs, a testament to her willingness to fully immerse herself in challenging roles.
For Vickers, a career in performance was inevitable. Though she initially planned for drama school, her path dramatically shifted when she auditioned for “The X Factor” in 2008, capturing the nation’s attention with her unique voice and barefoot stage presence.
While acknowledging the difficulties of being intensely scrutinized at a formative age, she expresses genuine gratitude for the platform the show provided. She’s navigated the complexities of fame with resilience, refusing to be defined by others’ perceptions.
Vickers has skillfully built a multifaceted career beyond her initial success. After achieving a number one single and album, she chose independence, releasing music on an indie label. This artistic freedom allowed her to explore her creative vision without compromise.
Her talents extend to acting, with recent roles including a memorable portrayal of Gwyneth Paltrow in a West End parody. She also thrives in comedy as one half of the duo Ki and Dee, and has found a new audience co-hosting the candid podcast “Just Between Us,” where she openly discusses love, sex, and relationships.
Recently, Vickers has even returned to music, releasing the vibrant electro-disco track “Ice Cream,” a joyful celebration of self-expression. A new single, “Pretty Boys,” is set to follow, promising a bold and unapologetic energy inspired by iconic figures like Sharon Stone.
This return to pop feels different, she says, driven by a desire for pure enjoyment and a newfound confidence. “I wouldn’t want to be any other age than I am now,” Vickers reflects. “I just feel like I’m the most confident I ever have been in myself, my ability, my skills, my looks and my sexuality, and as a woman.”
Having navigated the pressures of the entertainment industry, Diana Vickers is now charting her own course, embracing authenticity and empowering herself through her art. She’s a performer who has truly come into her own, fearlessly embracing every facet of her talent and individuality.
