Starring Australian actor and comedian Alexandra Keddie – also an AACTA and AWG nominated writer – I See Me & Meryl Streep is a journey through the life of Meryl Streep told through the eyes of her biggest fan, a misfit also named Meryl, in a hilarious love letter to awkward youth and the beauty of big dreams. A Youngish Perspective holds this exclusive conversation with Alex.
What first inspired you to create I See Me & Meryl Streep? Was there a particular moment that sparked the idea?
Well, I was a very cocky 23 year old who thought she was talented enough to impersonate the greatest actress of all time. I then spent a full year writing it and working on the impersonations every day. 10 years since the first production and I think I’ve almost perfected them! Basically I wasn’t working as an actor and I got sick of hearing myself complain about it. I’d had some friends do solo shows and again, cocky kid over here thought she could give it a crack! Being an only child is a fast track to self-belief.
What’s your absolute favorite Meryl Streep performance to impersonate, and which is the most challenging?
Probably Florence Foster Jenkins, because I just get to sing really badly and make a total fool of myself. The hardest is absolutely The Devil Wears Prada, I do THE cerulean monologue and the expectations are so so high. You cannot mess that one up because everyone knows it and will absolutely correct you if you get it wrong!
The show is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Looking back, how has it evolved over the years? Are there elements you’ve updated or added for this London run?
I have rewritten this show every time I’ve done it. I’d never written anything when I first made the show and since then I’ve actually learned how to structure a show and create a character arc. I play a 17 year old in the show and when I first performed it, I was still so close to that age and that feeling of teenage awkwardness. I think I was still embarrassed about all my quirks and obsessions and how much of a little weirdo I was. But now, 17 was nearly half my life ago, and the show has become a lot more loving and satirical. I don’t think I knew what I had made a comment on when I first wrote it, but now I have realised I wrote this show to help my teenage self feel okay about being such a little loser Meryl Streep die-hard. I love that teenage girl and how much she obsessed over things. It’s so nice to love something with all your heart. If boys can love football, how come I can’t love Meryl Streep.
You’re not only starring in the show but also wrote it. How does wearing both hats influence your approach to performing?
There’s no one to blame when something doesn’t make sense!
London audiences have a huge love for both theatre and Meryl Streep – what are you most excited for them to experience?
An hour of unapologetic chaotic Meryl Streep love! This is a ‘let your freak flag fly’ kind of show. I hope people leave with a spring in their step, a little more love for their awkward youth and even more love for Meryl Streep.
For tickets and info please visit https://theotherpalace.co.uk/i-see-me-and-meryl-streep/
Alexandra Keddie
Originally from Australia, Alex Keddie is an AACTA, AWG and SPA nominated writer, producer and actor best known for creating and starring in THE HOUSEMATE (ABC) and her solo-stage-show I SEE ME & MERYL STREEP, which has toured Australia in sell-out, critically acclaimed seasons. As an actor, Alex has worked on Channel 10’s OFFSPRING, UTOPIA, HAMISH & ANDY’S TRUE STORIES, THE DR. BLAKE MYSTERIES, DEADLOCH, WHITE FEVER and HAY FEVER (MTC).In 2021 Alex released short form series THE POWER OF THE DREAM as Associate Producer and Creator. She also produced short film YOU, ME & HIM and was the Director’s Assistant on WOODY WOODPECKER 2 (Netflix). In 2022, Alex was the Showrunner Assistant on DEADLOCH (Amazon) and was Executive Producer on ME & HER(PES) which was funded for production by Screen Australia and Wear it Purple and nominated for an AACTA award in 2023.Alex has just completed a placement through Screen Australia’s esteemed Enterprise People program, with Deb Balderstone’s production company at Soapbox Pictures and has a number of projects in development including a comedy series with Celeste Barber. She’ll also probably talk to you at nauseam about her food intolerances, her pets and the work of art that is Mamma Mia.