Manon Taris was born in France and moved to the UK in 2019 to seek adventure and challenge and began her UK career in the west end production of The Phantom of the Opera in which she performed for 2 years. She then joined the company of the international tour of The Phantom of the Opera’s sequel, Love Never Dies, in the leading role of Christine Daae.
Manon will be taking part in Phantom of The Opera and West End Classics here in Jersey in June at Jersey Opera House. Read more below, as to why music matters to Manon.
What do you enjoy the most about performing and what was your favourite performance?
I think what I like the most about performing is telling the story. It makes me feel so alive to put on someone else’s shoes for a couple of hours. It offers perspective, allows me to understand humanity a bit better, and makes me feel so grateful to get back into my quiet life afterwards.
At what age did you start performing and how did you start?
I started performing professionally I was 19. I was into my second year in drama school in Paris, and my singing teacher put me up for an audition for the Little Prince (they were looking for a very young adult to play the role of the little boy) and I booked the job. I toured with this for a bit, and finished school when it ended.
Why does Music Matter to you?
I grew up into Opera, as my parents were both opera singers. Music has always been such a tool to communicate freely.
As a child, I would sing and danse to let go of sorrows or frustration… I know…right?!
Who have been your biggest influences?
Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Lisa…. They were my inspiration not only for their incredible talent, but for their charisma, and once I was old enough to understand it, their hard work and sense of ethics.
Finally, what can we expect next from you?
That is a very tough question! I like for people to take what they WANT to take from my performance. For some it will be my voice, for others my personality…
But I will consider my work successfully accomplished if people are simply having a great time.