Isabella Bliss: Becoming Marilyn Monroe, Burlesque and the Secret to Confidence

Barney’s Backstage Podcast: You're going to be judged regardless
ISABELLA CAM: gonna be judged regardless. And what I've learnt over the years is other people's opinions don't matter.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: world up, your art is going to have that same effect for
ISABELLA CAM: What matters is your opinion of you and how you see yourself.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: too. But if you don't put yourself out there, you'll never I would say burlesque is a two-way experience with your audience as well. You're not just up there
ISABELLA CAM: I would say burlesque is a two-way experience with your audience as well. You're not just up there performing at people. I think burlesque is a dialogue
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: at people. I think burlesque is a dialogue.
ISABELLA CAM: with the audience and I think that's what makes it uniquely different
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: with the audience and I think that's what makes it uniquely different giving up hope and just keep getting the reps in and every time it just becomes more easy and more free flowing and it's a skill that you build
ISABELLA CAM: never giving up hope and just keep getting the reps in and every time it just becomes more easy and more free-flowing and it's a skill it's You build,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: but moment
ISABELLA CAM: so there's so much magic in that taking that idea and presenting it to your audience and I just love that creativity of
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: there's so much magic in that taking that idea and presenting it to your audience. And I just love that creativity of... to put it into one thing, isn't it? Because when you read it out like that, I would just say I'm somebody that says yes to a lot of things and is very ambitious and performing I fell into later in life. And I love the joy of
ISABELLA CAM: It's hard to put it into one thing, isn't 'Cause when you read it out like that, I would just say I'm somebody that says yes to a lot of things and is very ambitious and performing I fell into later in life. and I love the joy of
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that it brings to others when they're on stage. so being able to light up the world in my own little way is what I do. If you used to condense all of those things, I would say, yeah, being able to bring a bit of joy to the world in my own little way across
ISABELLA CAM: the joy that it brings to others when we're on stage and so being able to light up the world in my own little way is what I do. It it it used to condense all of those things I would say, yeah. Being able to bring a bit of joy to the world in my own little way.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: all of those spheres.
ISABELLA CAM: across all of those spheres is my thing.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Where
ISABELLA CAM: Where did your love of performing actually begin?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: your love of performing actually begin? I grew up as a little girl watching a lot of musical movies. So we used to watch all of the fun ones, you know, singing in the rain. I loved My Fair Lady, I was a lovely gentleman for blondes. And we had a great auntie and uncle that used to live across the street. And my mum would literally send us across the street and we could have ice cream, floatlets and jelly. And we would watch that more commonly.
ISABELLA CAM: I grew up as a little girl watching a lot of musical movies and so we used to watch all of the fun ones, you know, singing in the rain. I loved My Fair Lady, obviously I loved Gentlemen Fair Blondes and we had a a great auntie and uncle that used to live across the street and my mum would literally send us across the street and we could have ice cream floaters and jelly and we would watch like Monklum and Wise
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and the two Ronnies and then we would go to our grandparents and we could watch they had the entire collection of carry-on films so
ISABELLA CAM: and the two Ronnies and then we would go to our grandparents and we could watch they had the entire collection of carry on films. So my like childhood was very much influenced by watching all of those. but I never went to musical theatre school so I didn't I think I grew up in a councillor state in Essex. So it was never something that really crossed my mind to think of a dream that I could, you know,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: my like childhood was very much influenced by watching all of those but I never went to musical theatre school so I didn't I think I grew up in a council of St. Essex so it was never something that really crossed my mind to think of a dream that I could you
ISABELLA CAM: one day be in show business. And I started late. I was like twenty eight really when I started performing in cabaret. So yeah, I was very much inspired by the movies and T V shows with the comedy and you know show girls and all of those things.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: show business and I started late I was like 28 really when I started performing in camera I was very much inspired by the movies and TV shows with the comedy and show girls and all those things.
ISABELLA CAM: Did you always know you wanted to career in entertainment or did your career evolve along the way?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Did you always know you wanted a career in entertainment or did your career evolve along the way? Yeah it definitely evolved along the way. I think you know coming from a real working class cancer state it was like
ISABELLA CAM: Yeah, it definitely evolved along the way. I think, you know, coming from a real working class counselor's day, it was like you we we were never really encouraged to have dreams. It was like you got out and got a job because you had to help at home. So it was like I couldn't pursue a a career in showbiz. So I wanted to be a model initially. Like when I was younger I it's
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: We were never really encouraged to have dreams. was like you got a job because you had to help at home. So it was like I couldn't pursue a career in show business. So I wanted to be a model initially when I was younger. It's
ISABELLA CAM: so sad but at the time it was really an ideal I wanted to be a page free girl because like in the nineties and the early noughties it was like a big thing and I wanted to be a grammar model and that was something I really aspired to. and so I got into modelling and did a lot of modelling
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: so sad, but at the time it was really an ideal. I wanted to be a page free girl because like in the nineties and the early noughties it was like a big thing and I wanted to be able to have a model and that was something I really inspired to. And so I got into modeling and did a lot of modeling.
ISABELLA CAM: for quite a while and then I ended up being a stripper. shock horror. And I own it now and I do a talk about it about why I think everybody should be a stripper once in their life. But
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And I own it now and I do talk about it, about why I think everybody should be a stripper once in their life.
ISABELLA CAM: for a long time I didn't really tell people 'cause there's so much shame associated with that. But that was kind of my way into performing as well, because you know, in the strip clubs you do get up on stages and do poll shows and you learn to put on a performance. And so that little girl from Essex that maybe dreamt of being in show business but never thought they'd make that transition.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: a long time I didn't really tell people because there's so much shame associated with that. But that was kind of my way into performing as well because you know in the strip clubs you do get up on stages and do pole shows and you learn to put on a performance and so that little girl from Essex that maybe dreamt of being in show business but never thought they'd make that transition
ISABELLA CAM: Had found a little way, you know, in
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: had found a little way you know.
ISABELLA CAM: some random strip clubs of like, I can be on stage. And and I genuinely would make my own costumes in the strip club and put rhinestones on them. So I started early on
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: some random strip clubs and I be on stage and I generally would make my own costumes in the strip club and put rhinestones on them so I started early on.
ISABELLA CAM: in that, and then I went to see a burlesque show and I was
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to see a burlesque show and I was
ISABELLA CAM: absolutely hooked because I felt like it it encompassed everything. I loved the comedy, the costumes, the showgirls, the sparkles, the music, and I just absolutely fell in love with burlesque and I remember
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: absolutely hooked because I felt like it encompassed everything. I loved the comedy, the costumes, the show girls, the sparkles, the music and I just absolutely fell in love with burlesque and I remember
ISABELLA CAM: looking up at that stage and going and that feels like the place where I belong which
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: looking up at that stage and going and that feels like the place where I belong. which I think most performers find that thing and they go and see a show or get inspired by an artist and feel that sense of belonging. So yeah, I started in strip clubs when I was 20 and then by the time I reached 27, I think I went to see my first ballet show and started. And the first show I saw was an evening of ballet, which was the theatre tour that I then got scouted for eventually.
ISABELLA CAM: I think most performers find that thing, isn't it? And they go and see a show or get inspired by an artist and feel that sense of belonging. So yeah, I started in strip clubs when I was twenty and then I was Harm H twenty seven I think I went to see my first ballet show and started and the first show I saw was an evening of ballet, which was the theatre tour and that I then got scouted for eventually.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Wow. Was
ISABELLA CAM: Was there a particular moment where you thought, yes, this is what I want to do?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Was there a particular moment where you thought, yes, this is what I want to do?
ISABELLA CAM: Yeah, seeing that show. Honestly, because I saw it at my local theatre, so the Cliffs Pavilion in Essex. My nan used to take this there as kids to see Panto and I loved it. And so when I was like discovering burlesque and realised that this show was going to be on at that theatre, I went and y yeah, I just remember so viscerally looking up at the stage and just being like, I want to be a part of that.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Yeah, seeing that show. Honestly, because I saw it at my local theatre, so the Cliffs Pavilion in Essex. My nan used to take us there as kids to see Pantai at night, loved it. And so when I was discovering Balesque and realised that this show was going be on at that theatre, I went and yeah, I just remember so viscerally looking up at the stage and just being like, what a theatre,
ISABELLA CAM: Like that looks fun,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that looks...
ISABELLA CAM: like that is gonna be my life, and just deciding in that moment that that was what I was gonna be a part of and you know to go away and work really hard to sort of because I didn't know anything about burlesque and I would go on YouTube and watch all of the legends and learn about the history of burlesque and you know to watch as much material as I could find about it to really understand the power of the genre and the art form and what it means, and then
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that is going to be my life and just deciding in that moment that that was what I was going to be a part of and you know to go away and work really hard to sort of because I didn't know anything about burlesque and I would go on YouTube and watch all of the legends and learn about the history of burlesque and you know to watch as much material as I could find about it to really understand the power of the genre and the art form and what it means and then
ISABELLA CAM: to sort of
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to sort of
ISABELLA CAM: within I think like a year, a year and a half to be scouted for that show was just a full circle incredible moment. And then when we when I was performing in an evening a balesque and we got to do the Cliff Pavilion, I was just my god, I was beside myself because I was like this was the theatre where my nan took me as a kid and sadly she's not with us anymore but I remember standing in the wings thinking but she would be so proud like she would just it's really cool.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Within a year and a year and a half to be scouted for that show was just a full circle incredible moment. And then when I was performing in the evening in a ballet when we got to do the Chios Pavilion I was just beside myself. was like, this was a theatre where my nan took me as a kid. And sadly she's not with us anymore. But I remember standing in the wings thinking, I bet she would be so proud. Like, she would just stand there. It's really cool.
ISABELLA CAM: someone who's never experienced burlesque, how would you describe
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: never experienced burlesque, how would you describe
ISABELLA CAM: it?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: it?
ISABELLA CAM: It's a real it's a always a tricky one to describe
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: always a tricky one to describe
ISABELLA CAM: and I ask people this on my show as well and everybody gives me different answers. I think burlesque is a
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and I ask people this on my show as well and everybody gives me different answers. think I think burlesque is a variety of things for a variety of people but essentially the elements involve comedy predominantly, music, know, glamorous costumes and striptease.
ISABELLA CAM: variety of things to a variety of people but essentially the elements involve comedy predominantly, music, you know, glamorous costumes and striptease. I wouldn't say striptease is the first, I think comedy is the first, you know, because even though in burlesque we're quite often performing striptease
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I wouldn't say Strip Tease is the first, I think the comedy is the first, you know, because even though in burlesque we're quite often performing Strip Tease,
ISABELLA CAM: The i the the sexiness of the tease is always punctured by the cheeky wink or the little smile. but it's I would say burlesque is a two-way experience with your audience as well. You're not just up there performing at people. I think burlesque is a dialogue
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: the sexiness of the teases is always punctured by the cheeky wink or the little smile. But it's, I would say burlesque is a two-way experience with your audience as well. You're not just up there performing at people. I think burlesque is a dialogue.
ISABELLA CAM: with the audience and I think that's what makes it uniquely different to traditional musical theatre.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: with the audience and I think that's what makes it uniquely different to to traditional musical theatre. What's the thing you love most about performing in burlesque?
ISABELLA CAM: What's thing you love most about performing in burlesque? Just the fun. It is fun. I think the creative right that you have over your
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: right that you have over
ISABELLA CAM: own work in burlesque, indifferent to musical theatre, like
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: different to musical theatre.
ISABELLA CAM: in burlesque we create these little microcosms of worlds in our acts. So, you know, we build our own costume, we choose our own music, we do our own choreography, like everything is self-created from you know the these
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: In Burlesque we create these little microcosms of worlds in our acts. So we build our own costume, we choose our own music, we do our own choreography. Everything is self-created from these
ISABELLA CAM: deep parts of your brain where you have this middle of the night idea we go I'm gonna make that based around this you know my carousel horse act like sort of revolving carousel horse like in the middle of the night it's like I'm gonna make this and then you're going how
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: deep parts of your brain where you have this middle of the night idea and you go, I'm going to make an act based around this. My carousel horse act, revolving carousel horse. In the middle of the night, was like, I'm going to make it. And then you're going, how?
ISABELLA CAM: and so there's so much magic in that taking that idea and presenting it to your audience and I just love that creativity of it's your little pocket of joy that you take out into the world and you go out on a stage and you share
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And so there's so much magic in that taking that idea and presenting it to your audience. And I just love that creativity of... it's your little pocket of joy that you take out into the world and you go out on stage and you share.
ISABELLA CAM: This is my idea, this is my joy, and I hope it brings you as much joy. And I love that magic of the art. Really do.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: This is my idea, this is my joy and I hope it brings you as much joy. And I love that magic of the art that you do.
ISABELLA CAM: How do you create a character and a storyline for Burlesque's performance?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: How do you create a character and a storyline for Bare Less Performance?
ISABELLA CAM: I'm inspired by different things and different times. So I've got a My Fair Lady act, you know, we were talking earlier, you know, inspired by My Fair Lady. So that act was inspired by the Lady's Day at the Ascot races
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm inspired by different things and different times. So I've got a My Fair Lady act. We were talking earlier, know, inspired by My Fair Lady. So that act was inspired by the Lady's Day at the Ascot races
ISABELLA CAM: that she does with the big feathered hat and stuff, and that was my kind of homage to
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that she does with the big feathered hair and stuff. And that was my kind of homage
ISABELLA CAM: To that musical movie that I loved growing up.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to that musical movie that I loved growing up.
ISABELLA CAM: but then I've done acts that are totally different. I did a Viking Shield Maiden act in 2021 during when we were performing in and out of COVID, and it was so different for me because I'm so known for this like Hollywood glamour, mariling classic show gal look, and I wanted to create something that was totally not that and very raw and female empowered, so I just was you
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But then I've done apps that are totally different. I did a Viking Shield maiden app in 2021 during when we were performing in and out of COVID. And it was so different for me because I'm so known for this Hollywood gamma, Marilyn classic showdown look. And I wanted to create something that was totally not that. I'm very more female empowered. I just was.
ISABELLA CAM: know really into Viking.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I really into Vikings
ISABELLA CAM: at the time and I was like this would be a great idea for an act and I went away and like taught myself archery in the garden and because I was convinced that I wanted to shoot somebody on stage. I was like this I mean originally it was going to be a flame and arrow for health and safety reasons we couldn't do that. But yeah I taught myself archery and had somebody come in and teach us stage combat and you know source bits of costumes from all around the world.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: at the time and I thought this would be great idea for an act. I went away and taught myself archery in the garden because I wasn't convinced that I wanted to shoot somebody on stage. Originally it was going to be a flaming arrow for health and safety reasons so we couldn't do that. But yeah, I taught myself archery and had somebody come in and teach a stage combat and saw bits of costumes from all around the world.
ISABELLA CAM: to make the costume as authentic as I could make it. And I really enjoy that process of taking that idea. And I think you can take inspiration from anything, you know, you know, you can take inspiration from a movie or inspiration from a you know piece of cultural history or you could be inspired by a perfume bottle. Like that's the beauty of creating something for burlesque, you know, and the same with the Bert the carousel wars. Like that was almost really inspired
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to make the costume as authentic as I could make it. And I really enjoy that process of taking that idea. And I think you can take inspiration from anything. You can take inspiration from a movie or inspiration from a piece of cultural history, or you could be inspired by a perfume bottle. That's the beauty of creating something for burlesque. And the same with the Burt the Carousel horse. That was almost really inspired.
ISABELLA CAM: by the senior Mary Poppins and they all ride the carousel horses and you know from Dita Montees of course but I wanted to make my
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: by the scene in Mary Bobbins. And they all write the Carousel. And, know, Andita Vontes, of course, but I wanted to make my...
ISABELLA CAM: unique spin on it and the whole point of that act is I take my kind of pole dancing stripper skills and mix it with my burlesque and that was how that act was created. So I get inspired by many different things and I think when I'm going through the process I like collect a little do like collage
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: unique spin on it and the whole point of that act is I take my pole dancing stripper skills and mix it with my burlesque and that was how that act was created. So I get inspired by many different things and think when I'm going through the process I collect little, do collage images of my brain and then I'll lay it all out and it starts to grow and build and evolve from there.
ISABELLA CAM: images and my brain and then I'll lay it all out and it starts to grow and build build and evolve from there. But there's definitely lots of moments along the way where you go, yeah, that doesn't work how I thought it would which is the fun part of the learning curve,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: There's definitely lots of moments along the way where you go, yeah, that doesn't work out. thought it would. Which is the fun part of the learning curve.
ISABELLA CAM: yeah.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What's the funniest, strangest or most unexpected thing that's ever happened to you on stage?
ISABELLA CAM: What's the funniest, strangest, or most unexpected thing that's ever happened to you on stage? I was thinking about this the other day. See the picture
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I was thinking about this the other day. The picture came up in my memory. So on tour, for a little while we had a guy called Walt, he was our tour manager, and one day he brought his dog on tour with us. So this dog was on the tour bus and it great. were like, this little dog on the tour. Well, not so little actually, was quite a bit.
ISABELLA CAM: came up on my memory. So on tour, for a little while we had a guy called Walt, he was our tour manager, and one day he bought his dog on tour with us. So this dog was on the tour bus and it was great. We were like, there's a little dog on the tour. well, not so little, actually, it was quite a big Labrador or something. we were doing the show and this poor dog was in the dressing room.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: We were doing the show and this poor dog was in the dressing
ISABELLA CAM: Room and the dog was really upset about being in the dressing room as barking the whole time. And we were like standing in the wings thinking, my god, the audience must be able to hear this dog because it was like really barking. And so I went on to do my martini glass act, and Reuben Kaye was hosting the show at the time, and I love Reuben, it's a joy to work with Reuben. And so I go on to do this big glamorous martini-glass act with the big feathers and stuff, and I'm on stage,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: room and the dog was really upset about being in the dressing room barking the whole time. And we were like standing in the wings thinking, my God, the audience must be able to hear this dog because it was like really barking. And so I went on to do my Martini Glass Act and Ruben Kay was hosting the show all the time and I love Ruben, it was a joy to work with Ruben. And so I go on to do this big glamorous Martini Glass Act with the big feathers and stuff and on one stage...
ISABELLA CAM: and then I had seen the corner of my eye, the dog had busted out of the dressing room.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and then I'd see out the corner of my eye the dog had busted out of the dressing room
ISABELLA CAM: and had started to run onto the stage and I was like, dear God. And all I saw out of the corner of my eye was Ruben grabbed the dog by the two back legs and gently pull it back offside. And I just thought, I wonder if anyone saw that. did look, we distracted them with the rhinestones and the feathers. But yeah,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and had started to run onto the stage and I was like dear god and all I saw out the corner of my eye was Reuben grabbed the dog by the two back legs and sort of gently pulled it back off stage and I just thought I wonder if anyone saw that it did like we just struck them with the rhinestones and the feathers
ISABELLA CAM: that one really stuck for me because was like a dog running on stage. Like crazy.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: That one really stuck with me because there a dog running on stage. was crazy.
ISABELLA CAM: Is there a difference between performing in theatre and performing in burlesque or cabaret environment?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Is there a difference between performing in theatre and performing in burlesque or cabaret environment?
ISABELLA CAM: Yes, and I think you know, doing an evening of ballesse, which is a theatre show, is yeah, the difference between that and I guess performing in an intimate cabaret venue. Like when you're in an intimate cabaret venue, you can quite often get off the stage and interact with your audience and be really playful with them, and the distance between you and your audience is not as far in terms of your eye contact, so you you can it's the very, very intimate, but the trick which we found.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Yes, and I think doing an evening of Ballet, which is a theatre show, is the difference between that and guess performing in an intimate cabaret venue. When you're in an intimate cabaret venue, you can quite often get off the stage and interact with your audience and be really playful with them. And the distance between you and your audience is not as far in terms of your eye contact. it's very, very intimate. But the trick which we found
ISABELLA CAM: With an evening in a
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: with an evening blessed with then how do we create that intimacy in these big theatres where we're performing to sometimes 2,000 people.
ISABELLA CAM: burlesque, was then how do we create that intimacy in these big theatres where we're performing to sometimes 2,000 people?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And so learning that skill of like yes, you have to make everything bigger. All your body movements have to be bigger. But you also need to find a way to keep those intimate moments where you really feel like you're pulling the audience in with you. And so that was a skill that I really learned on that show. And I'm really grateful for my time on that show of having that developing that
ISABELLA CAM: and so learning that skill of like, yes, you have to make everything bigger, all your body movements have to be bigger, but you also need to find a way to keep those intimate moments where you really feel like you're pulling the audience in with you, and so that was a skill that I really learnt on that show, and I'm really grateful for my time on that show of having that developing that. understanding of like how do we take something that's really beautifully intimate and connected with your audience but also keep that feeling for the bigger
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: understanding of like, how do we take something that's really beautifully intimate and connective for your audience, but also keep that feeling for the stage and you can do it and it does the eye contact that you have with people and so it's getting that dynamic between performing out to a bigger room but also still picking on parts and the sections of the audience and you can create it still.
ISABELLA CAM: stage and you can do it and it does the eye contact that you have with people and so it's getting that dynamic between performing out to a bigger room but also still picking on parts and the the sections of the audience and you can you can create it still. Let's talk about Marilyn.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Let's talk about Marilyn.
ISABELLA CAM: How did that first become a Marilyn Monroe tribute artist?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: How did you first become a Marilyn Monroe tribute artist?
ISABELLA CAM: By accident. Complete accident. my friend
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: My friend used to do a little party called spontaneous combustion and we used to get together on a Monday night in this little 12th century vault in Rochester and lots of my friends
ISABELLA CAM: for their birthday used to do a little party called Spontaneous Combustion and we all used to get together on a Monday night in this little twelfth century vault in Rochester. And lots of my friends were entertainers and I didn't put I wasn't a performer at the time.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: were entertainers and I didn't, I wasn't a performer at the time. and sing and do poetry and play instruments and I'd just sit by and get drunk and enjoy everything. And they'd always tease
ISABELLA CAM: so they would get up and sing and do poetry and play instruments and I'd just sit at the bar and get drunk and enjoy everything.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: me and be like, you're next, you're next. And I was terrified of singing. I had to go run and hide in the toilet. I'd like, I'm not singing. And I started to perform in burlesque and people kept saying to me, we look like Marilyn when you're on stage. And I just thought they were being really nice. I thought, they're so sweet. Because you never imagine you can play an icon like Marilyn. And I told my friend Aaron one night.
ISABELLA CAM: And they'd always tease me and be You're next, you're next. And I was terrified of singing. I'd go run and hide in the toilet, but I'm not singing. and I'd started to perform in burlesque, and people kept saying to you look like Marilyn when you're on stage.' And I just thought they were being really nice. I thought, that's so sweet. because you never imagine you can play an icon like Marilyn. And I told my friend Aaron one night, I was like, 'People keep telling me I look like Marilyn, and he did this really drunk impression of Marilyn.' I thought, like,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I can you keep telling me I look like Marilyn? And he did this really drunk impression of Marilyn and I thought, you know the light the light bulb moment, I
ISABELLA CAM: you never like Bob. moment I like this will be a great surprise to do at his party because they'll never guess because they know I can't sing and I'm terrified. and so this would be a great idea and I love challenging myself to new things as well. And I phoned my friend and he's a vocal coach to the start so he taught Sam Smith and he's always telling me I can get anyone to sing and I'll ring him up and I say
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: thought, this will be a great surprise to do at his party because they'll never guess because they know I can't sing and I'm terrified. I thought, this will be a great idea and I love challenging myself to new things as well. And I phoned my friend and he's a vocal coach to the stars so he taught Sam Smith. He's always telling me I can get anyone to sing and I'm really much like that.
ISABELLA CAM: you keep telling me you
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: You keep telling me to think I'm terrible. Not only that, I'm terrified. I will probably run and hide in the cupboard, but I really want to do it as a surprise for our birthday. Will you help me?
ISABELLA CAM: can get anyone to sing. I'm terrible at not only that I'm terrified I will probably run and hide in the cupboard but I really want to do it as a surprise for our birthday like will you help me
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: So I spent six months having focusing lessons and rewatching all of her movies and falling in love with her again. And I got a pink dress made.
ISABELLA CAM: So I spent six months having like vocal singing lessons and what re-watching all of her movies and falling in love with her again. and I got a pink dress made, I pink, we've got a bit of comedy, and I I genuinely would have panic attacks driving to my singing lessons because I was that afraid of singing. I think if people saw me on stage now doing a whole one-woman show, they were I was like literally hyperpendiling. so yeah, I learned and pushed myself through something that was absolutely
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm a bit of a and I genuinely would have panic attacks driving to my singing lessons because I was that afraid of singing. think think if people saw me on stage now doing a whole one-worn show, they would have like, I was literally a husband laying. So yeah, learned and pushed myself through something that was absolutely
ISABELLA CAM: Absolutely terrifying to me, and but I wanted to do it as a surprise for a friend, you know. I think if you have a really good reason, and I
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: terrifying to me. But I wanted to do it as a surprise for a friend. I think we have a really good reason.
ISABELLA CAM: came out on his birthday, and everybody gasped because they were like,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: came out on his birthday and everybody gasped because they were like
ISABELLA CAM: because I did the Marilyn voice, and all my friends were like, She's
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: because they did the Marilyn voice and all my friends were like she's
ISABELLA CAM: from Essex, she doesn't talk like that. and I did the jokes, and I sung Diamonds of Girls Best Friend, and I got my friend up and sung him happy birthday, and just to see the magic of the look on his face when I did that, and I was like, this is
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: from Essex, she doesn't do that. And I did the jokes and I sung Darnage Regards My Friend and I got my friend up and sang him Happy Birthday just to see the magic of the look on his face when I did that. And I was like this is
ISABELLA CAM: great
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: great.
ISABELLA CAM: and then like most things it got filmed and put on the internet and then people get asking me to do it and I was like is this a job
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and then like most things it got filmed and put on the internet and then people get asking me to do it and I was like is this a job? didn't know being a tribute or a look-alike was a job and I never imagined that I could play Marilyn because she's such an icon I mean what an honour and a privilege you know I feel that I've been able to play her for 13 years now I think
ISABELLA CAM: like I didn't know being a tribute or a lookalike was a job and I never imagined that I could play Marilyn because she's such an icon I mean what an honour and a privilege you know I feel that I've been able to play her for 13 years now I think
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But
ISABELLA CAM: but it did start as an accident that I didn't set up to do it and I'm so grateful
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But it did start as an accident, but I did set out to do it. And I'm so grateful
ISABELLA CAM: for the experiences it's taken me on and portraying her and keep
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: for the experiences it's taken me on portraying her and her, the way I see it is keeping her legacy alive so people can remember her and enjoy her. But totally wasn't a
ISABELLA CAM: keeping the way I see it is like keeping her legacy alive so people can remember her and enjoy her. So yeah, but to wasn't a plan.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What is it about Marilyn that fascinates you and makes you want
ISABELLA CAM: fascinates you and makes you want to bring her to life?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to bring her to life?
ISABELLA CAM: I think because she was so misunderstood, you know, we society has a tendency to put her in this dumb blonde character persona that you know she created. But behind all of that, when you really know her and get to understand her and how well
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I think because she was so misunderstood. Society has a tendency to put her in this dumb blonde character persona that she created. But behind all of that when you really know her and get to understand her and how well-read she was and how hard she worked to create Marilyn. She would be up all night working with her acting coach.
ISABELLA CAM: read she was and how hard she worked to create Marilyn, you know, she would be up all night working with her acting coach. And in her early days, Natasha Litesk, they would be up working on her diction and her posture. She worked so hard. And she was very funny. And I think she achieved some great things in her career as well. To be one of the early women in Hollywood to set up her own production company. And people
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: In her early days, Natasha Lateskla would be up working on her diction and her posture. She worked so hard and she was very funny. And I think she achieved some great things in her career as well, to be one of the early women in Hollywood to set up her own production company.
ISABELLA CAM: don't shout about that enough. I think she falls victim to everybody talking about this tragic end of her life, or you know, people want to talk about her.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: shout about that enough. she falls victim to everybody talking about this tragic end of her life or you know people want to talk about her prescription
ISABELLA CAM: Prescription medications and things like that, and I think you
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: medications and things like that.
ISABELLA CAM: miss all of the beautiful things that she did do with her life, and how much of a talented, complex woman she was, and that humour, and that light, and that joy. I think I when I first started watching lots of Marilyn shows and going and studying, when I wanted to figure out what my show would be, so many of the shows I found really depressing. So I was god,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: miss all of the beautiful things that she did do with her life and how much of a talented, complex woman she was and that humour and that light and that joy I think, when I first started watching lots of marionette shows and going and studying when I wanted to figure out what my show would be, so many of the shows I found really depressing.
ISABELLA CAM: why does everyone focus on the negative?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: She had so much joy and so much
ISABELLA CAM: Like, she had so much joy and so much. light in her life and so much beauty and and wonderful things so it really helped me direct my show because I wanted it to be a celebration of Marilyn and an evening with experience so it was always about the joy and the fun and the humour of Marilyn
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: light in her life and so much beauty and wonderful things. So it really helped me direct my show because I wanted it to be a celebration of Marilyn and an evening with experience. So it was always about the joy and the fun and the humour of Marilyn.
ISABELLA CAM: and so yeah it kind of she just continues to amaze me and inspire me and I was lucky enough to spend a week in LA for her 100th birthday. Wow and we had a little party on her birthday and I learned so much
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: She just continues to amaze me and inspire me and I was lucky enough to spend a week in LA for her 100th birthday. We had little party on her birthday and I learnt so much when I was there from the people as well. Always learning but I just, I like to get her story and her legacy told a little bit lighter and a little bit brighter because she's so misunderstood.
ISABELLA CAM: When I was there from the people as well. always learning, but I just I like to get her story and her legacy told a little bit lighter and a little bit brighter because she's so misunderstood. research goes into becoming Marilyn? Is it just about the look or the studies, her voice, mannerisms, and personality too?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: How much research goes into becoming Marilyn? Is it just about the look or the study of her voice, honorisms and personality
ISABELLA CAM: Yeah, all
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: too? of that.
ISABELLA CAM: of it. I like I think when you're gonna for me, there's such big shoes to fill, and I never wanted.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I think when you're gonna, for me, there's such big shoes to fill and I never wanted to
ISABELLA CAM: To be seen as somebody that just bought a blonde wig and put on some rhythmic stick, you know. I wanted it to be honouring her and respecting the craftsmanship that she put into being Marilyn.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: be seen as somebody that just just bought a blonde wig and put on some lipstick, you know? I wanted it to be honouring her and respecting the craftsmanship that she put into being Marilyn. So yeah, I went, I've already watched lots of her movies, but I literally went through and watched all of them again and scoured the internet for every interview that I could find when she was talking in her real voice and not talking in her screen voice. There's definitely a difference. And watching all the interviews
ISABELLA CAM: so yeah, I went I'd already watched lots of her movies, but I literally went through and watched all of them again and scoured the internet for every interview that I could find when she was talking in her real voice and not talking in her scream voice, because there's definitely a difference, and watching on the interviews and documentaries about her life and really trying to understand the woman that she was as a whole person.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and documentaries about her life and really trying to understand the woman that she was as a whole person.
ISABELLA CAM: continuing to learn like I say like going out to LA and being around those people and I've just been to the National Portrait Gallery to see the the the exhibition that they have there and and I'm part of the Marilyn Remembered Fan Club and these people are amazing because they know everything about Marilyn. So if there's anything I'm not sure about you can go in the group and I can ask them and
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: continuing to learn. can say like going out to LA and being around those people and I've just been to the National Portrait Gallery to see the exhibition that they have there and I'm part of the Marilyn Remember fan club and these people are amazing because they know everything about Marilyn so if there's anything I'm not sure about I'm going to ask them and they've got a Marilyn, All Things Marilyn podcast. why not? And I learned so much there as well. So I think it's really important for me, if I'm somebody as important as that, the best thing I can do to honour her is to try and learn as much as I can about her.
ISABELLA CAM: got a a Marilyn, all things Marilyn podcast. wow and I learned so much there as well. So I think it's really important for me if I'm playing somebody as important as that, the best thing I can do to honour her is to try and learn as much as I can about her.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that I can give correct factual information. And just, yeah.
ISABELLA CAM: And so when people ask me questions backstage that I can give correct factual information,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: here to like put on a wig and some lipstick and you know make a buck play in her. is about honouring her memory. What's the most memorable reaction you've ever had from
ISABELLA CAM: and just yeah, I try and honour her. I'm not here to like put on a wig and some lipstick and, you know, make a quick buck playing her. It is about honouring her memory. reaction you've ever had from an audience watching your performance as Marathon?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What's the most memorable reaction you've ever had from an audience watching your performance as Marilyn?
ISABELLA CAM: Not necessarily from a show, I would say I'd 'cause sometimes I do it in care homes as well.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: because sometimes I do it in care homes as well. Because I think it's really important
ISABELLA CAM: Wow, wow. Because I think it's really important these people don't get out they don't have the luxury to get out and see live entertainment. So if in my free time during the week I can go do that for them, that is important.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Because I think it's really important that these people don't get out, they don't have the luxury to get out and see live entertainment. if in my free time during the week I can go do that for them, that is important. formal and in white dress, and I was walking down the hallway and the lady, one of the nurses,
ISABELLA CAM: but I remember turning up at a care home, four marin in white dress, and I was Walking down the hallway, and the lady, one
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: introduced me to a gentleman.
ISABELLA CAM: of the nurses, introduced me to a gentleman. And you know, a lot of them have dementia and Alzheimer's, and you know, that's you know, it's but she introduced me to this gentleman, and he literally just burst into tears because he didn't know I wasn't her, he thought I was her, yeah, and he was like, It's you, like, and he the tears were running down, and I took his hands and he was like, I can't believe it's you and you're here. And I was like trying not to well out when I said.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But she introduced me to this gentleman and he literally just burst into tears because he didn't know I wasn't her, he thought I was her. And he was like, it's you! And the tears were running down and I took his hands and he was like, I can't believe it's you and you're here! And I was like, try not to well out last
ISABELLA CAM: Full character because I felt he deserved that. Like, you know, in his mind
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: day, full character, because I felt he deserved that.
ISABELLA CAM: I was her and he was meeting Marilyn. And that was just like just such an incredible honour to be present for that, to keep that magic for somebody. So that I guess that probably was a big one. And then maybe when so well you did an evening of burlesque at the Adelphi on the West End.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and he was meeting Marilyn and that was just like just such an incredible honour that magic for someone. So I guess that probably was a big one and then maybe when so we did an evening of burlesque at the Adelphi on the West End. Yes. And so my comedy Yes. And so my comedy Marilyn segment was part of that show.
ISABELLA CAM: Yes. And so my comedy Marilyn segment was part of that show. So that was also really like to be on the West End as somebody who didn't go to musical theatre school and didn't do any formal kind of training to not only be performing ballesse but be performing Marilyn in that space that was a real honour because the Adelphi is such an incredible theatre. So yeah.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: So that was also really, to be on the West End as somebody who didn't go to musical theatre school and didn't do any formal kind of training to not only be performing Bélaise but be performing Marilyn in that space, that was a real honour because The Adelphi is such an incredible theatre. It's beautiful.
ISABELLA CAM: Two totally different experiences but both you know really beautiful.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: If Marilyn Monroe could give you one piece of advice about performing today,
ISABELLA CAM: could give you one piece of advice about performing today, what do you think she'd say?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: what do think she'd say?
ISABELLA CAM: Probably work hard and keep the glamour alive. Yeah. Because she did work hard. I think people
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: people don't realise how much craftsmanship went into playing Marilyn.
ISABELLA CAM: don't realise how much craftsmanship
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: body.
ISABELLA CAM: went into playing Marilyn. But yeah, probably work hard and keep the glamour alive.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What's the thing you love most about performing in ballet? Yeah, I know one. You're also a confidence and empowerment coach. What does confidence actually
ISABELLA CAM: and empowerment coach. What does confidence actually need to be?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: mean to you?
ISABELLA CAM: I think confidence is like
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: fear and do it anyway. So confidence doesn't come without having courage, but we have to have courage
ISABELLA CAM: for me is the ability to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to get out and do things. I think, I believe that everybody can learn to be confident and it didn't necessarily dawn on me straight away because I've been
ISABELLA CAM: So confidence comes doesn't come without having courage first. We have to have courage to get out and do things and I think I believe that everybody can learn to be confident and it didn't necessarily dawn on me straight away because I've been performing for a long time and you know, as performers we go out on stage and we chat to people and we go travelling around the world on our own and all these things that become natural to us. And then
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and it didn't necessarily dawn on me straight away because I've been performing for a long time and you know, as performers we go out on stage and we chat to people and we go traveling around the world and around and all these things that become natural to us. And then
ISABELLA CAM: when I would come home and talk to friends and family or meet people and they'd be God, I know how you do that. I
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: when I would come home and talk to friends and family or meet people and they're like, God, I don't know how you do that.
ISABELLA CAM: wouldn't have the confidence.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: wouldn't have the confidence.
ISABELLA CAM: And it really took me a moment to go, wow, yeah, other people don't have this same world experience that I have.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And it really took me a moment to go, wow, yeah, people don't have this same world experience that I have.
ISABELLA CAM: But also I know it's a skill you can learn because I learnt it myself. When
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But also, I know it's a skill you can learn because I learned it myself. When
ISABELLA CAM: I was in my mid-twenties, I had massive depression and anxiety. Like I was too afraid to leave the house at one point. Like going to Tesco is to buy milk was a panic attack in itself. And so the skills of confidence and being out in public and you know, was something I had to learn and build up. My belief in myself and that pushing myself to do things that were scary.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I was in my mid-twenties, I had massive depression and anxiety. I was too afraid to leave the house at one point. Like going to Tesco is to my milk, was a panic attack in itself. And so the skills of confidence and being out in public was something I had to learn and build up my belief in myself and that pushing myself to do things that were scary.
ISABELLA CAM: And just took it extremely, extremely extremely and became a performer. But confidence is so important to the quality of life that we have if we let our fears get the better of us. Our world becomes so much smaller, doesn't it? People stop going out and they don't socialise. And I want everybody to live a
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and just took it extremely, extremely, and became a performer. But confidence is so important to the quality of life that we have if we let our fears get the better of us. Our world becomes so much smaller, doesn't it? People stop going out, they don't socialise.
ISABELLA CAM: big, happy, full life. Like the way that it I don't think everyone should not everybody's gonna wanna do what I do and be on stage and travel the world, but I want people to live their fullest
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: everybody to live a big happy full life. Like the way that, I don't think everyone should, not everybody's gonna wanna do what I do and be on stage and travel the world, but I want people to live
ISABELLA CAM: version of their life, whatever that means to them. And so if I can teach them the skills and the knowledge and the practical things that they can do to facilitate that, it to me feels like I'm really giving back to the world as a whole, you know, to be able to take all of the
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: their fullest version of their life, whatever that means to them. And so if I can teach them the skills and the knowledge and the practical things that they can do to facilitate that, it to me feels like I'm really giving back to the world as a whole. and be able to take all of the knowledge and learning that I have from my life experiences and how I've had to push myself and grow and work on my confidence. If I can help, you know, five people up with their journey,
ISABELLA CAM: knowledge and learning that I have through my life experiences and how I've had to push myself and grow and work on my confidence. If I can help, you know, five people up with their jet, that's a gift though.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Yeah.
ISABELLA CAM: to someone who really wants to perform but Do it anyway. Do it for you.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What would you say to someone who really wants to perform but is terrified of being judged? Do it for you. Like, you're going to be judged regardless and
ISABELLA CAM: Do it anyway. Do it for you. Like you're gonna be judged regardless. And what I've learnt over the years is other people's opinions don't matter. What matters is your opinion of you and how you see yourself. And when you really get to grips with that, to worry less about what other people think and really follow what makes your heart and sit like sing
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: other people's opinions don't matter. What matters is your opinion of you and how you see yourself. And when you really get to grips with that, to worry less about what other people think and really follow what makes your heart and sing.
ISABELLA CAM: If it sets your heart on fire and lights your world up, your art is going to have that same effect for other people too. But if you don't put yourself out there, you'll never find your tribe.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: If it sets your heart You're going to be judged regardless world up, your art is going to have that same effect for other people too. But if you don't put yourself out there, you'll never find your tribe.
ISABELLA CAM: So, yeah, to really feel the fear and do it anyway. And just don't worry about other what other people do. You're never going to be everybody's company. you know, Dieter Fonties famously says that could be the juiciest, ripest peach in the world, but there'll still be somebody that doesn't like peaches. It's so that you're not going to be.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: So yeah, to really feel the fear and do it anyway. And just don't worry about what other people think. You're never gonna be everybody's cup of tea. And indeed if one tease famously says that you could be the juiciest, ripest peach in the world, but there'll still be somebody that doesn't like peaches, it's so that you're not gonna be
ISABELLA CAM: Everybody's cup of tea, and that's okay, you're not meant to be, but you have to put yourself out there to find your audience. So just
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: everybody's cup of tea. And that's okay, you're not meant to be. But you have to put yourself out there to find your audience. So just...
ISABELLA CAM: have that courage, take that step, and just do it. And you will have a great time, and you will also have fun stories, too.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: have that courage, take that step and just do it. And you will have a great time and you will also have fun stories too. sometimes confidence being around lots of people can be difficult. What advice would you give to someone like
ISABELLA CAM: around lots of people can be difficult. What advice would you give to someone like me who wants to perform?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: me who wants to perform? me who wants to perform?
ISABELLA CAM: Find out your parameters and learn
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: your parameters and
ISABELLA CAM: your skills, and like I was saying.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: skills and like I always
ISABELLA CAM: To people, have your toolkit? Like I know my younger sister has autism, so she struggles socially. so we find tools in her toolkit that make the experience of the world more comfortable for her. So building your little toolkit of like not letting your
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: say to people have your toolkit like I know my younger sister has autism so she struggles socially and so we find tools in her toolkit that make the experience of the world more comfortable for her so building your little toolkit of like not letting your
ISABELLA CAM: abilities
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: abilities
ISABELLA CAM: make your world smaller. You can still do things but it's finding the little tools in your till kit that make it less stressful
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: small and you can still do things it's finding the little tools in your toolkit that make it
ISABELLA CAM: for you. So my sister particularly finds noise really overwhelming, you know, her autism. So we've got her the little the loopies. yeah. So she can go out and socialise still without having that intensity of the noise. so it's finding what little things trigger you and kind of going away and going, how can I
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: for you so my sister particularly finds noise really overwhelming you know for autism so we've got her the little loopies yeah she can go out and socialize still without having that intensity of the noise and so it's finding what little things trigger you and kind of going away and going
ISABELLA CAM: Implement something that makes that less stressful for me but allows me to also still enjoy that experience, and those little things will be different for everybody because you know it affects people in their own unique way. Like I have dyslexia, so the way I experience the world with my dyslexia is different as well, and I have to find all of these little tools and tricks in my toolkit to make sure that I can still go out and experience the world.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: something that makes that less stressful for me but allows me to also still enjoy that experience and those little things will be different for everybody because it affects people in their own unique way. Like I have dyslexia so the way I experience the world with my dyslexia is different as well and I have to find all of these little tools and tricks in my toolkit to make sure that I can still go out and experience the world.
ISABELLA CAM: But I think don't I would say don't let a label stop.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But I think don't let a label stop you from going out and enjoying your life. There is a way that you can find to still enjoy that experience, understanding what triggers you and what can you put in place to make it less of
ISABELLA CAM: From going out and enjoying your life, there is a way that you can find to still enjoy that experience, but understanding what triggers you and what can you put in place to make it less of a friction for you
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Do you think being
ISABELLA CAM: to still enjoy that experience.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: you think being different can actually become a strength when you're a performer?
ISABELLA CAM: to still enjoy that experience. Absolutely. It's a superpower. I think especially more and more as you get into the industry and you chat backstage to people, so many of us
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: more and more as you get into the industry and you chat backstage to people, so many of us, and if I don't use the politically correct term, I'm sorry, so many of us that have...
ISABELLA CAM: and if I don't use the politically correct term, I'm sorry. So many of us that have
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: a strange world. The
ISABELLA CAM: it like on the spectrum but they just feel such a strange world. Like the creative world is full of us. Like we're all there together hanging out. And I love that. You know, we're all there, people with autism, ADHD, AUDHD, dyslexic people, whatever this colourful spectrum is, you will find your people in cabaret. There's something
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: spectrum but they just produce such a strange world. The creative world is full of us. We're all there together and I love that. We're all there, people with autism, AUDHD, dyslexic people, whatever this colourful spectrum is, you will find your people in Cabaret. There's something...
ISABELLA CAM: there's something about having your brain wired slightly different that is actually really helpful and beneficial for arts and creative work.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: There's something about having your brain wired slightly different that is actually really helpful and beneficial for arts and creative work.
ISABELLA CAM: and I think kind of learning that once you get into the community and you go, yeah, they've they've got this or they've got that, and they still go on stage and do their thing, it gives you that confidence and that reassurance that you can go out and do these things and chase your dreams. And if anything, it becomes a superpower because
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And I think kind of learning that once you get into the community and you go, yeah, they've got this or they've got that and they still go on stage and do their thing. It gives you that confidence and that reassurance that you can go out and do these things and chase your dreams. And if anything, it becomes a superpower. because you see the world in a different way. Like having,
ISABELLA CAM: you see the world in a different way. Like having you know, dyslexia for me, I think as a performer helps me read the room differently because my brain functions differently. I process facial expressions differently. I hear sounds differently. I'm able to hold two thoughts at the same time because of my dyslexia. So I don't see it as a disadvantage 'cause maybe it makes me late for things and I'm not great at reading, but as
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: you know, dyslexia for me, I think as a performer helps me read the room differently because my brain functions differently. I process facial expressions differently. I hear sounds differently. I'm able to hold two thoughts at the same time because of my dyslexia. So I don't see it as a disadvantage because maybe it makes me late for things and I'm not great at reading, but... as super power, a performer, it's really helpful. And you can, as a, I think
ISABELLA CAM: a superpower, as a performer, it's really helpful. And you can as a I think when you have one of these kind of
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: when you have one of these kind of...
ISABELLA CAM: you know I don't feel like I feel like they're gifts like when you have one of these gifts as a performer and a creative it becomes your superpower you're able to envision things in a way that other people that don't have your gift can so it's just honouring it and
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: to envision things in a way that other people that don't have your gift can. So it's just honouring it and enjoy it and celebrate it and own it and it's your unique little gift. You're also the host behind Burles podcast.
ISABELLA CAM: enjoy it and celebrate it and own it and it's your unique little gift. your unique little gift.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: You're also the host behind Burles podcast. What made you want to start your own podcast?
ISABELLA CAM: You're also the host behind Burlesque Because again, being backstage with performers over the years, I'm endlessly curious about people's journey of what got them into performing, you know, what inspired them in the first place. You know, did they go to musical or theatre school? Did they learn from their parents? They when they're like me and they just watched a load of movies and musicals and just wanted to do it. And I would always sit backstage whenever I'd meet a new performer and I'd be like,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Because again, being backstage with performers over the years, I'm endlessly curious about people's journey of what got them into performing, know, what inspired them in the first place. know, did they go to musical theatre school? Did they learn from their parents? Like when they're like me, they just watched a load of movies and musicals and just wanted to do it. And I would always sit backstage whenever I'd meet a new performer, like, so what got you into it? And I love hearing their stories because I think...
ISABELLA CAM: What got you into it? And I love hearing their stories because I think the beauty and the humanness of sitting there and witnessing somebody's story is magical to me. Like I love that glimpse into somebody's mind of who
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: The beauty and the humanness of sitting there and witnessing somebody's story is magical to me. I love that glimpse into somebody's mind of set their heart on what they want to become and they chase that and go for it. And so I kind of felt a little bit selfish. I was like, I get to hear all of these stories and I find them inspiring. Every performer I've met has inspired me in some way.
ISABELLA CAM: they are and how people set their heart on what they want to become and they chase that and go for it. And so I kind of felt a little bit selfish. So I was like, I get to hear all of these stories and I find them inspiring. You know, every performer
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I said, I want to
ISABELLA CAM: I've met has inspired. inspired me in some way. I was like, I want to share these with the world because there's so much that's transferable in performer stories of like these people were inspired by something. They had the courage to take action and they followed it through and they built their confidence, they built their resilience. And so many of those skills people can kind of recognise in everyday life of like, well that's how that person got from being somebody that I don't know worked
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: share these with the world because there's so much that's transferable in performer stories of like these people were inspired by something, they had the courage to take action and they followed it through and they built their confidence, they built their resilience and so many of those skills people can kind of recognise in everyday life and go, well that's how that person got from being somebody that worked in an office to being a stand-up comedian travelling the world.
ISABELLA CAM: in an office to
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But
ISABELLA CAM: Being a stand-up comedian traveler in the world, you know, but we don't hear those stories because we only ever see the finished product on stage. So it was a really important to create this space where people could hear the journey, so the beginning right through,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: we don't hear those stories because we only ever see the finished product on stage. So it was really important to create this space where people could hear the journey. So the beginning right through and then their wisdom that they bring with them.
ISABELLA CAM: and then their wisdom that they bring with that.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: What's your favourite thing about interviewing other performers and creatives?
ISABELLA CAM: through, and then their wisdom that they bring with that. What's your favorite thing
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: for years. It's been brilliant because I get to have some of my friends on the show and I ask them these questions and I'm like, how did I not know
ISABELLA CAM: so many new things, even people that I've known for years. Like it just it's been brilliant because I get to have some of my friends on the show. show and I ask them these questions, I'm like, how did I not know that about you? I've shared a dressing room with you ten times. but it's just an honor and a privilege to be able to continue to learn from those that I admire and respect. And I admire and respect everybody
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that about you? I've shared a dressing room with you 10 times. But it's just an honour and a privilege to be able to continue to learn from those that I admire and respect. And I admire and respect everybody that has the courage to step on the stage.
ISABELLA CAM: that has the courage to step on a stage. And
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: there's always so much value as a performer to continue to learn. Don't ever think you know it all. You can always learn something from the person sitting next to you in the dressing room. So being humble enough to continue
ISABELLA CAM: There's always so much value as a performer to continue to learn. Don't ever think you know it all. You can always learn something from the person sitting next to you in the dressing room. So being humble enough to continue that.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm obviously doing something similar with Barney's Backstage Podcast. What's the
ISABELLA CAM: advice you could give to me as a young podcast host? Just
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: advice you could give to me as a young podcast host?
ISABELLA CAM: keep going and enjoy it. we're nearly a year into Behind Burlesque and it You start with so much joy and enthusiasm, and then when you realise the work behind the scenes of the editing and creating the reels and the social media posts and the actual nitty-gritty of it, and you kind of think, it's gonna
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: We're nearly a year into Behind Balesque and you start with so much joy and enthusiasm and then when you realise the work behind the scenes of the editing and creating the reels and the social media posts and the actual nitty-gritty of it and you kind of think, it's going to grow and it's going to happen like this and then it doesn't
ISABELLA CAM: grow and it's gonna happen
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: but you
ISABELLA CAM: like this and then it doesn't but you have to stay focused on your dream and your
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and then it doesn't but you have to stay focused on your dream and your...
ISABELLA CAM: vision of why like never lose sight of your reason why, that will keep you going when it's hard and you you're not getting the views that you want or you think this person deserves like a hundred million people to see their story and it's not reaching that but yeah just never giving up hope and just keep getting the reps in and every time it just becomes more easy and more free-flowing and it's a skill it's
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: sight of your real life. That will keep you going when it's hard and you're not getting the views that you want or you think this person deserves like a hundred million people to see their story and it's not reaching that but yeah just never giving up hope and just keep getting the reps in and every time it just becomes more easy and more free flowing and it's a skill
ISABELLA CAM: You build, but just enjoy the enjoy the journey with it, I would say.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: that you build but just enjoy the enjoy the journey with that would say.
ISABELLA CAM: Your career's taking you in many different directions. Do you think performers should be open to trying lots of different things?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Your career has taken you in many different directions. Do you think performers should be open to trying lots of different things?
ISABELLA CAM: I always just I say yes to a lot of things and then figure out how I'm going to do it after. Which is like the best way to live, like
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: always just, I say yes to a lot of things and then figure out how I'm to do it all. Which is like the best way to live, like
ISABELLA CAM: to not pigeonhole yourself into one particular thing. sometimes as performers, we're like, I only do this, and it's like your skills are always trying to.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: not pigeonhole yourself into one particular thing. Sometimes as performers we're like, I only do this. And it's like your skills are always transferable.
ISABELLA CAM: and I'm somebody that always likes to try new things and
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: And I'm somebody that always likes to try new things. grow as a performer and artist. yeah, not pigeonhole yourself into one particular thing, know that you can grow, know that you can go and learn a new skill you want to, and even, you know, say you go and do another course and learn something from another performer, you might not use it then, but you might use it in a few years' time. always continue to grow.
ISABELLA CAM: grow as a performer and an artist, so yeah, to not pigeonhole yourself into one particular thing, know that you can grow, know that you can go and learn a new skill if you want to, and even you know, say you go and do another course and learn something from another performer, you might not use it then, but you might use it in a few years' time. So always continue to grow and learn, and just branch out and try
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Try
ISABELLA CAM: your art
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: your art
ISABELLA CAM: and your work in different spaces with different people and you kind of open your world a lot more in that way.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and your work in different What's the hardest part working in entertainment that audiences don't see?
ISABELLA CAM: logging 30 kilo suitcases up downstairs.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Logging 30 kilo suitcases up and down stairs?
ISABELLA CAM: I would say, yeah, the real the
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I would say, yeah, the real... It's not glamorous backstage, like always. I've got tributary toilets. And even with the theatre tour, people thought we were living this...
ISABELLA CAM: It's not glamorous backstage, like always. I've got changing toilets. you know, and even like with the theatre tour, you know, people thought we were living this glamorous high life, like, your headline in Europe's largest tour in Malaysia and you're on the poster and you're you're the theatres and it must be amazing. And I'm like, Yes and I spend eight to nine hours sitting in the back of a minivan like this trying to get some sleep, eating my food out of Tumblrware, you know, it's you have to be dedicated. but I think the
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm like, yes, and I spend eight to nine hours sitting in the back of a minivan like this, trying to get some sleep, eating my food out of Tupperware. know, you have to be dedicated. But I think the
ISABELLA CAM: people needs I guess you don't see for the eight minutes that we might be on stage eight minutes of magic could be
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: people needs, I guess you don't see for the eight minutes that we might be on stage, eight minutes of magic could be...
ISABELLA CAM: eight hundred hours of work you know the costuming the editing the music the practicing the choreography the the whole day that you spend ready the setting your hair the night before the rehearsals the constant repairing costumes
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: 800 hours of work. The costumeing, the editing the music, the practicing the choreography, the whole day that you spend ready, the setting your hair the night before, the rehearsals, the constant repairing costumes.
ISABELLA CAM: But we make it look effortless. but it's a lot of work and you have to love it, because
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: we make it Effortless-less. But it's a lot of work and you have to love it.
ISABELLA CAM: otherwise you won't survive
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: otherwise you won't survive
ISABELLA CAM: the lugging suitcases. And go to the gym. Go to the gym helps with the suitcases.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: How do you deal with rejection or moments where things don't go according to plan?
ISABELLA CAM: have to not throw your toys out in the pram, like you know, I think younger performers take it so personally. 'Cause I see a lot of it on the internet. I'm like, I've emailed so many producers and nobody's got back to you. Like people don't have time. They've got two hundred people emailing them. Like it to don't take it so personally. In that sense, you are just a number.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: take it so personally. I see a lot of it on the internet, like, I've emailed so many producers and nobody's got back to you. People don't have time. They've got 200 people emailing them. Don't take it so personally. that sense, you are just a number.
ISABELLA CAM: But yeah, build a little bit of resilience. And I think having kindness to yourself, trust in yourself, believing in your work, just keep working hard, not taking
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But yeah, build a little bit of resilience. I think having kindness to yourself, trusting yourself, believing in your work, just keep working hard.
ISABELLA CAM: it personally. No is sometimes a blessing, you know. Like I got told so many no's from Proud Cabaret when I auditioned like every year for seven years. I was like, I'm
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: personally, no is sometimes a blessing. I got told so many no's from Proud Cabaret when I auditioned every year.
ISABELLA CAM: never gonna get in. Why am I not good enough? Like, you have to kind of step away from that. That all of those seven years of a no.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: have to kind of step away from that, that all of those seven years of no,
ISABELLA CAM: culminated in when COVID happened and the venue shut and they completely recast the show. I got called and I got to go and be in that show and I got to perform with people like Duncan from Blue and Denise Van Out and Bill Bailey and Julian Clary. Like people I idolise. Clary, I love Julian Clary. Absolute delight to work with. But I'd had seven years of no's
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: culminated in when Covid happened in the venue shop and they completely recast the show, I got called and I got to go and be in that show and I got to perform with people like Duncan and Blue and Denise went out and did Bailey and Junie and Clary, people I idolised. Clary loved Junie and Clary. Absolute delight directly. But I'd had seven years of no's. So don't take the no to heart. You have to keep going and you have to believe that maybe
ISABELLA CAM: so don't take the no to heart. You have to keep going and you have to believe that maybe
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: eventually the no will be a yes or maybe that no is a redirection for another opportunity. But just
ISABELLA CAM: Eventually the no will be a yes, or maybe that no is a redirection for another opportunity. But just keep working on your craft, keep believing in yourself, you know, keep the hope, keep the faith, remind yourself of why you're doing
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: yourself of
ISABELLA CAM: it, and just keep going, and you'll be fine. fine.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: was one thing you'd wish you'd known when you were starting your career? stuff at the end, like you have to start with a delusional level of hope and optimism and if you knew everything at the start you wouldn't be so delusional and optimistic and hopeful I guess.
ISABELLA CAM: No, because I think if you know stuff at the like you have to start with a delusional level of hope and optimism, and if you knew everything at the start, you wouldn't be so delusional and optimistic and hopeful, I guess. What would I tell myself? If I could go back to telling myself,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm
ISABELLA CAM: I would just say just keep you're gonna have the best time. I
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: secrets of
ISABELLA CAM: wouldn't tell myself any of the secrets. I'd be like Just work hard kid and you're gonna have a great time.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: If there's a young person watching this who wants to work in performing arts but don't feel confident or doesn't know where to start, what would you say to them?
ISABELLA CAM: If there's a young person watching this who wants to work in performing
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: them? Put yourself in more spaces, with more opportunities.
ISABELLA CAM: Put yourself in more spaces for more opportunities. Whether that be going to what shows. I think it's proximity is a huge thing. So even if you're not necessarily ready to be on stage yet, put yourself in the proximity of being on stage. So go to as many shows as you can, build up a network of friends in
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: whatever that be, going to what shows. think its proximity is a huge thing. So even if you're not necessarily ready to be on stage, put yourself in the proximity of being on stage. You go to as many shows as you can, build up a network of friends
ISABELLA CAM: you know in those spaces. Burlesque and cabaret is great for that because they have these little communities. You can go and start chatting to anyone in the audience. They're really friendly spaces.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: in those spaces. Belles and Cabaret is great for that because there's a little community where you can go and start chatting to anyone in the audience. They're really friendly spaces.
ISABELLA CAM: but yeah just keep putting yourself in the spaces, putting yourself in the proximity and just try. Like start scared, start messy, start not knowing anything. Like just start. The biggest boundary for people is they just don't start. They let that fear rule their life and
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But yeah, just keep putting yourself in the spaces, putting yourself in the proximity and just try. Like, start scared, start messy, start not knowing anything. Like, just start. The biggest boundary for people is they just don't start. They let that fear rule their life. And I always think, like, what would I rather, you know, be laying on my deathbed and going, I wish I'd tried.
ISABELLA CAM: I always think like what would I rather you know be laying on my deathbed and going, I wish I'd tried that, or wish I'd had a go or I wish I'd tried this. no, I want to be on my deathbed going, well I had a go at everything and it was great. You know, sometimes that kind of reminding yourself of like you want to just have
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: wish I had had go or I wish I'd tried this. No, I want to be on my deathbed going, well, I had a go at everything and it was great. know, sometimes that kind of reminding yourself of like, you want to just...
ISABELLA CAM: a go and see what happens because you just you'll have fun experiences, you'll have fun stories, you'll grow as a person, you'll make new
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: see what happens because you just you'll have fun experiences you'll have fun stories you'll grow as a person and make
ISABELLA CAM: friends like it just there's not a loss in that situation just feel the fear like feel it feel it feel it wholeheartedly recognize it understand it understand it's your brain trying to keep you safe and then tell yourself I'm gonna feel this and I'm gonna do it anyway and the more reps you get in doing that the
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: new friends like it just there's not a loss in that situation just feel the fear like feel it feel it feel it wholeheartedly recognize it understand it understand it's your brain trying to keep you safe and then tell yourself I'm gonna feel this and the more reps you get in doing that
ISABELLA CAM: more comfortable you get at feeling the fear and moving anyway it's a real big skill as a performer you know even after 15 years of
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: the more comfortable you get at feeling the fear and moving around. So real big skills of performance. Even after 15 years
ISABELLA CAM: Born in burlesque in Cameroon, I still get nervous in the wings before I'm about to sit down and say it's just normal. Like we're afraid that we're not gonna be great or something's gonna go wrong. But what I've become really good at is allowing my body and myself to feel the fear and just knowing that I'm gonna go out and have fun anyway.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: of performing ballet and camera, I still get nervous in the wings before I'm about to step in and just normal. We're We're afraid that we're not going to be great or something's going to go wrong. But what I've become really good at is allowing my body and myself to feel the fear and just know that I'm going to go out and have fun.
ISABELLA CAM: You know, it's okay to feel like that, it's really human, but just you have the power to tell your brain, I'm in charge, you know, I know you're scared, but I'm gonna do it anyway, and the more.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: okay to feel that that's really human but just you have the power to tell your brain I'm in charge you know I know you're scared I'm gonna do it anyway and the more reps you get in the better that
ISABELLA CAM: Reps you get in, the better that skill develops. We're gonna do a quick fire round. Marilyn or Bailey?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: We're gonna do a quick fire round. Marilyn or Burlets?
ISABELLA CAM: god, I couldn't choose. I honestly couldn't. I love two those two things for totally different reasons.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: good I couldn't choose I honestly couldn't I love those two things for totally different reasons.
ISABELLA CAM: Am I allowed to not choose? Yeah, it's fine. favourite song to perform? I like performing to muse, feeling good.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Am I allowed to not shoot? Yeah it's fine. Favourite song to perform? I like performing to Muse, Feeling Good. It's
ISABELLA CAM: It's my martini glass finale track and I love it. I I always used to perform to really traditional big band stuff and I love that and the track starts with that but I feel like when I'm in that glass and muse feeling good's going on, there's a little part of my soul that is very happy about that. Favourite costume?
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: my Martini Glass finale track and I love it. I always used to perform to really traditional big band stuff and I love that and the track starts with that but I feel like when I'm in that glass Muse, Feeling Good's going on there's a little part of my soul that is very happy about that. Favourite costume?
ISABELLA CAM: Probably either the my pink my classic pink and white showgirl. It was my first ever act. I mean part of that costume is that triggers broom. Lots of yeah. either that or the costume that I created for the carousel horse. I loved it. I feel like I look like one of those toilet dollies, you know? Yes. Biggest backstage essential. probably super glue.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Probably either my classic Pink and White Showgirl, it was my first ever act. mean, part of that costume is like Trigger's broom. Lots of, Either that or the costume that I created for the carousel horse. I feel like one of those toilet dollies. Yeah. Biggest backstage essential.
ISABELLA CAM: Or a glue gun. I literally top tip for touring, I have a little kit that is like super glue, a hot glue gun, cellar tape, extra tip tape, a pair of scissors and a sewing kit. Yes. Like because something will break at the most inappropriate and safety pins. Yes. A lot of safety pins. Yeah, safety pins. Because something will break at the most inappropriate time. So just make sure you have your like survival kit for your show costumes.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: I'm with you with that, yeah. I literally, top tip for touring, I have a little kit that is like super glue, a hot glue gun, sellotape, extra tip tape, of scissors and a sewing kit. Yes. Because something will break at the most inappropriate, and safety pins. Yes, yeah safety pins, of course. Because something will break at the most inappropriate time. So just make sure you have your like survival kit for your show costumes. rehearsal or performance. You have to rehearse it so it is in your integral muscle memory so you do it without thinking about it. You have to get it to a stage where it's in you.
ISABELLA CAM: Rehearsal or performance. So you have to rehearse it so it is in your integral like muscle memory. So you do it without thinking about it. you have to get it to a stage where it's in you, but
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: but then there is a part of it that you will only learn performing it on stage. So I think understanding that as I rehearse it to death till it's inside out, but know that the polishing of it, the fine tuning of it will only happen in front of the
ISABELLA CAM: then there is a part of it that you will only learn performing it on stage. So I think understanding that is like it rehearse it to death till it's inside out, but know that the polishing of it, the fine tuning of it, will only happen in front of an audience.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: audience. Most glamorous moment of your career?
ISABELLA CAM: Most glamorous moment of your career. this Many, many hard pick one. The West End was a real treat. I really loved it. Perform in Marilyn on the Queen Anne. So which took my show on the Queen Anne for Kinard. Felt very glamorous. And there was a jeweller on the ship that week that dressed me in hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery every day, which was incredible. But yeah, it's so so many magical moments. It's hard to, you know,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Queen's Den was a real treat, I really loved it. Performing Marilyn on the Queen Anne, so I took my show on the Queen Anne, the canard, felt very glamorous. And there was a jeweller on the ship that week that dressed me in hundreds of thousands of pounds of jewellery every day, which was incredible. But yeah, it's so, so many magical moments, it's hard to, you know.
ISABELLA CAM: when you get to do really bonkers stuff, like I got thrown to Milan to
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: When you get to do really bonkers stuff, like I got thrown to Milan to
ISABELLA CAM: perform a lady's birthday party and they had just the most incredible party, the hugest cake I've ever seen in my life. I got to dance with back end dancers and a lady playing the piano and I did this big lift and I was like sometimes you kind of go,
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: perform at ladies birthday party and they had just the most incredible party, hugest cake I've ever seen in my life. I got to dance with backing dancers and a lady playing the piano and I did this big lift and I was like, sometimes you kind of go...
ISABELLA CAM: how is this my life? You know, it just if I could go back and tell, you know, the little girl that grew up on a counselor state that like in your late twenties and your 30s, like this would be your life. I'd
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: If I could go back and tell the little girl that grew up in a council this day that in your late 20s and your 30s that this would be your life.
ISABELLA CAM: have gone, here okay. Mm s you just couldn't imagine it, so yeah.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: You just couldn't imagine it for
ISABELLA CAM: The people that you meet along the way. You know, the the experiences that you share together and the feeling that you have when you're a performer on stage, there is no greater feeling
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: the experiences that you share together and the feeling that you have when you're performing on stage there is no greater feeling
ISABELLA CAM: than titting about on stage doing whether it's like doing ballets or comedy or singing a song and you look out into the audience and you know that a whole room full of people for that moment in time have
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: than tittering about on stage doing whatever it's like doing ballads, comedy or singing a song and you look out into the audience and you know that whole room full of people for that moment in time
ISABELLA CAM: been taken away from whatever problems they've got going on and that you're all sharing this moment that will never happen again and that you get to fill it with as much joy and as much love and humor and light as you can.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: have been taken away from whatever problems they've got going on and that you're all sharing this moment that will never happen again and that you get to fill it with as much joy and as much love and humour and light as you can. What's next for you and is there any exciting projects coming up?
ISABELLA CAM: Yeah, I think le definitely leaning more into the kind of the coaching and helping other people. I want to create a space on the internet and in real life where I can bring people together and hopefully teach them the these confidence skills and you know just I want to get other people out living their life the best.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Yeah, think definitely leaning more into the kind of the coaching and helping other people. want to create a space on the internet and in real life where I can bring people together and hopefully teach them these confidence skills and you know, just I want to get other people out living their life the best
ISABELLA CAM: version of their life and if I
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: version of their life.
ISABELLA CAM: can use all my skills and knowledge to facilitate that I feel like that's where my next chapter is. I'm still gonna perform, I'm still gonna be on stage. I don't think I'll ever give up. I want to be like a 70-year-old tussle twilight and granny. I'll still that will still always very much be part of my life but I think I'm at a stage now in my life where I've built up so much knowledge experience
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and use all my skills and knowledge to facilitate that. I feel like that's where my next chapter is. I'm still going to perform, I'm still going be on stage. I don't think I'll ever give up. I want to be like a 70 year old Tassel-Twerley-Grenning. I'll still always very much be part of my life, but I think I'm at a stage now in my life where I've built up so much knowledge, kind of unapologetically, I don't want to do that. So that's my next creating this little sphere.
ISABELLA CAM: that I really want to help others live their life on their terms, following their dreams. I've unapologetically been out to do that. So that's my next creating this little sphere.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: So Where can people follow you and find your journey online?
ISABELLA CAM: I'm everywhere. To all the socials. So Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube. I miss Isabella Bliss across most things. I don't
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube. I'm Miss Isabella Bliss, just for most things. I don't know what the Miss was all about. It was trendy at one point when I first started from the Miss. You can go to my website, IsabellaBliss.co.uk.
ISABELLA CAM: know what the miss was all about. It was trendy at one point when I first started the miss. you know, you can go to my website isabellabliss.co dot uk. There's all the links for upcoming
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: and
ISABELLA CAM: shows and all my socials on there. But yeah, you can
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: But yeah, you can find
ISABELLA CAM: find me pretty much everywhere.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: find me pretty much everywhere. Isabella, thank you so much
ISABELLA CAM: and coming
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: coming backstage with me. I've absolutely loved the conversation.
ISABELLA CAM: coming backstage with me. I've absolutely loved the conversation. It's been a
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: My pleasure.
ISABELLA CAM: pleasure. Thank you. Thank you for having me. And I'm really excited for your journey into this
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: really excited for your journey into this
ISABELLA CAM: wonderful, sparkly, colourful world. And I hope you have as much fun as you can.
Barney’s Backstage Podcast: Amazing. Thank you. Is there anything else that you want to And if you enjoyed that episode, make sure to like, rate, share and review and follow us on socials at Barney's Backstage Pod. And I'll see you next time.