In Conversation: Vivian Panka on Playing Regina George in Mean Girls at Liverpool Empire

Mean Girls is heading to Liverpool this October, bringing the hit musical adaptation of the much-loved 2004 film to the Liverpool Empire for a two-week run.

Taking on the iconic role of Regina George is fast-rising musical theatre performer Vivian Panka, who makes history as the first Black woman to play the character. Already familiar to Liverpool audiences through appearances in 9 to 5 and Dear Evan Hansen, Panka now steps into the shoes of North Shore High’s formidable queen bee.

Ahead of Mean Girls arriving at the Liverpool Empire from Monday 19 to Saturday 31 October, we caught up with Vivian to talk about making such a recognisable character her own, the importance of representation on stage, her advice for young performers and what audiences can expect from the show.

Regina is one of the most recognisable characters in modern film and musical theatre. What excited you most about stepping into her shoes?

I have loved the 2004 Mean Girls movie since it came out. I’m also a massive fan of SNL and Tina Fey, so when I found out the musical was going on tour, I immediately wanted to audition for it.

Regina is one of the most iconic characters in film, so I was initially nervous about stepping into the role. I think everyone has an idea of how they think Regina should be portrayed, but once I let go of that expectation, I was able to bring parts of myself and humanity within her.

Although Regina is strong and cunning, there are so many layers to explore, and it has been really exciting to make the character my own. Being able to sing those amazing songs is also a dream come true, as the Mean Girls score is one of my favourite musical theatre scores. So the whole experience really is a dream come true.

Audiences will arrive with a strong idea of who Regina George is. How do you balance honouring a character they know with bringing something distinctly your own to the role?

I think it’s important to go back to the source material and really honor the essence of the character.

As I mentioned, I absolutely love the 2004 movie. I watched it many times growing up and I still watch it every year, so I’m very familiar with the story and the character.

Once you’ve done all that work, though, I think it’s equally important to let it go and find yourself within the character. I look for moments of truth and heart within someone who could so easily be played as a completely cold person.

With every character you play, regardless of who they are, you’re naturally going to bring something of yourself to them because you are the person playing them. I let myself react and play Regina through my own interpretation of who she is, while still staying true to the character and the story.

What do you hope seeing you in the role might mean to young Black performers who dream of leading major musical theatre productions?

I genuinely think it’s incredibly important to see yourself in roles you aspire to, and that goes far beyond musical theatre.

We need to be able to imagine ourselves as CEOs, pilots, people in government and in all kinds of different positions. Seeing someone who looks like you in a particular role can help you envision yourself doing that job too. As a mixed-raced performer, I think it’s especially important for young people to see themselves represented in different roles and industries. That applies to people of colour in general. Everyone should be able to see themselves represented in any industry they aspire to be a part of.

I also think it’s important to be open-minded with casting. I believe people should be cast because they are talented and because they are right for the part. Not because they look exactly like the person who played the part before (when it’s not part of the storyline of course). If I can show young people that this is possible, then that would make me incredibly happy and would make me feel very accomplished.

You’ll be spending two weeks at the Liverpool Empire. Have you performed in Liverpool before, and what are you looking forward to about bringing the show here?

Yes, I’ve performed in Liverpool twice before: first with 9 to 5 and then with Dear Evan Hansen. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Liverpool. I think it’s a great city and I’m really looking forward to performing for Liverpool audiences again. They always make us feel so welcome. They’re lovely, positive and incredibly engaged, which makes performing there such a great experience.

You’ve already played several memorable roles. Is there a particular type of character or production you’d love to take on next?

I feel incredibly lucky to have played lots of different kinds of characters. I would feel very blessed if I could continue playing characters that are vastly different from one another and challenging for me as an actor. I would love to do some straight theatre, as well as film and television. I do believe in manifesting and aiming for specific goals, but at the same time, I think it’s important to take life as it comes. I don’t want to feel like I have to play one specific role to make me happy. I would love to be part of any wonderful production where I’m challenged, get to play an interesting role and work alongside talented people. I’d be very grateful for that.

What advice would you give to young performers who may not yet see people like themselves being offered the roles they dream of playing?

I used to be called delusional, but I don’t think I am. I think I’m creative and I’m able to see opportunities and possibilities that other people might not yet think are possible.

I think you should go into the world with an open mind and believe that anything is possible. My advice to young performers is to work really hard and see the world as a playground full of opportunities.

When I used to go into audition rooms, I would think, “Maybe I’m not as good as the person before me or after me,” or “Maybe I’m not right for this.” I would have all of these thoughts going through my head.

But actually, it’s not up to me. If it were up to my brain, I’m not sure I would have been so confident that I could book Regina George. But it isn’t up to me. It’s up to the casting team.The best thing you can do is go in and show your talent. If people think you’re right for the role and that you can do it, then that means you can do it.

Positivity is so important, and I really believe that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. So honestly, go into the world believing that opportunities are out there for you and that you are capable of achieving amazing things.

Finally, for anyone who hasn’t experienced Mean Girls yet, what can they expect from the show?

Mean Girls is a really fun night out for everyone. It’s nostalgic for people who love the movie, while also being a fun and humorous night out for younger people who are completely new to the story. You can come with your friends, you can come with your kids and you can expect a show packed full of humor, an amazing score and one of the most talented casts I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

It’s really a great night out for everyone.

Mean Girls
19 – 31 October 2026
Liverpool Empire
Tickets