There’s something special about witnessing performers when they’re unscripted. When the West End stars Ryan Kopel and Vivian Panka joined me to record Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, their infectious energy filled the room before we even started recording. I couldn’t help but smile, reuniting with Ryan following our April conversation during the Dear Evan Hansen tour, and meeting the radiant Vivian for the first time – a beacon of warmth and quiet determination whose brilliant mind and gentle enthusiasm immediately puts you at ease.
Their upcoming concert ‘Breaking Character’ at the iconic Crazy Coqs on November 10th (tickets available here) promises to showcase sides of these performers that audiences rarely get to see – and if our conversation was any indication, attendees are in for an evening of surprises, exceptional talent, and genuine laughter.
“It was kind of born from the fact that we just loved having a laugh backstage and being stupid and being silly and telling stories that we shouldn’t be telling,” Ryan explains when I ask about the concert’s concept. The duo share a chemistry that’s palpable, frequently finishing each other’s sentences and exchanging knowing glances that hint at inside jokes from their time together on the Dear Evan Hansen tour.
Vivian, whose thoughtful organisation brought this concert to life with remarkable grace, elaborates: “Breaking Character is like kind of a double because we’ll sing songs that we wouldn’t usually sing. We’ll sing songs from maybe shows that each other have done and then we’ll sing it from like a different character perspective.”
Their planning process reveals much about their dynamic. Ryan, with genuine admiration, interjects: “If Vivian wanted to rule the world, she could. It is honestly unbelievable this girl’s skill to like plan and execute. She honestly texted me on a Thursday being like, ‘hey, remember that concert we talked about? Would you actually want to do it?’ I texted back being like, ‘yeah, sure.’ Very chill. The next day we had a venue booked.”
Vivian, having recently completed her own solo concert shortly after the Dear Evan Hansen tour ended, brings valuable experience to this collaboration. “I’ve learned so much. First of all, that you need to do scary things,” she reflects. “Standing on that stage and just singing is very scary to me. So I integrated my personality into it and all of that stuff. And I will bring that to this concert as well.”
When conversation turns to their musical influences, their personalities shine through. Ryan, an unabashed Lady Gaga superfan, lights up discussing her recent performances. Vivian interrupts with playful exasperation: “High School Musical is like what Lady Gaga is to Ryan.” Her passionate defense against the upcoming stage adaptation – “I think High School Musical is what it is. No one else is those characters. I’m sorry” – reveals the authentic enthusiasm these performers bring to everything they touch.
The setlist promises unexpected arrangements and surprising song choices. “I think this format of performing gives you such a license to be creative,” Ryan explains, referencing Ben Platt’s recent reimagining of pop songs. Vivian adds, “We might actually do David Bowie. Also, we’ve spoken about Glee.”
Having both recently completed the emotionally demanding Dear Evan Hansen tour, the concert represents a celebration of newfound freedom. “For Ryan, it was like a whole different world to our world,” Vivian notes, acknowledging the extraordinary discipline her co-star maintained throughout the tour. “He didn’t have much of a life on tour. And he was incredible.”
Ryan reflects on the experience with newfound perspective: “The biggest lesson that I’m aware of was the discipline that that tour required was like a really good thing. It was a really positive thing. And it was lovely to look back on and be like, ‘oh, wow, we did that.'”
Their easy rapport continues through our lightning round of questions, revealing favorite songs (Ryan loves “For Forever” from Dear Evan Hansen, while Vivian can’t choose between “Good For You” and “Words Fail”), dream performances (Vivian wishes she could sing Beyoncé’s “Listen”, Ryan dreams of tackling “No Good Deed” from Wicked), and embarrassing stage moments.
When asked what song represents their friendship, Ryan suggests something from High School Musical: “We’re always just singing and being stupid and kind of taking the mic, but everyone else thinks we’re taking the mic, but actually we’re being deadly serious.” Vivian adds, “Or the other way around. It’s very interesting. But we always know the nuance between what we’re saying, which is really funny.”
As our conversation wraps, I’m left with the distinct impression that ‘Breaking Character’ will be unlike any concert these performers have given before – a chance to see beyond the roles that made them West End stars and glimpse the authentic, multifaceted artists beneath.
For the full, unfiltered conversation (including Ryan’s thoughts on touring life, Vivian’s passionate High School Musical takes, and much more), listen to the complete episode on Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast. And don’t miss the opportunity to see these extraordinary performers live at Crazy Coqs on November 10th – tickets are selling fast and available here. If their interview banter is any indication, this will be an evening of exceptional music, laughter, and genuine connection that West End fans won’t want to miss.