Monica Barbaro Embarks on West End Debut at National Theatre
American actress Monica Barbaro, best known to global audiences for her standout performances in Top Gun: Maverick and A Complete Unknown, is preparing for a significant career milestone: her first-ever stage performance. The 35-year-old star will soon appear at London's prestigious National Theatre in a production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, marking her West End debut.
Navigating British Accents and High Expectations
In an exclusive interview and photoshoot for PORTER magazine, Barbaro opened up about the challenges of performing in Britain. She humorously acknowledged that UK audiences might be particularly critical if her British accent isn't perfect for her role opposite acclaimed actors Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner.
"I haven't done a play before, and I'll be doing a British accent, in Britain, as an American," Barbaro revealed. "So... I'm sort of asking for it. The accent has to be absolutely flawless so that it doesn't get in the way of the more important thing, which is telling the story."
Reflections on Oscar Recognition and Career Milestones
The actress, who received an Oscar nomination for her role opposite Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown, shared her perspective on awards recognition. While acknowledging the honor, she emphasized that validation shouldn't define artistic purpose.
"It's a huge honour but it doesn't actually give my work more meaning, and I know that to be very true," Barbaro explained. "In some ways, it's a validation, and it's shoring up the infrastructure of a career, of course. And it can be really exciting. But to expect it, I think, is to look at your art in the wrong way."
Memorable Career Moments and Future Projects
Barbaro vividly recalled the moment she learned she had secured her National Theatre role. "Oh yeah. I was at home in LA and I just collapsed to the floor. I always do when I get big news. I have to get on the ground. I hid under the table and called my agent," she recounted with characteristic enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, the actress is set to star alongside Callum Turner in the romantic comedy One Night Only, where they portray strangers attempting to find love during the one night each year when pre-marital sex is legal. Barbaro gushed about her co-star, describing him as "like a labrador – kind, energetic, fun, collaborative."
Behind the Scenes of Blockbuster Success
Reflecting on her role as fighter pilot Phoenix in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, Barbaro discussed the pressure of sequel production and her dedication to honoring real female pilots through her performance. Despite the film's remarkable £1 billion box office success, she acknowledged the challenges involved.
"There was an immense amount of pressure," Barbaro admitted. "A lot of people felt you should never sequel Top Gun." She emphasized her commitment to authenticity, stating she wanted to honor the "amazing" female pilots she met during research for the film.
Approaching New Challenges with Dedication
Barbaro's approach to mastering new skills – whether British accents, musical performance in A Complete Unknown, or portraying a fighter pilot – reveals her meticulous preparation style. "I think it's grounding in a way because I can obsess over it, which I like to do," she confessed about her preparation process.
The actress's upcoming National Theatre debut represents not just a geographical shift from Hollywood to London's West End, but also a significant expansion of her artistic repertoire as she transitions from screen to stage performance.
