Amy Di Bartolomeo
20th January 2025
Photographer & Editor-in-chief: Owen James Vincent
Digital Editor: Pankhuri Bhutani
Styling: Gabrielle Mai
Makeup: Emma Gandolfo
Hair: Lucy Muyanga
Retoucher: Danielle Painting
Interview: Savannah Small-Swaby
Jewellery: Pica Jewellery
Outfit: ELLYHA
Taking the iconic role as Emily in Devil Wears Prada at London’s Dominion Theatre, Amy Di Bartolomeo is by no means moving at a glacial pace. No stranger to the stage, Amy’s career has already seen her land roles in the West End’s SIX, We Will Rock You, Priscilla the Queen of the Dessert and so much more. However it’s her latest casting, performing curated belters by Sir Elton John alongside the multi-faceted Vanessa Williams that let’s you know a star hasn’t been born, but is rising. And this won’t be the last we see of her. That’s all.
Talk to us about what it was like to get the role as Emily in Devil Wears Prada and the process you went through to make this character your own.
I got this job in November 2023, so I’ve been working on her for a long time but I feel like she connected early on. One of the beautiful things was that the creative team wanted to see my take on Emily. I’ve loved that the team have honoured the actors they’ve chosen to play and developed these roles because they are original.
There’s been so many moments that weren’t in the film. Emily is the way she is because she’s starving, she’s working two people’s jobs, she hasn’t slept in ages and is desperate to go to Paris with a boss she idolises. We wanted Emily to have a journey and show her as something more than a one-dimensional b*tch. It feels like I’ve been able to bring a humanness to the character.
Retro Chic Italy / The Frankie Shop
You’ve done a phenomenal job of elevating the character of Emily. Did you get any other guidance from your co-stars such as Vanessa Williams?
Vanessa and I instantly clicked. She’s been so inspiring to me and the perfect woman to learn from. I love her not just as a character but as a woman. It’s everything from the way she carry’s herself, to the way she is with her friends and family… being a mother in this industry. She’s had a big impact on me.
Jewellery: Pica Jewellery
Outfit: ELLYHA
When you look at your career and where you are now do you think young Amy would believe this?
Absolutely not. I’m from a very small town. My mum and dad did a million car boot sales and went without a lot to be able to to get me here. This has been the biggest thing I’ve done. Every night is different. You can think you’re going to have a chill show and then Beverly Knight, who is my biggest idol because we’re both from the same place, shows up in the front row.
The run up to landing this role has been incredible but this is huge for me. I didn’t know if this moment was going to happen and now I get to work with so many fabulous people like Sir Elton John and his husband David and Jerry Mitchell who is one of my favourite directors. It’s ticking too many things off of my bucket list.
Speaking of Sir Elton John, there’s a video of you singing directly in front of him at a press night. You can see him going on a journey with the song he created, through the lens of your voice. What’s your process for going into showbiz mode regardless of who’s watching?
I actually get really nervous and I realised I wanted to work on this. I love to sing and decided to get into Cabaret singing. I’ve also been working with 2 Australian event wedding bands. Sometimes there’s a 20-piece string band as I’m singing Beyoncé. It’s the best. I was so thankful I had gig experience when I got up in front of all that press and Sir Elton John at Claridges.
Jewellery: Pica Jewellery
Outfit: ELLYHA / Crescent Agency
What do you want to bring into 2025 and what do you want to leave in the past?
I want to bring the confidence and leave the nerves. I was telling my boyfriend that I feel like I’m becoming the woman I’ve always wanted to be. I love the positivity I bring into the workspace and I love looking after people and making them happy. I think that’s why this role resonates with me so much. When I hear the audience laugh, I can feel it on stage despite the distance. I’m living my dream. But I am putting it out in the universe that I also want to get into TV, too [laughs]. I love doing a self tape with a script.
Lastly, if you could ReVamp anything in the world, what would it be?
For me, it’s for people to approach everything with love and kindness.
Grab your tickets to see the musical adaptation of The Devil Wars Prada here.