Vivian Panka (What's Next?)

This July, the incredible Vivian Panka takes to the stage at Crazy Coqs with her solo show, What’s Next?. Known for her rich vocals and magnetic stage presence, Vivian invites audiences into a deeply personal exploration of identity, ambition, and the often chaotic beauty of not knowing exactly what comes next.

Ahead of her much-anticipated concert, we caught up with Vivian to talk about the inspiration behind the show, the art of storytelling through song, and how she's navigating her own “what’s next.”

Q) Hello Vivian - straight out of finishing the tour of Dear Evan Hansen, you’re set to stage your concert titled What’s Next? at Crazy Coqs - please can you tell us a little bit more about the show and what audiences can expect?

V: Yes, it feels a bit surreal at the moment. My head is still very much in Dear Evan Hansen world while we finish our final weeks of shows. But I’m so excited I get to do my first concert with some of my cast mates. The show is a mix of pop, R&B and MT songs. I talk about my life and my ambition. Growing up in The Netherlands (I’ll be singing a Dutch song too), moving to the UK and my hopes and dreams for the future.

Q) This concert is branded as a celebration of growth, risk and reinvention as you explore the question that many artists face at the end of an era - what inspired you to create such a personal theme and how did you find the process of selecting stories/songs to fit this theme?

V: I absolutely love singing, don’t get me wrong, but what really drew me to Musical Theatre in the first place was storytelling. It’s about finding pieces of yourself in a character and using music to express something deeper. So when I started planning this concert, I knew I didn’t just want it to be an evening of big vocals; I wanted it to feel personal and intentional.

The theme came very naturally because it reflects where I am in my life right now. I’ve been in this industry for a while, and I’m at a point where I’m asking some big questions: What’s next? Where do I want to go creatively and personally? Choosing the stories and songs became about honouring those questions; what it means to keep evolving, to let go of what’s comfortable, and to find true happiness within myself.

Q) As well as being a musical theatre performer, you are also in the process of creating your own musical. Is there any news about this that you’re able to share with us so far?

V: Yes! I’m so excited about this! The working title is Personality Hire and I’m working with writer/director Michelle Payne and composer Charlie Turner. It’s a show about female ambition, authenticity and influencer culture. I can’t wait to further develop this show this year.

Q) How has your experience as a musical theatre performer influenced your creativity in musical writing?

V: To be honest, I’ve always found certain aspects of being an actor quite challenging. I love telling stories I can connect with, but the journey to actually getting on stage can be tough. Having to audition is absolutely not for the weak. If you’re lucky, you get to a point where you want to hold out for "the right job" but in the meantime, you still have bills to pay. And that’s the reality even for very successful actors. It’s a lot to navigate.

So I’ve always known I wanted to write and produce; I like having a bit more control over what’s coming next. And what’s beautiful now is that I can explore that alongside being in a show. There are so many stories in my head, and I’d like to think some of them are worth telling.

I met Michelle during Dear Evan Hansen, and she once told me she was going to write me a one-woman show. I didn’t realise she was serious at the time. But a few months later, we’ve already recorded a demo for one of the songs, had meetings with producers, and we’re now looking for a space to workshop it this year. It’s fun and exciting!

Q) As well as solo performances, you have some incredible guests joining you, including many of your Dear Evan Hansen Co-Stars. Can you give us a little insight into your experience of your time in the show? And any exciting things we can expect from the cast at your show?

V: Yes! Dear Evan Hansen was one of those ‘’right shows’’ for me. I’ve been absolutely in love with this show for years. As you know, it’s a non-replica production, so it gave me so much freedom. It’s been incredible. And then my cast mates… wow we got so lucky. This show, touring, just being in a show for a long time, it can all be a lot. But I love my cast mates. They’re funny, talented and kind and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to do this show with.

When I first had the idea for a concert I went to Alice (Fearn) to ask for advice and she helped me out so much from start to finish. I asked her to sing with me and she immediately said ‘yes’. Such a legend, I learned a lot from her on this job (don’t tell her I said that, it’ll go to her head). I then asked Jess and Liv (Olivia- Faith Kamau), Lara and Will to sing some trios and duets with me. We’re singing songs from Waitress, 9to5, Jagged Little Pill and Death Becomes Her!

Q) In the process of putting your concert together, has your perspective on your own next steps shifted, either professionally or personally?

V: Interestingly they have. I planned this concert at the start of 2025. My plan was to do scary things and get outside of my comfort zone and I have. I was so hyper focussed on hitting my goals; many of which I have hit. I have this bingo card for each quarter of the year with goals I want to achieve - very Alana. But while I’ve achieved so many goals, I’ve also come to realise that balance and rest are important. I truly am due some time off. This concert has been a lot of work, but I am so grateful to my team, Michelle and Beth (Jerem), they really helped me through it all.

Q) As well as an evening of performances from yourself and your special guests, there was also a competition to select some upcoming performers to join you. Do you have any words of wisdom for upcoming theatre performers as they begin their careers and have the insecurity of securing their first job in an uncertain industry?

V: I owe so much to people who saw me when no one else did. There are a lot of people who may not have believed in me, but some people did. And I don’t think most of them know the impact of them believing in me has had on me. So I wanted to use this opportunity to showcase more talent. I’ve been so lucky to have this opportunity and I love to share it. Each and every one of my guests is so talented and deserves to be seen. I am so excited to watch them shine.

Q) What are you most looking forward to for this concert and why should audiences come along?

V: I’m looking forward to doing an intimate gig with people I love. People who love music, musical theatre and storytelling should definitely come along. It’ll be so special. I’ll make sure to say hi to every single one of you after the show.

Q) Just a fun question to finish off, and keeping with the themes of your concert, what song defines the current era you’re living in?

V: Haha, great question! Great Expectations from The Outsiders haha. Just the title ;)

Vivian Panka's one night only concert titled What's Next? will take place at Crazy Coqs on Monday 07th July 2025. Alongside Vivian will be an incredible array of musical theatre performers including Alice Fearn, Lara Sas, Will Forgrave, Jessica Lim, Olivia Faith Kamau and Lois Morgan Gay. There will also be a showcase of Vivian's work in progress musical 'Personality Hire' and a showcase of seven emerging theatre performers.

Tickets and More Information

Photography by Marc Brenner and Pamela Raith