Alexandra Billings Speaks Out Against Cameron Mackintosh Calling the Casting of Trans Actors a 'Gimmick'

Alexandra Billings has spoken out in response to Cameron Mackintosh's recent comments about transgender people in roles in classic theatre productions.

Mackintosh is receiving backlash for calling it "gimmick casting" to cast a trans person in an existing role, in an interview with Telegraph.

"You can't implant something that is not inherently there in the story or character, that's what I think," he said. "Just to do that, that becomes gimmick casting. It's trying to force something that isn't natural."

Billings, a trans actor who made history playing Madam Morrible in Wicked on Broadway, and will return to the role upon the show's reopening, spoke out about Mackintosh's comments on Instagram.

"I am an actor. I am Mame and I am Madame Rose. I am Miss Hannigan and I am Annie Oakley and I am Fantine..." she writes. "I am an actor, Mr Mackintosh, not a gimmick."

She goes on to say: "And just so we're clear; you don't have to make room for me. I take up my own space and that was given to me by a power much greater and far more powerful than you."

"We will create that space with or without your consent," she writes. "See us. Honor us. And hopefully, you will discover your own story in a newness you never knew existed."

Read her full, powerful statement below: