Sarah Snook, the Emmy-award winning actress known for her remarkable transformation as Shiv Roy on the acclaimed series “Succession,” is facing new challenges as she prepares for her Broadway debut. With her latest role, Snook takes on 26 different characters in the adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The grueling demands of the performance have led her to rethink her approach, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a new mother and from pop icon Taylor Swift’s intense workout regimen.
Snook recently opened up about her preparation methods during an interview with The New Yorker, published on March 16, 2025, detailing how motherhood has instilled discipline and dedication within her. She welcomed her daughter with husband Dave Lawson, also an actor, just last year. At six months old, her child coincided with the start of her rigorous performance schedule, compelling her to embrace healthier living. "I think, to be honest, probably just in the framework of living as straight and narrow as possible -- this probably wouldn't be possible without a baby," she stated.
This newfound lifestyle includes making significant changes to her routine. Snook finds it easier to prioritize sleep and maintain her nutrition, especially with breastfeeding demands. "It's valuing sleep, needing to keep nutrition up, because she's taking a lot of it from breastfeeding. Keeping myself healthy for being a new mom also kept myself healthy for doing this marathon," she elaborated. The actress explained the pitfalls of her former nightlife, remarking, "Otherwise, it's very easy to go, 'Had a big night tonight. Yeah, I'll have a drink. Yeah, I'll have a glass of wine.' And then you're going to bed at five and sleeping until three. With a baby, you cannot do That."
To tackle the physical demands of performing, Snook adopted another tactic inspired by Swift. The pop star was known to have run on the treadmill for hours during her preparation for the Eras Tour, which Spanned about 16 miles per session. "I heard [what Taylor Swift does] and thought, 'That's a genius idea. I'm gonna do That,'" Snook admitted, explaining her decision to incorporate similar elements of Swift’s training routine. This involves not just running, but performing her lines at pace to mimic the flow of her performance during her workouts.
Snook's Broadway performance requires speaking for two hours with only three brief moments for water, making her physical conditioning all the more necessary. She has taken great strides to eliminate any distractions, strictly avoiding alcohol and caffeine as part of her regimen. "No alcohol, no caffeine. Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep. And I do my lines at pace on a treadmill," she described, summarizing her focused approach.
The adaptation of “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” directed by Kip Williams, had its initial run in London’s West End, where it received accolades, including the prestigious Olivier Award. The Broadway show is set to begin this month and will run through June 2025, bringing Snook’s ambitious portrayal to New York audiences.
Snook’s transformation on stage embodies not only her artistic talent but also her perseverance as she balances her responsibilities as both mother and actress. Given the demanding two-hour performance, she proves her commitment to her craft. With the blend of her regimen influenced by both motherhood and Swift's methods, it is indicative of how the lines between personal life and professional responsibilities blend seamlessly.
Reflecting on the potential benefits of her routine, Alethia Mongerie, a Level 2 RRCA-certified coach, emphasized the relationship between physical intensity and vocal performance. She pointed out, "If you are running at the right intensity, you should be able to sing without pausing for breath.” This exercise approach may help Snook attain both her fitness goals and performance capabilities, aligning with the challenges of her role.
With excitement building as the Broadway run approaches, Sarah Snook is poised to not only entertain but inspire others with her dedication, showing how adapting to life's changes can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
