“Tracey [Ullman] is a constant inspiration... We’d sit under the dressing tables between shows, knit and sing along to Joni Mitchell. I remember her saying: ‘You’re funny, you should write’.” Hannah Arterton Q Hannah, your mother ran a cleaning firm and your father was a metal worker, so how did your sister Gemma and you get the performing bug? A As well as being incredibly hard working, my mother is also very creative. Our house was full of music and books. My mum also trained in scenic art at the Miskin Theatre in Dartford and would take my sister and I along to rehearsals. That was definitely inspiring at a young age. Q You grew up in Gravesend, Kent. I know the town well, I think you’ll agree it’s not the most glamorous place, but I do remember being amazed that it was the last resting place of Pocahontas – do you have fond memories? A Yes, definitely. Gravesend has a fantastic live scene for local bands and I began gigging there at the age of 14. It also has lots of amateur dramatics’ societies which are great for young people.
between shows, knit and sing along to Joni Mitchell. I remember her saying: “You’re funny, you should write”. Q When young, you performed in a band and were offered a record deal. Were you more interested in singing than acting? A Yes, at that time. Music will always be my first love. I didn’t really discover the joy of acting until I went to drama school. Hannah Arterton and Annabel Scholey in Walking on Sunshine PHOTO COPYRIGHT: 2014 VERTIGO FILMS
Q You studied at the Miskin Theatre School in Dartford and then went on to RADA where Stephen Poliakoff spotted you. Was that your big break? A It was definitely an exciting moment. Doing a play at the Almeida with Tracey Ullman was a dream first job and an incredible experience. I’m not sure I’d describe it as a ‘big break’ though. The industry is challenging and actors are constantly having to prove themselves and work hard.
Q Did your singing help in winning the part of Taylor next to Annabel Scholey and Katy Brand in 2014’s Walking on Sunshine? A Almost certainly, yes! I’d been singing all of those songs for many years in the shower, but also with function bands. Getting to sing my own versions in a musical film was a dream.
Q Your first role was for Poliakoff in My City with Tracey Ullman. Did you learn a lot from them? A Tracey is a constant inspiration. When we worked together she really took me under her wing. We’d talk about writing, family, music and she taught me how to knit! We’d sit under the dressing tables
Q Annabel Scholey (who played your sister in the film) told us she enjoyed the three months in Puglia, Italy. Presumably you did too? A Yes, it was absolutely stunning. The scenery, the food, the people! It was an unforgettable experience. >>>
10 essence-magazine.co.uk | JUNE 2018
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