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OE INTERVIEW

Noel Coward play called Cavalcade. It was the story of a posh family and a maid, and I was the maid! It was really wonderfully done. So that part I was very proud of because I had to age from 19 up to about 50. I was in my thirties when I played the role and it was just so enjoyable. In terms of telly, most of my work has been in theatre up and till I landed this role in Coronation street, which is now 14 years in. so in a way I’m quite proud of that, because it’s quite a feat to keep going and to create something from scratch. The comedy which I’ve been able to bring to the character was enjoyable too.

Are there any roles that you would like to play in the future?

Yes! Now the weird thing is, since doing Cory my tastes have changed, which I think is a good thing. I’m intrigued to see, if I ever do leave Cory what it will be like for me because I’m not just a Soap actress, I have got years of theatre experience behind me too. In an ideal world I would like to be in Les Mis as Madame Thenardier. Another musical I’d like to have a go at would be Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. I don’t sing but I just think they’re great roles! Mostly theatre I suppose, but in terms of telly I would love to play Miss Marple one day.

Do you have any funny audition stories?

Oh yes. There was one where I was so nervous that when the director asked my name, I forgot my name! I was that nervous. There was one at the national where I got into a bickering fight with this really established director called Kate. I was going to just be an extra but before I got into the audition, they gave me a script and I told them that I was only coming as an extra to carry a tray! So, it didn’t start well. And from there it just went downhill. She was trying to direct me, and I was resistant. Looking back at it I should have just gone for it actually.

Do you have any advice for auditions for any aspiring actors at the college?

Really prepare well. Learn it inside and out, especially for telly. They expect you to be off script and word perfect, so really learn your lines for every audition. Take your time in auditions, lift up your face and let them see your eyes. You take control of the room and the audition. If you can really hold onto your own belief of what you can do then that can take you further than anything else, because you will undoubtedly get a whole load of no’s. but its just part of the business to get knockbacks. Every successful actor has had rejections at some point in there life

What’s it like being back in Eastbourne?

Oh I love it! Although I don’t recognise it, it’s mutated into this city. It’s fabulous, just wonderful. I can see that you’re going to get great training here

And finally, how did you get the job at Coronation Street!?

I had a straightforward audition. I decided to go into the audition and do it how I wanted to do it. So I went in all in green. Green top, green skirt, green tights, for no particular reason. I learnt the script inside out and got on really well. During the conversation we started talking about the character and I said she could be into colour therapy! Which they laughed at. I don’t think they knew what they were looking for, they were just looking for a certain quality.