Interview by #MatthewSawyer

We’re interested to hear how the last few years have been for you?

It was incredibly difficult, if I’m being honest. I took that leap to leave retail after many years of training, connecting, and working hard to become a self-employed actor full time. Everything was going really, really well and the jobs were flowing, enough to say ‘wow, I’m making a living from this’, but then the pandemic hit. Within an hour, I had lost a few well-paid jobs, and the Bradford theatres I worked for were shutting down within days. The only support I received was from my parents. I wasn’t entitled to any help from the government, I had to sign on, which if anyone has ever had to do—well, it’s never a nice feeling and, because I lived at home at the time, I didn’t receive very much income to even cover my bills, let alone anything else. So I had to rely on all my savings and family support, which I was very grateful to have. In the darkest times, I felt like a failure, especially when we were constantly being told “you’re not essential.” You start to believe that and it hurts. It felt like everything I had worked for over the last few years was just all pointless and gone. When I felt really low, I could have easily given up because I just felt exhausted always trying, but then a curve ball would come along and I’d find myself back at the starting position. However, I knew in my heart I wouldn’t be happy doing a 9-5 job forever, so I knew I just had to rebuild and start from scratch. As hard as it was, I did try to remain positive and look for those brighter days. As much as it killed me, I went back into retail to build my money back up. I focused on getting my driving done during the pandemic because I had no excuses like ‘I have no time’, because literally all I had was time. I am so happy that I stuck at that one thing though, because I passed April this year and it’s been the best thing career wise. I was able to book jobs again. I work with various companies within film and theatre due to being able to get around easily instead of relying on transport or lifts. The freedom it gives you really has opened up more doors and opportunities for me within the acting industry, and I’m so proud of myself that, despite how I was feeling at the time with everything going on within my life and the world around me, I managed to accomplish something that has helped further my career. A year ago, I went back into retail, something I worked so hard to get out of. I can happily say I’m back being a self-employed actor and I’m in the best possible place I’ve been in a very long time.

Have you worked on any projects recently that you’re excited to be a part of? Is there anything we should keep our eyes out for?

I started filming an independent feature film, ‘A Light Through Coloured Glass,’ back in September 2019. It was my first leading lady role, and it’s the most excited I’ve ever been about a film role because of the character, the nature of the storyline, and the artists I had the pleasure to work with. I worked alongside some incredible talent and it was a real honour to be a part of the whole process and not just my character. It did take a very long time to make-the final scene was completed in January 2022 due to those curve balls, but I can proudly say it’s reaching the end of post-production and should hopefully be released later this year. I worked incredibly hard with the director, Mike Clarke, to get this feature made-not just in my role, but I did a lot behind the scenes as well. Together, we took all those issues and found solutions for every single one of them. It was really challenging at times, but I do enjoy a good challenge. I never gave up as I wanted to see the film through despite all the challenges we faced, because I knew the end result would be rewarding and worthwhile. It really was a team effort and one I’m really proud to be part of. I, for one, can’t wait for the world to see it. #watchthisspace

Do you have a particular film, either short or feature, that is a personal favourite?

I would say it has to be ‘A Light Through the Glass’ due to everything I said in the previous question. I went on a real journey with this production—not just within my acting career but personal growth as well. It’s a film that will forever stay with me and one that I’m so incredibly proud of, even though I haven’t even seen it yet.

Is there a story or character you’d like to portray that you haven’t had the chance to portray yet?

I absolutely love a good period drama. From the costumes to the beautiful sets and of course, the storylines. Little Women is a personal favourite of mine. I do enjoy a good thriller or horror as well. I think I could play crazy very well or be the only bad ass character that manages to survive in the end.

At what age did you decide you wanted to be an actor? Do you have any particular inspirations in the acting world?

I always loved putting on little shows for my family or dancing and singing into my hair brush in front of the mirror at a young age. Everyone always used to say ‘She was born to perform’ and it is weird to say, but I do believe I was born to entertain the world. It gives me such a thrill and happiness to see others enjoying what I do. I never imagined myself being anything else but a performer. It’s a very warm feeling, for sure.  But when did I decide? I believe I fell in love with the theatre when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I went to see the musical ‘Blood Brothers’ and I just remember turning to my mum and saying-that’s what I want to be doing one day, and well, the rest is history. Even though I love film and TV, my heart and the actor in me will always remain in the theatre. The feeling you get on stage is not like being on a film set for me personally. I just love the atmosphere, the tension, the energy you feel from the audience. It’s like a drug in a way that you get addicted to it. I always end up being dragged back to the theatre one way or another, and I just love it. The buzz you feel is just unreal! Everyone that’s crossed my path within the industry has been an inspiration to me in one way, shape or form. Good or bad, they have shaped me to be the actor I am today and I wouldn’t change that. I could write for hours about some amazing directors, teachers, and artists that I’ve had the pleasure of working with that truly are an inspiration to my craft-but words will never truly describe how blessed I am to know each and every one of them. The love and thanks I have, well I’ll hold that dear to me for as long as this crazy journey continues. I get asked this so many times, and I think I’ve managed to narrow it down to my top 5. I know this is slightly cheating, but let’s just roll with it; 1) The Lord of the Rings – trilogy. It’s just the wow factor through and through.  2) Gladiator. A real heartbreaker. The music and the ending gets me every time.  3) Forrest Gump. Tom Hanks, what a true legend in everything he does.  4) Jack (1996). Robin Williams, an inspiration to the entirety of the acting world. The monologue at the end of this film – simply beautiful. His legacy will forever live on. 5) Titanic. I’m sorry but it’s a guilty pleasure for sure. I’ve not even started on the Disney or musical films out there but I think I’ll leave that for another time or we may just be here all day. I do think all these films inspired me in one-way or another. With that being location, costume, acting, soundtrack, props, the colour grading, a rememberable line. The list is endless! It just inspires me to keep doing what I love doing even more so and to never give up. Thank you for reading, everyone, and to Three Lanes Productions for giving me this opportunity to be interviewed. To keep up-to-date with all my latest work, be sure to follow me on social media. 

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