You are about to make your professional theatrical debut in The Roundabout at the PARK Theatre. As people may not really know you just yet, can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m from London, born and bred and I’m 22. An only child and all I ever wanted to be was an actress (since playing Henry The Tudor Dude at primary school.) I graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama just over a month ago, where I had the time of my life. Oh and I have curly hair, which I used to hate, but now I like!
What is The Roundabout about, what role do you play and what attracted you to this part you are playing?
The Roundabout is set in a country house in the English countryside, and takes place over a day in 1933. It deals with the idea that regardless of what happens in our lives, we all return to the same place. I play Pamela Kettlewell, the Lord of the house’s daughter. After 10 years of separation, she returns from Russia as a communist, which of course was very shocking for the time. Their comfortable bourgeois life is under threat already, and her revolutionary ideas only adds fuel to the fire. Pamela is unpredictable, passionate and very amusing, almost ‘puppeteering’ the whole day. I loved the challenge of playing a character that is forever toying with the people around her. It has definitely been the biggest and trickiest role I’ve taken on so far, but has also been the most fun! Which is definitely important when doing theatre.
You come from a very famous family. You father Jim Carter is a huge film star and your mother Imelda Staunton is possibly the greatest theatre performer of our generation. What are your dreams for your own career and do you feel pressure to live up to the success your parents have had?
…Who? Never heard of em! I want my career to have a healthy longevity and, I’m sure like most actors, to be diverse. Bit of Shakespeare, bit of comedy and a bit of singing please. I’ll consider my life/career successful if I’m happy.
There are lots of great shows coming into the west end at the moment. What are you most excited to see, or have seen recently?
I saw The Deep Blue Sea last night at the National, one of my favourite plays, and it was spectacular. A real master class in acting from the whole cast. I’m also excited about King Lear at The Old Vic …. Which has NOTHING to do with the fact that I’m going to be in it…..
Do you have any dream theatre roles that you would like to play over the years to come?
Lady Macbeth and Nala (from the Lion King!!)
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, what theatre role would you like to have a go at playing?
I’d like to think I could have a go at any role, regardless of my sex.
If you won the lottery and could stage one theatre show of your choice, what would you choose and who would be your dream cast?
I would choose Sondheim’s ‘Company’ and I would cast my year that did it at Guildhall.
Why should people come to see The Roundabout at PARK Theatre?
This play hasn’t been done in 80 years and has never been done in London. It’s sharp, witty, moving and is very much an undiscovered gem. A guaranteed enjoyable and entertaining evening at a lovely new(ish) theatre. And you’ll be the lucky lot clapping eyes on it first! See you there!
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
THE ROUNDABOUT plays at PARK Theatre from 24 August – 24 September 2016
