by Steve Peterson
How did you first get involved with acting?
I started Ballet at two and a half, and
Drama at seven. I was told my second toe was too long for point work, and I had
too much hair for a tidy bun, so I had to make a choice and acting won.
When did you know that you wanted to make acting a
career?
It took me a while, even saying
out loud that I wanted to act was hugely embarrassing; it always seemed so
unworthy a profession when you could be doing so much good in the world - but
then I realized telling stories is my ‘good.’ Empathy, compassion and even
laughter come from great tales, I believe we all have an important story to
tell.
What
was your first break as a performer in the entertainment industry and how did
it further your career?
My first professional break was playing Hedvig in
Ibsen’s The Wild Duck at the Dixon
Studio in Westcliff-on-Sea. I was reviewed as a ‘young Meryl Streep.’ This
inspired me to keep going. My strength as an actor is my ability to be
vulnerable and ugly. Some people are unwilling to be either.
How
did creating your own theatre company in England come about?
My ex-partner had written a play. We were young
and green, and could not find a theatre willing to take a chance on us and it.
It was very disheartening. Finally Dani Higginson, the bar manager at the Hen
& Chickens Theatre in London took the time to read the piece and loved it. We met and loved her, and the 17 year love
affair with creating a company and space for artists to be supported and have
fun continues to this day. Unrestricted View (my company - still with the ex) has
now created an independent Film Festival, to spread the love to filmmakers
too.
I moved to LA because if you keep walking down
the same road looking at the same things nothing will ever change. I was ready
for a new adventure and the UK Prime Minister David Cameron getting into office
was my final push. I adore LA, the gorgeous people I have met (everyone on Baby
Oh Baby has been a dream), the positivity, the kindness I have experienced and
the amazing opportunities of more and varied acting work. I also produce comedy
with my Brit writer/director friend Paul McKeown with our Company Dangerously
Funny Productions out here.
What
is Thirst (can’t remember the rest) and why/how were you involved?
Thirst is a non-profit company
finding a way to get clean water to rural communities through digging wells and
offering filtration systems in homes - https://www.thirstproject.org/water-crisis/. However,
my involvement was only to go to a benefit to support them. My main charitable
work in LA so far, has been being on the Board of 'Kitty Bungalow - Charm
School for Wayward Cats' for 2 years - http://www.kittybungalow.org my
cats are both rescues from this organization. KB works to get feral cats off
the street, neutered and into loving homes. They also have an annual
“Catbaret" fundraiser with incredible talent from Film and TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3ED3dEFcQ which
I helped organise for 3 years.
You’ve
also participated in some Sundance events?
What were they and what was it like to be part of that prestigious
group’s events?
The Sundance Institute does amazing work in
supporting emerging talent and for the last 4 years, I have been lucky enough
to be involved in events during the Sundance Film Festival. I especially
like working with screenwriters on their stories and my role as the Director of
Development with the International Screenwriters’ Association has allowed me to
showcase award winning writers by organizing and participating in Table
Readings all over the US and the UK. We return to London in October 2016 during
the London Film Festival. I cannot wait.
What brings you back to theatre?
I love the theatre. It is
where I started. You just cannot beat
the interaction. We are all in it together, the crew, the cast and the audience;
we all make this beautiful pact to go on the ride. In this play we laugh, we
cry, and I hope there are a few surprises along the way.
What is it about your character or the story that you
most enjoy or enjoy exploring?
I am not the character of Angie, but I truly
understand the societal pressure women feel, sometimes unconsciously, to
'complete themselves’ with motherhood. Angie is ultimately looking for love,
probably in all the wrong places. When you stand back and look at her life, she
has a wonderful sister in Bella who is there for her, and does truly love her. Now, all Angie has to do is to love herself.
That is probably where we collide, Angie and I - the continuing journey to
accepting and loving ourselves fully, with all our missteps, sweetness and
imperfections. Baby Oh Baby!
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