ACTOR, playwright and director Jazz Ely has only been on the Colchester community theatre scene for a few years but has already made a huge impression.

Following roles in The Cripple of Inishmaan and Accrington Pals, as well as her own acclaimed play Nat and Mike, she's off to London to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama later this year.

But before all of that Jazz is appearing in Swallow with Eleanor Kent-Dyson and Charlotte Still at the Mercury Theatre Studio from August 31 to September 1.

For tickets call the box office on 01206 573948.

What or who got you interested in theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

At school I did mainly music, I didn’t know much about theatre, once I finished I decided to do something completely out of my comfort zone, which was acting. I met my tutor Stella Payne, who opened my eyes up to theatre. And now I love it.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in the theatre?

Not theatre but my family are very arty. My dad's a musician so was his mum. And my husband is a fantastic actor and musician too.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

I’ve worked with a few inspiring people, I find anyone who is willing to go out and produce their own theatre and art is inspiring such as Paul T Davies, Paula Baker, Stella Payne and lot’s of other people.

What formal training have you done?

I have an extended Diploma in Acting, I’ve done quite a few RADA workshops and I do whatever workshops I can afford.

Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?

I play guitar, I haven’t used this skill in a play yet but would love to. And I’m a good lefty on a football pitch if anyone is scouting.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

Writing and directing my own piece of theatre and working with such amazing actors who were willing to put up with all my weird improvs and experimental games.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I wasn’t on stage but it was near the end of the opening night of my play Nat and Mike. Our props malfunctioned and the play ended. I may have hid under the sound desk. The actors were amazing to improv the ending. But it’s what I love about theatre as anything can happen.

Which actor (s) performer (s) do you most admire and why?

I really admire Toby Jones, every character he plays is so real and makes me feel so much empathy. Also the Swedish actress MyAnna Buring. I first saw her in the film City Rats, and then recently in The Wasp at Trafalgar studios, she’s incredible to watch. And also Pina Bausch. Her performance and choreography is really compelling.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I’m really looking forward to playing the part of Sam in Swallow, however ordinarily when I read a play I can’t imagine myself playing the role. I usually look at it from a directors view and think of who I’d cast. I’d love to put on Posh by Laura Wade and I already have a cast in my mind.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

I’ve never corpsed during a performance. Usually when I feel myself starting to laugh I imagine the actor opposite me with a giant marble for a head and for some reason I don’t find a giant marble funny at all.

Any big plans for the future?

I’m off to study at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in October, before then I am playing Sam in Swallow by Stef Smith directed by Paul T Davies at the Mercury Theatre, which I’m super excited about doing.

Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to other actors/directors?

I sing them at home to myself, or use drums to create a rhythm with the dialogue. It works for me but my husband finds it really annoying.