Following her triumphant run in this year’s pantomime at the Mercury Theatre, former Eastenders and Holby City actor Carli Norris is back on the stage there playing the Governess in a new adaptation of Henry James’ classic ghost story, Turn of the Screw. It runs until March 10 and for tickets call the box office on 01206 573948 or go on-line at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?
My darling Dad was a drama teacher so we had plays galore at home! He had a drama studio in his school filled with costumes and props and would sometimes take me there on a weekend and I would dress up and prance around while he worked! My first role was Rizzo in Grease at school, I was 15.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
Just my darling dad.
Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?
I once worked with Dame Diana Rigg and was awestruck. Although I find a lot of actors inspiring for different reasons. One of my greatest inspirations is Ray Cooney (playwright and director), he’s still going strong at 85 and laughing all the way.
Ghost story - Annabel Smith and Carli Norris in rehearsals for Turn of the Screw
What formal training have you done?
I trained at RADA, but keep learning on the job all the time!
Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?
I make a lot of my own clothes. I have a shop in Colchester and online and we specialise in 1940s and 1950s designs. I also designed a line of wedding and red-carpet dresses which I have worn myself.
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?
I’ll never forget my first job – Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion in the West End when I was 23. I also fell in love with Panto last year at the Mercury – playing a baddie was always on my bucket list. The Enchantress was a wonderful part to play.
What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I can’t recall anything embarrassing happening on stage – although I did take part in a charity fashion show when I was 15 and my dress fell down – mortifying!
Which actor (s) do you most admire and why?
Comedy actors are my favourites – Julie Walters in particular.
What role would you most like to play and why?
I always wanted to play Eponine in Les Misérables but was too tall, and of course now, too old. I’d quite like to play a supervillain. What fun that would be.
Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?
During Panto at Christmas last year I lost it completely during a spell scene due to Mercury favourites Anthony Stuart Hicks and Dale Superville. I was crying so much I couldn’t get any words out.
Any big plans for the future?
Hopefully more roles at the Mercury – it is a wonderful place to be in and everyone who works here are like family.
Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to other actors/directors?
Learning lines is like learning a song. The key is to read and understand everyone else’s lines so yours make sense.
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