ACTRESS Tamsin Steele has been involved in local theatre since she was very young. After studying theatre and playwriting at Essex University she has thrown herself into the community scene where she has performed in a number of roles, the most recent of which was Twelfth Night for the Priory Players, which took place in Colchester’s Castle Park this summer.

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

I've been interested in theatre ever since I got the part of a tree in our primary school panto. Not the biggest part, but I loved every minute of it. I was involved in school and college productions. I was also in the Mercury Youth Theatre from 14 to 19 years of age. I did a theatre degree at Essex University and so was very much involved in the drama society there.

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

My mother was in her local amateur dramatics group, the Quay Theatre in Sudbury. She got rave reviews for her Cecily in their production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

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

My college drama teacher was the reason I chose to do a theatre degree. He was passionate about the craft and really instilled this in his students.

What formal training have you done?

I did a BA in Theatre and an MA in Playwriting at Essex University.

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

I attempt to sing!

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

I'd say my role as the Duchess in The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster has been my favourite role to date. It was a challenge to play her and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

We had a video set to play in one production and, of course, one night it didn't play. The actors stood there for what seemed like hours just waiting for this video to start. Eventually we just gave up and carried on with the show.

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

Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Ian McKellan, Billy Crudup. All fantastic actors who can do both stage and screen. These are performers that other actors in the field look up to and admire.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I would love to play Cleopatra, such a strong character would be a great challenge.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

I did in an audition once, it was rather embarrassing. I couldn't save it either, I just stood there with my mouth open and then excused myself. Needless to say, I did not get the part.

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

The best way to learn lines, for me, is to write them out several times. It really works!