Ella Dunlop is one of the actors cast in the Mercury’s exciting world premiere of a brand new musical called Pieces of String. It runs at the Colchester theatre from April 20 to May 5. For tickets call the box office on 01206 573948 or go on-line at mercurytheatre.co.uk

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

When I was in primary school I got to be in the children’s choruses for the musicals that toured to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. My favourite was Whistle Down the Wind, as I got to be the child who opened the huge barn doors and sang the first line of ‘No Matter What’. I remember thinking that the actors had the best job in the world. When I was a bit older I joined Salisbury Playhouse’s Youth Theatre and spent most of my teenage years rehearsing for plays with them. I got to act with a dog as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz on the main stage there which was definitely a highlight.

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

My dad always used to perform and direct the village pantomimes, which were raucous and definitely not PC! His rendition of ‘Gangnam Style’ is etched into my memory. Also, my grandpa used to be in an Am Dram society with Maggie Smith and Ronnie Barker. When clearing out his house we found a letter from Mr Barker sending grandpa love and reminiscing over shows they were in together. Dad’s got it framed, it’s lovely.

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

Adjoa Andoh directed my drama school showcase last year. She’s amazing- such a commanding but encouraging presence and she could really bring out the best in us. She also gave us an invaluable audition technique class which I try to implement whenever I’ve got a casting.

What formal training have you done?

I graduated from the Acting course at Rose Bruford College in 2017, so I’m just coming up to my first year out in the real world mark.

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

I played the flute and drums through school and so sometimes use them in shows. In ‘The Comedy of Errors’ last summer I played Dromio as a drumming clown, and so had to play a marching snare riff whilst balancing on a guy’s knees. I also learnt to juggle and how to be a base in a Two-High balance, with the other Dromio climbing up me and standing on my shoulders without holding on. That was cool- I felt very strong after that show!

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

My most challenging role was Lady Macbeth at drama school- I’d love to revisit her when I’m a bit older. However, working here with the Mercury Theatre in such a large scale production with such an experienced cast definitely makes my role in ‘Pieces of String’ my career highlight so far!

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

In one of our village pantomimes when I was 13, I was playing a snobbish princess who ended up married to the Butler, who ended up being played by my dad. So that was pretty excruciating. During one performance he added in the line ‘Suppose I could have married your mother’ which the audience found hilarious.

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

I’ve met Anita Dobson twice now and find her incredibly inspiring. The first time was when I was auditioning for schools and not having much luck. She spoke about how to stay resilient in this industry and gave me tips on how to cope with rejection. She also spoke about how important it is to stick to your roots and to keep your support network close. The next time I met her was in my second year at Rose Bruford, so it was lovely to show her that her motivational words had obviously made an impact.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I’d absolutely love to play Lyra in ‘His Dark Material’s by Nicolas Wright (adapted from the Philip Pullman trilogy). Ever since reading the books then watching Anna Maxwell Martin play her in 2003 at the National I’ve wanted that role. She completely commands that story; she’s so feisty and fun and you see her coming of age really beautifully.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Nearly - in one show a character was meant to spill a tiny drop of milk onto her skirt, for another character to gentlemanly mop up. However, in one performance she ended up smashing the china jug against her teacup - it completely shattered and milk went all over her crotch. It was meant to be a poignant and sweet moment, and because the guy tried to mop up the milk regardless of the spillage positioning, it made it even funnier.