British actress and Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell has recently finished playing the lead role of Rita in Educating Rita on stage at Curve and is currently starring in legal drama WAR for Sky, alongside Sienna Miller and Dominic West. We caught up with Alexandra about her recent projects and career so far.
How was the experience of playing Rita?
It was incredible. When I read the script, I instantly connected with her and was so excited to work with Cara [Nolan - Director] to create our version of Rita.
I hadn’t seen the film and purposefully avoided it so I wasn’t influenced by the fabulous Dame Julie Walters as I wanted to find my own version of Rita. She’s an icon and playing Rita lived up to every expectation I had. I had so much fun with her, and feel very lucky to have had the opportunity.
What do you find interesting about Rita and Frank's relationship?
It’s just so unexpected. They’re from different worlds, different generations, yet they grow to care for one another so deeply. They have a real bond. I just love how it shows that people from different backgrounds can all get on when you take the time to communicate and understand each other.
Why do you think Willy Russell’s play still feels so relevant several decades after it was written?
It is so relevant because unfortunately, we are still facing many of the same situations today. People still face inequities when it comes to accessing education. The barriers of the class system are still hard to break through. But aside from that, the determination of a young woman wanting to work hard, learn and make the most of life is timeless.
You're also starring in the TV show WAR for Sky. Can you tell us about the show and your character?
Yes! We had the best time filming WAR. It’s about two real law firms going head to head on a famous divorce case, and everyone doing whatever they can to win. I play Cleo, Serena’s (Phoebe Fox) assistant in the T&B office. She’s a hard worker, loyal and thinks of herself as essential to the running of the office. But most of all, she loves a good office gossip!
How do you find transitioning between television and theatre work?
I love it. Being able to do both is what makes the job so exciting. It’s always different, always changing. It had been so long since I had done a play, it was something I was itching to get back into again. I trained in theatre so it’s just like riding a bike, once you’re on the stage it feels right. But I’ve mostly worked in TV and I really do love it. It’s become my safe place. Where I feel most confident. And that’s down to the incredible actors and crews I’ve worked with. I have learned so much from them. And still do!
Are there any theatre dream roles you'd like to take on in the future?
I’d love to take on some Shakespeare. Maybe a comedy first, as that’s what I’m used to! Maybe Rosalind? We did As You Like It at college so it would be lovely to come back to it professionally. There’s also an incredible venue, Shakespeare North Playhouse, that’s quite local to us. We’ve seen a few productions there now and they’re always brilliant.
Photo credit: Fiona Finchett
WAR is now playing on Sky Atlantic in the UK and HBO in the US, with further info here.