In the run up to the first performance of our new production "If I Go" we sat down with some of our cast and crew and attempted to find out a little bit about them.
In this instalment we meet the actor who plays our favourite receptionist and all round super genius Camilla. Say Hello to Harriet Lambert!
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into acting?
A. My background is in dance and performance art, I was always drawn to movement over spoken words to tell a story. However during my MA my own performance work changed paths, creating a performance lecture for my degree show, which made me fall in love with acting.
·Q. What actors or performers do you admire and how have they influenced how you perform?
A. Anything Pina Bausch has ever done. Her ability to evoke raw emotion is the most beautiful experience, she uses text and the human body in such an honest way.
Q. What are your thoughts on “If I Go” – What appealed to you about the story?
A. If I Go is great because it is an honest portrayal of life. It shows the ups and downs of the lives of a group of friends trying to find their way. It shows honest relationships with some very moving and funny scenes.
Q. Tell us about your character in your own words.
A. Camilla is such a babe, bless her! She doesn't know what's going on most of the time, and she doesn't always get in right (well she never gets it right really!) but she always makes it fun so you've got to love her.
Q. Do you have any favourite scenes / lines in the play and how have they influenced how you’ve played the role?
A. My favourite scene is with Camilla, Matt and Amira, there's a big important meeting at work and Camilla doesn't get the memo, resulting in a hilarious misunderstanding. I love her naivety and sense of fun in the scene, she just wants to have a laugh and enjoy herself which I think she does throughout most of the play!
Q. How has the role changed since you started rehearsals?
A. Camilla has definitely grown since we started rehearsals, she's more mature, sensible, sorted and together. Only joking! She's become more of a walking disaster but I have grown to love her more and more!
Q. Do you have any particular rituals or superstitions before you perform?
A. Dancing to Beyonce in the dressing room and telling myself not to fall over on stage.
Q. If you weren’t working as an actor – what would you be doing instead?
A. Working as a receptionist. ;(
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given about acting?
A. Be honest.
·Q. Tell us something about you which you think people would find surprising!
A. I'm currently training to be an Osteopath.
Thanks to Harriet for taking the time to talk to us. When she isn't putting her back (and yours) into it in training as an osteopath, you can find her solving the mysteries of the universe, quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity (not really!) in "If I Go" - May 4 - 7 2016 at Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub in Walthamstow. Tickets on sale now from www.proforca.co.uk
You can also follow Harriet on Twitter @Harrietmoves