Brenda lives! In the run up to the launch of Feel and Feel More we’re spending time with our brilliant cast and creative team. First up (and repping for the Midlands!) We have the brilliant Demelza O’Sullivan who features as “Brenda” in “Feel More” by the equally brilliant Alexander Knott. Find out about Demelza right here!
Describe yourself in Five Words
Shy, strong-willed, clumsy, daft, generous…How would those that know you best describe you?
I actually think I’m quite an introvert but my friends always describe me as ‘bonkers’ (I can’t think why!) It’s probably because I’m always up for a laugh and will try pretty much anything once. I am also a risk taker and try to live by the motto ‘To live in fear is not to live at all’ as Corey Feldman once said in the classic 80’s film ‘License to Drive.’ I do have a problem with starting conversations with people I don’t know though as I am a bit socially awkward.
What actor do you most admire and why?
I love Emma Thompson. Not only is she an amazing actress but I was also very lucky to meet her recently. She was so charming and friendly; she spoke to every single person in the room and made everyone feel really important. She’s also has the most amazing skin!
What’s the best thing you’ve seen at the theatre and why?
I go to the theatre a lot but I recently saw ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ by Martin McDonagh at the Noel Coward theatre and it was brilliant. It has been my favourite play since I read it at college and I’ve always wanted to see it on stage. It was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a very long time, so much funnier than when I read the script to myself as I can’t do the Irish accent. The acting from all of the actors was superb but it did have a very handsome actor in the lead role…
If you could play any theatre role yet you haven’t, what would it be and why?
I love musicals; I grew up watching them because my mom was a big fan. I never really get to play happy, funny characters so I would love to play Dolly in ‘Hello Dolly.’ I’m not musical theatre trained so would probably get booed off the stage but the character of Dolly is just so scheming and hilarious. I love Barbara Streisand and the film version is one of my favourite films. I remember watching it over and over as a child. It’s the film that made me want to act.
What scares and excites you most about acting?
The most exciting thing about acting is the uncertainty of it all. You never know what role you are going to play next and it’s so much fun getting to meet new people all of the time. I love theatre because of the adrenalin rush you get before each performance – there’s nothing else like it. The scariest thing is also the uncertainty of it all! The continual search for work and not knowing whether you are going to be able to afford to pay the rent next month is difficult.
What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve done on stage?
I recently played the character of ‘Maggie’ in Anna Jordan’s ‘Yen’ which was an amazing but challenging role to play. She is a diabetic, alcoholic mother who leaves her young sons on their own in a flat to fend for themselves. It was a physically and emotionally demanding role in which I had to swear a lot and also smoke for the first time ever. I learned a few new words! I also set fire to my eyelashes but I don’t really talk about that part…
If you could swap lives with anyone for the day who would it be and why?
I would like to swap lives for a day with Eleanor Tomlinson who plays the character of ‘Demelza’ in BBC’s Poldark. Obviously this is because my name is Demelza and not for any other reason, DEFINITELY not because Aidan Turner plays Ross Poldark…ahem…moving swiftly on!
What do you like most about the world of Feel / Feel More and why do think people should buy a ticket?
I love how Feel / Feel More tell stories that are relevant to today’s society. Sometimes the themes are ones that we don’t often talk about, like loneliness or depression, but people are out there feeling these things and their stories need to be told. There are also heartwarming stories to be heard about love and happiness. I love how the writers create characters that the audience can relate to and empathise with. You really do find yourself getting drawn in to their worlds. There is something there for everyone and that’s what drew me to the project. If I wasn’t in it, I would definitely be watching it so get a ticket before they sell out!
Tell us something about you which people might not know…
I am one of twelve children!
When she’s not setting fire to her eyelashes outside Aidan Turner’s dressing room in the hope that he’ll make better wife choices in the future, you can catch the brilliant Demelza as “Brenda” in “Feel More” at The Space this February. Tickets for “Feel” and “Feel More” are on sale now from www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice.
You can find Demelza on Twitter @DemelzaO and you can also follow Proforca Theatre Company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre. Our web address is www.proforca.co.uk