DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER IN A FEW WORDS:
Hard, steely-eyed, spikey, angry, determined, sensitive.
WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER IN LARKHALL FOR?
Pat is in Larkhall because she stabbed her ex-boyfriend to death (in self-defence). He was kicking the crap out of her at the time and she had to defend herself.
IS THIS THE FIRST TIME BEHIND BARS FOR YOUR CHARACTER?
This is her first offence but Pat was transferred to Larkhall from another prison at her own request. She has been “inside” for a long time already.
IS SHE DESERVEDLY BEHIND BARS?
She did commit murder and she is guilty – however she hasn’t exactly had the easiest life. Whether she deserves to be there depends on your own viewpoint.
WHO DOES YOUR CHARACTER GET ON BEST WITH? AND WORST?
Pat hates bullies of all kinds and therefore despises Natalie Buxton. She likes people who respect themselves and other people.
DO YOU THINK BEING BEHIND BARS WILL TEACH YOUR CHARACTER A LESSON?
No. Pat desperately needs counselling to properly recover from the abuse she received as a child and subsequently from her ex-boyfriend’s violent behaviour. She needs treatment, not locking up.
DO YOU THINK VIOLENCE IN WOMEN’S PRISON IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN REALITY?
I think that most of the violence in women’s prisons comes about when women afflict their anger and frustration on themselves and self-harm. The high suicide rate is appalling and women should be offered treatment and counselling as well as rehabilitation, instead of internalising their pain and anger.
YOUR CHARACTER APPEARS TO HAVE A RIVALRY PROBLEM WITH NATALIE BUXTON – WILL THEY FIGHT IT OUT FOR TOP DOG?
Yes, Pat and Natalie come head to head. Pat isn’t really bothered about the ‘top dog’ mantle – rather she is thrust into this position because she can’t stand by and allow bullying Natalie to run things and abuse others.
DO YOU THINK PAT HAS THE RESPECT OF THE OTHER INMATES?
Pat does have the respect of the other inmates. She becomes “top dog” through the others’ respect for her using morality rather than ruling through fear. She stands up for what is right in her eyes, even if she has to stick her neck out for it and the other inmates respect that.
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE BAD GIRLS SET WHEN YOU FIRST SAW IT?
The Bad Girls set is amazing – it is massive and a gift to work in.
WHAT DO YOU PERSONALLY THINK ARE THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN PRISONS AT THE MOMENT?
Too many women are in prison who don’t need to be there. 8 years ago, one and half thousand women were in prison, now there is 4 and a half thousand and the crime rate has actually decreased in that time. Many of these women could be repaying society in a more useful way. The Howard League is a charity I believe does fabulous work. My old landlady, Francis Crook, is the Director of this donation-based organisation and many work tirelessly to help women in prison in this country with anything from crime prevention through to prisoner’s rights.
NOW ON TO YOU:
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE SUMMER?
I would love to have a little holiday and then work, work, work! I also want to catch up with my music – I play the piano and sing and I love live gigs, so hopefully I’ll do some more of those.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS LINED UP AFTER BAD GIRLS AND IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?
There is something possibly in the so-called pipeline but it’s not definite yet, so I can’t say!
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF FILMING BAD GIRLS?
I love working with Jack Ellis – he is fantastic and makes me giggle. I do love playing Pat – it is great to play such a strong woman.
WHAT IS THE WORST?
The worst part is not having much of a life outside whilst I am filming! But I’m not complaining as I’m definitely happier when I’m working – most actors are.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND (WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING)?
I love to spend a weekend at home with my lovely boyfriend Charlie watching a good movie or a riveting documentary, then having some mates around for drinks and a go on “Burnout 3” on our X Box.
DO YOU BELIEVE GOING TO A DRAMA SCHOOL MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR GETTING IN TO ACTING?
It makes it easier to get seen by agents and casting directors when you go to drama school. I didn’t train but instead chose to get a degree. I went to Cambridge and read English. So I had to do the writing off to agents myself, which is a lot harder.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL ACTING ROLE?
I’ll know it when I see it. But I think you have to make every role ‘ideal’ to make it work. I played Cleopatra at Cambridge and I would love to have another go at that.
IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE PEOPLE TO DINNER, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando so we could smoulder at each other. And the third person would be my cousin Sacha because he makes me laugh more than anyone in the world.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ROLE MODELS – ACTING OR PERSONAL?
All my role models are men I’m afraid! For acting anyway. They are; Ian Holm, Anthony Hopkins, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando. I also love Helen Mirren. I played her daughter once when I was 10 in a TV film called “Coming Through”.
ARE THERE ANY DIFFICULTIES/BENEFITS IN APPEARING IN SUCH A HIGH PROFILE SHOW?
At time of writing, the show hasn’t gone out yet – I’ll let you know when I’ve ‘appeared’ in it.
WHAT WOULD YOU IDEALLY LIKE TO ACT IN – TV/FILM/THEATRE?
I love to act in all mediums – it’s been a while since I’ve been able to fit any theatre in so I’d jump at the chance to do some. I’ve also loved the detail and precision of working on “Resident Evil” – being decapitated was great fun.
WHAT ROLE ARE YOU MOST WELL KNOWN FOR?
Getting my head cut off in Resident Evil probably! But I wouldn’t say I am well known for being in any one thing. Recently I’ve been in the first two scenes of Hustle playing the police detective chasing the five cons.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
South London.
WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU? DO YOU BELIEVE IN THEM?
Aries and I don’t really go in for them but I do have an open mind.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE ITEM FROM THE SET, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would love to take this lovely green jacket I wear when I first arrive in prison.
WHAT IS THE WORSE THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Oh my god, I can’t answer that!
