Photography: Alvin Kean Wong
Fashion: Joseph Episcopo
Interview by Sydney Nash
You come from a family full of artists. What was it like to be brought up surrounded by creativity, and how did it shape your own art?
I grew up on a farm in a very rural part of England, and that, in combination with growing up with an artist family, meant that the suggested solution for boredom was to be creative. Having a family of artists meant that not only were they encouraging me to be creative, but that when I had made something and showed it to them, they took it seriously as opposed to looking at it like a nice, childish thing their kid had made.
I think it’s meant that I’ve always believed and seen art as a valid profession, as opposed to feeling like it was something I loved but eventually would have to put to one side.
You’ve been working as an actress since you were young. Tell me what it was like growing up and balancing both auditions and schoolwork.
It was tricky at times, especially because I lived in the countryside. Every time an audition came through, it meant a day trip to London because that’s where the industry is based. But my family, and especially my mother, were and continue to be incredibly supportive. Although it meant some moving around schools and feeling like an odd ball for pretty much the duration of my teens, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
You are both an actress and a musician. Do you find yourself drawn to one art form over another? If so, which one and why?
At the end of the day, I love storytelling. To me, acting and music are both ways of telling stories, and I find it such great fun to oscillate between the two. I could never pick just one.
I know you have your first solo album on the way. Tell me a little bit about what we can expect.
Honestly, my music is a work in progress. At the moment, I am loving letting it have its own life and energy and enjoying the process of discovery.
What acting role do you see as being the most pivotal of your career so far? Which has been the most challenging?
Probably Anna and The Apocalypse.It was my first outright lead role. When we shot it, it was a small indie movie. Then eight months later, it was bought by MGM’s Orion Pictures, and that took me on a whole whirlwind of a press tour and American cinema release. Without Anna and The Apocalypse, I wouldn’t have got Dickinson.
As far as most challenging role goes, I did a British indie film called The More You Ignore Me, about a young girl struggling to connect with her mentally-ill mother. It’s set in the North of England, so I had to do a northern accent, which was a real challenge. Emotionally, it was a heavy role. It was also the first time I’d been given such a challenging role, so I felt I had a lot to prove to myself.
You relocated to New York City (from England) to film “Dickinson” last year. Tell me what that transition has been like. What’s been the biggest change for you?
I feel liberated by New York. It’s felt a lot like leaving home to go to University but it’s a different continent. Being away from my family and friends has forced me to create a life, identity and new friends. I’m so happy thatDickinsonhas given me that.
You star in Apple TV+’s new show “Dickinson,” where you star as Emily Dickinson’s (played by Hailee Steinfeld) best friend, Sue. Tell me how this role came about.
I did a self-tape for the show, having read Alena Smith’s incredible script. I fell in love with her concept and the character of Sue – this dark, deep, mysterious, pragmatic young woman. I was desperate to play the part. Luckily, one of the producers of Dickinsonhad seen Anna And The Apocalypseand championed me for the role.
Dickinson isn’t your typical period drama. The show has a modern flair to it, from the costuming to the soundtrack to the dialogue. What do you think makes the show and its depiction of Emily Dickinson’s life unique?
Emily Dickinson was a women who was completely misunderstood in her own time. In the show, we ask the question: can she be understood in ours? I think what makes this depiction of Emily so unique and gripping is Alena Smith’s brilliant concept to look at Emily Dickinson through the perspective of a millennial. With contemporary music and cultural references, as well as surrealist tangents. The show is wild and audacious, and I think it really isn’t what people expect for a show about a poet in 1850’s New England. It’s so much more than a costume drama biopic.
The show is really a coming-of-age story. At 21, do you see any of your own story reflected in your portrayal of Sue?
I don’t see my own story reflected in Sue, as I’m not an orphan struggling with grief! But I think the heart of the show is about pushing back against constraint and not putting people in boxes. I can certainly relate to being a young person trying to discover who they are and trying to be true to themselves, as opposed to behaving in the way that society expects of them.
The show is set in 19th century America. What was your favorite part about working on the set? Did you take any souvenirs?
My favorite and also least favorite part of working on the Dickinsonset was being laced into my beautiful, black custom-made corset every morning. The real souvenir I take from the show is Emily Dickinson’s poems.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The more no’s you get, the closer you are to a yes!
The biggest misconception Americans have about the English?
That we all know everything about the royal family.
What was the last movie/show that made you cry?
Catastropheon Amazon Prime – makes me cry with the laughter every episode.
Ideal vacation spot?
Italy – Sun, sea, art, buildings, vespas and pizza.
Biggest pet peeve?
Messy cutlery racks in dishwashers.
You’re not on set. Where can we find you?
Eating chocolate and writing music.
Favorite meal in New York City?
Buvette’s Waffle Sandwich. How can eggs, gruyere, maple syrup and bacon all go so well together!?
If you weren’t a musician or an actress, you would be a…?
Professional dog walker, attempting to write a novel and making a lot of homemade pasta.
