Anna O’Grady on Taking to the Stage for The Time of My Life
This is your professional stage debut. What attracts you to this role?
Stephanie’s story spans two years in the play so it’s been great to explore that development – both as her own character and in her relationship with her husband, Glyn. I like it that she doesn’t allow herself to become a complete victim of circumstance but finds an active strength, probably born out of endurance, to progress and mature into her own person. There’s so much variety in this role so it’s a wonderful challenge – emotionally and physically.
On the two-year acting course at LAMDA, the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.
What other parts have you played?
At LAMDA I had a brilliant time playing lots of different roles, from Grandma Sprightly in A Mad World My Masters to Nina in The Seagull and Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest. Before that, at university, I wrote and performed a lot of comedy alongside playing parts such as Hedda Gabler and also Julia in A Delicate Balance.
What motivated you to become an actress?
I think it was being taken to the theatre as a child and then acting in school plays. It hit me when I was quite young that what I most loved doing was actually a job for some people. I wanted that to be what I “did’” As I became older, that feeling didn’t go away.
What are your future plans?
Just to stay open to opportunities and see what comes up.
