Gillian Bevan – 'Working in regional theatre makes you bolder'

Actress Gillian Bevan said that working in regional theatre allows you "to be braver and make bolder choices."

Talking to WhatsOnStage, the Cymbeline star explained the advantages of working in rep and regional theatre.

Bevan said: "I've spent years of my life staying at Scarborough and in Manchester and I think sometimes people underestimate because it's like a continuation of your drama training, it does allow you to be braver and make bolder choices. I think and the rewards from that are immense.

"It can't all be London-centric or Stratford-centric. Stratford and the National do amazing things but there's nothing like going to your local theatre and seeing great productions."

Bevan added to a recent debate over the importance of regional theatre and whether rep theatre should be brought back.

"The Royal Exchange have given me, in my later years, amazing parts to play. Particularly doing the re-gendered Polonius with Maxine Peake in Hamlet which was a huge hit," she said, "it was the fastest selling show and won me a Manchester Theatre Award. I suppose I've been part of the last generation that was given opportunities in rep and it's interesting the idea [of bringing it back]."

The Liverpool and Everyman Theatre recently announced they were returning to rep theatre after 25 years. Actor Ian McKellen, a long time supporter of the repertory system, welcomed the move.

You can read the full interview with Gillian Bevan here.