Prime-time play
IT'S A giant leap to go from playing a New Orleans whore who gets bitten by a vampire to a hard-nosed political advisor to the British prime minister.
Not only is it a move from horror to comedy, it's also very different acting in a big Hollywood movie from performing live on stage.
But it's one that actress Indra Ové has proved she's more than capable of making as she takes on the role of Claire Sutton, special policy advisor to Jim Hacker, PM.
It's true. Yes, Prime Minister has been given a Noughties makeover and now features a strong-minded woman in Westminster.
Sunday and Monday evenings £12.00 per head for an all inclusive meal with Indian and Thai cuisine (normal price £14.50).
Bring this voucher to the restaurant complete with your name and email address on it.
Terms: Expires 31st July
Contact: 01452 223782
Valid until: Wednesday, July 31 2013
Indra will be joined on stage at the Everyman in Cheltenham by fellow actors Michael Fenton-Stevens and Crispin Redman – who play Jim Hacker and Sir Humph – in the new stage adaptation of the hugely popular TV sitcom.
Stepping into the shoes of the legendary Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne is a hard act to follow, but one the actors have embraced.
"It has been modernised for a new generation and therefore of course there is a woman in the cast," said Indra, who is best known for falling foul of vampires Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the 1994 film, Interview With The Vampire.
"I play personal advisor to the prime minister, Claire Sutton, who is an incredibly loyal and dynamic character.
"She's got a double first and has had to work twice as hard as a man to get where she is, so she's got a lot of balls and is pretty fearless."
From that description, it sounds as if she won't be Sir Humphrey's favourite person.
"She's his nemesis," said Indra. "He really would prefer her not to be there."
The play runs at the Everyman from Monday.
"We've had a lot of fun rehearsing but it is daunting to be doing such a cult show," said Indra, who is mum to two boys, aged 10 and 13.
"Some of the pressure was taken off because this is a modern version of it, so we can put our own slant on it."
Since earning her acting stripes as Etty in the 1980 children's series The Latchkey Children, Indra has been busy with roles on TV, the movies and stage.
"I still get stopped in the street and asked about what it was like working with Tom and Brad," she said. "It was an amazing experience for a young actress, suddenly to be on set with these two megastars."
She is also producing and will be acting in The Trinidad Three Sisters once her role in Yes, Prime Minister has ended, and has a couple of ambitions still to be fulfilled.
"I would love to play some of the iconic Shakespeare roles, such as Cleopatra and Lady Macbeth," she said.
But until then, she has to face her nemesis on the Cheltenham stage.
Sir Humphrey will certainly be quaking in his Savile Row suit.
Helen Blow
Comments