Fearless performance.
Eliza Butterworth, who rose to fame in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, is looking forward to her latest show hitting the screens next month.
The 29-year-old, who will be starring in A Town Called Malice on Sky Max, spoke to us about her journey to acting and how the art of performance is ever evolving.
Interview Liam Saint-Pierre Photography JC Verona
Fringed Dress by Bonita Collective. Earrings by Capsule Eleven. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. Gold necklace pendant by Astley Clarke. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Bangles and rings Eliza’s own.
What made you want to be an actor? and how did you get started?
It’s so hard to believe now, but I was actually always a very shy child. My school where I grew up in Lincoln had the most amazing drama department and teachers. When I became a teenager, I tried my hand in the school plays and took drama as a subject to study. I totally fell in love with theatre and the escapism of becoming another character! My school and teachers were so supportive and encouraged me to audition for drama school and the rest is history! My other huge influence is my mother Edie who is fabulous, American and a naturally dramatic individual – she most definitely inspired my love for larger than life characters!
You went to RADA. Where, or in what roles, have you found using that experience more useful than you expected?
Training at RADA was a dream come true! I loved the school and the phenomenal teachers we had! I was 18 when I started and a total deer in headlights! With that, the directors cast me in roles that were much older, fiercer, stronger, and completely different to myself. From this aspect of the training, I have always felt so comfortable in transforming and playing challenging characters. I have been very lucky to carry on playing such roles throughout my career so far!
Dress by Malan Breton. Earrings by Aloe, Black choker heart necklace by Monki. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. White and blue crystal necklaces both by Coeur De Lion. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Tights by Pringle via Sock Shop. Bangles and rings Eliza’s own. Red boots by Rosamund Muir.
After you graduated were you drawn to the stage more than the screen?
Back then our training was mainly classical and theatre based which I adored! I’m a huge fan of Shakespeare, Jacobean and restoration plays and after graduating I was always so connected and drawn to that world as it was all I knew. However, my first acting jobs ended up being on screen which I never thought I would get the brilliant opportunity to do! It was so thrilling to jump into screen and television work as it was a like a brand-new education. I learnt so much from the sensational actors and crew around me and have equal love for both theatre and screen.
“It’s so fascinating to delve into a new character – getting to know them and creating them is one of my favourite facets of acting.”
Your first acting credit was in 2015 – how would you say you’ve developed as an actor between now and then?
My first acting jobs were all on screen and I was absolutely petrified of the camera! I didn’t understand the scale of it or if I should even move my face or not! From then until now I would say that my performance style has gotten bigger and more fearless as I no longer worry about the lens; and similar to theatre, I just commit to whatever situation my character is in! But I’m constantly learning on every different job and the curiosity will never end and that’s also the fun of it!
Green tulle dress by A-Jane. Green sports bra and Heart pendant by Monki. Earrings by Aloë. Left silver and gold cuff by Capsule Eleven. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. White and blue crystal necklaces both by Coeur De Lion. Gold necklace pendant by Astley Clarke. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Belt by Emile Vidal Carr. Bangles and rings Eliza’s own. Tights by Pringle via Sock Shop. Shoes by Monki
What’s the process behind your craft? How do you embody a character?
It’s so fascinating to delve into a new character – getting to know them and creating them is one of my favourite facets of acting. I love creating the backstory of my character by researching the history, culture and politics of the time as well as learning about their family, friends, lovers, environment. Either through true documents, the text of the script or by creating it myself. I also really love voices and think so much of a character’s essence can be expressed through their voice so finding their accent, tone, and way of speaking really helps me as well as finding the costume, hair, makeup and aesthetic that brings them to life.
What’s ‘A Town Called Malice’ about and can you tell us about your current role in it?
A Town Called Malice is a vivacious, cinematic, thrilling, heart pounding adventure that follows a wild South London family called The Lords on their adventure to The Costa del Sol where chaos finds them wherever they go! The show is so full of emotion, heart, danger and fun with the most fabulous music from everyone’s favourite decade – the 80s! I play the role of Carly Lord who is glamorous, lovable, loyal and huge hearted. Carly is always up for a good time, loves fashion and is adorably ditsy, but beneath that exterior is complexity and strength which gets challenged during the family’s escapades.
Green Jacket by MILÓ MARIA. Grey Suit Jacket underneath by Sarah Regensburger
“As a teenager I totally fell in love with theatre and the escapism of becoming another character.”
Pink bra and mirrored earrings by stylist own. Turquoise top by Karina Bond. Left silver and gold cuff by Capsule Eleven. Black sequinned trousers by Gaia Gaia. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Bangles and rings Eliza’s own. Silver heels by Rosamund Muir
What's been your most challenging role and why?
Playing Lady Aelswith in The Last Kingdom was the most incredible and challenging role I have had the honour to play! I completely grew up on that show as did the character. The Last Kingdom was such a joy to be on and Lady Aelswith evolved and blossomed so much throughout the five seasons of the show from a young severe and devout wife to a fierce and heroic grandmother. Delving into situations I could never imagine being in and bringing them to life was so exciting! Lady Aelswith was the total opposite to me in every single way and playing her was the ultimate opportunity to embody a character so far removed from myself and to totally transform!
What stories / genres are you drawn to?
I actually love a bit of everything! I dip into every genre. Recently I have been drawn to thrilling series such as The White Lotus, Stranger Things and The Watcher, but I also love any shows and films with vivid characters and interesting relationship dynamics! Right now I am obsessed with the new Disney series Extraordinary and it’s exactly what it says on the tin!
Green bra top by MILÓ MARIA. Black and gold lace top by Sarah Regensburger. Heart Earrings by Aloë. Left silver and gold cuff by Capsule Eleven. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. Gold necklace pendant by Astley Clarke. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Bangles and rings ELiza’s own. Green and white skirt by LalicA. Heels by Rosmund Muir
Who are your influences?
I adore transformational actors such as Imelda Staunton, Viola Davis, Martha Plimpton, Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson to name a few! Seeing these actors totally envelop themselves in their characters and the story is so inspring and they make it look so effortless. But behind that I know there is so much thorough work, skill, craft and supreme talent.
What’s next for you?
I am so excited for everyone to see A Town Called Malice coming to Sky Max this March 16th! We really hope that we can continue the adventures of this fabulous family into the future!
Green tulle dress by A-Jane. Green sports bra and Heart pendant by Monki. Earrings by Aloë. Left silver and gold cuff by Capsule Eleven. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. White and blue crystal necklaces both by Coeur De Lion. Gold necklace pendant by Astley Clarke. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Belt by Emile Vidal Carr.Bangles and rings Eliza’s own. Tights by Pringle via Sock Shop. Shoes by Monki
What was the last good film you watched and why did you like it?
The Eyes of Tammy Faye starring Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield. I was completely blown away by their mindblowng transformations and larger than life portayals of real people. I also love classic movies and I recently watched the breathtakingly beautiful Deborah Kerr in The King and I which was totally transporting and charming!
Which is your favourite cinema and why?
It’s a toss up between my local cinema which is the Odeon in Holloway Road; a spectaular art deco beauty just a bus ride away! Or the Picture House Cinema in Leicester Square where I meet all my friends and watch the latest blockbusters in style! The cinema is genuinely my favourite place to be.
Fringed Dress by Bonita Collective. Earrings by Capsule Eleven. Two gold necklaces with pendants both by AU79 fine jewellery. Gold necklace pendant by Astley Clarke. Green Bracelet by Chlobo. Bangles and rings Eliza’s own. White boots Eliza’s own
About Eliza
Eliza is an English actress and best known for her role as Queen Aelswith of Wessex in the series The Last Kingdom, and is nominated for best supporting actress in a TV series at the National Film Awards UK for her performance as Heston the BBC Two miniseries The North Water in 2022.
To see more of her work, follow her on Instagram
Team credits
Interview Liam Saint-Pierre
Photographer JC Verona
Stylist Lily Lam
Make up Claudine Blythman using Mac
Hair Claire Healey @ Eighteen management using Moroccan Oil hair care
Nails Jada – Elize Lorentz using Chanel
Styling Assistant Peg McMillan
Cover Lettering Ignacio Casco
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