She is The Queen
Jessica Ellerby plays Queen Elizabeth II in the crime drama TV-series 'Pennyworth'. We talked to her about the craft of acting, film making and what inspires her.
Interview Liam Saint - Pierre Photography JC Verona Styling Kate Barbour Hair Lewis Stanford Make-up Elizabeth Hsieh PR Beaumont London
© JC Verona Tuxedo Suit Ellie Lines Earrings Unique Vintage Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
Hello Jessica, thank you for taking the time to hang out with us today. Legend says that “Britain will fall if the ravens leave the Tower of London”. This dates back to the period of World War II when they were used to spot Nazis and it’s interesting to see that Ravens have a little impact on many tales of gothic horror, stories, books, films, etc. Like the echo in Pennyworth with the Raven Society the series where you play The Queen…
Are you fan of Ravens? haha
Absolutely not! I actually got attacked by a flock of them a year ago (was it a sign?!) Horrible things! I mean they’re really smart, living creatures, blah blah blah, but no, I’m not a fan.
Congratulations on your performance, playing The Queen must be a challenging one. What’s the process behind your craft? How do you embody a character / prepare for a role?
Thank you very much. I know it sounds obvious but some good old-fashioned basic prep: Read the script! And read it well (several times!) - know the part that your character has in telling the story as a whole, not just your single journey. Then get those lines so down that you could be prodded awake at 4am and still recite them - there’s so much else going on when you’re actually on set that you need to be on you’re A-game even if you’re being poked in the eye with mascara/got someone stitching your hem up/you’ve been awake for 14 hours. Maybe that’s just me coz I’m easily distracted!
This role was a little different as it’s historical, so there was a fair bit of research to use as a starting point for the character – which was a really nice anchor. My dialect coach pulled some amazing rare video and audio references for me in addition to stuff I’d found (as there’s not much recorded content of a young Queen out there) and those were really useful to find her voice and mannerisms. And then I tend to chat my lines out trying to soak all that information up & letting it bubble to the surface – generally while I’m doing something innocuous like washing the dishes. And something slowly begins to emerge.
It’s a team effort though, and I always say the whole thing only fully comes to life for me when hair and make-up have worked their magic and I get into costume. Nothing says ‘Queen’ better than an actual crown!
What’s your process like on set? Method / Improv / Meisner?
I don’t think I would categorise my process as any one technique as such – each job/role requires something different from you so I think you have to be receptive to that. You learn lots of methods at drama school, and I’m probably subconsciously using elements of them all without necessarily picking one out of the bag and following it to the letter. Nothing really beats your intuition.
“Nothing says ‘Queen’ better than an actual crown!”
What's been your most challenging role and why?
I actually think the most challenging roles are the smaller ones – where you’re a day player and have 4 lines or something. You have so little time to convey a character and tell your part in the story – it’s almost over before you’ve begun. You’ve also got no backstory to go off, no arch going forward, and to top it all off, you’ve got to land on a set where everyone knows each other and has an already established rhythm and shorthand as a team. Horribly challenging!
© JC Verona Mustard suit Top Shop Earrings and bracelets Caroline Stone Necklace Soru Rings Soru , Halo and Co and Ania Haie
What traits make a good actor?
I don’t think there’s a hard and fast rule for that one. Good actors come in all different forms. If we’re talking about me personally, I think my own traits that lend themselves to the job are: empathy, tenacity, enthusiasm and walking the fine line between keeping your sensitivity whilst not taking the rejections/knockbacks too personally.
What traits make a good director?
Again, I’ve worked with all sorts of different flavours that have worked! I guess then: authenticity is a big one! Good communication skills, an eye for detail, organisation, and the ability to adapt on a sixpence.
“Nothing really beats your intuition.”
What is the film that moved you the most as a child and why?
Dumbo. My Mum had to fast forward the bit with his Mum EVERY TIME. Otherwise I’d sobbing in the living room. I think we all realised right there I had a heart like a soft-boiled egg.
© JC Verona Trench coat stylists own Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
© JC Verona Shirt Plumo Trousers stylists own Earrings Halo and Co Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
What made you want to be an actor?
There was never a moment of inspiration or catalyst or anything like that, I just can’t remember a time I didn’t want to do it.
Did you go to drama school? What was your journey to be a working actor?
I did, I went to a performing arts school for 2 years where I did a vocational course in Musical Theatre alongside my A Levels. I grew up in the Middle East so there wasn’t much of an arts scene there, so this was kind of my induction into whether it was something I wanted to pursue more seriously, or if it was just a hobby. I actually also applied for Art College at the same time at Drama School because I have a real love for art too – but my gut was screaming it wasn’t for me! That’s my hobby now.
So then I went on to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School for 3 years to study acting.
What stories / genres are you drawn to?
If I’m invested in the characters I will honestly watch anything. I think I probably gravitate towards low concept ideas but only because they have a natural leaning towards that.
People. I’m just fascinated by what makes people tick and what connects us. Show me that and I’m yours.
© JC Verona Pink and pearl Blazer Ana Ljubinkovic Earrings stylists own Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
You wrote and directed a short comedy film 'Hungry Games'? What inspired you to make it and how was it be on the other side of the lens?
It was a really important learning curve in so many different aspects. It gave me a real appreciation for all other roles in film making because I had to wear so many different hats! It was invaluable seeing the process from start to finish (and making lots of mistakes along the way!)
In a very basic sense, I wanted to create opportunity for myself – as an actor, but also to have a play at writing and directing, without any external pressures, so I could actually learn. I thought “if it’s shit, it didn’t have to see the light of day! Don’t be concerned with the outcome, focus on the process”.
And inspiration wise, the subject matter of female body image is a universal (and sadly ever relevant) one. I thought I’d cheekily poke some fun at it whilst shining a light on how ridiculous it is.
”I’m just fascinated by what makes people tick and what connects us. Show me that and I’m yours.”
Has being a director made you a better actor?
Definitely. I can see the bigger picture.
Whom or what inspires you?
Nature. I’m also very visually stimulated. So anything in picture form – from people watching, to visiting a gallery, to watching film.
What was the last film you watched that moved you and why?
St Francis. I sobbed. It’s so real and relevant and such an important subject. (And the little girl is heartbreakingly good.)
© JC Verona Cream linen suit The Deck Necklace Soru Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
How has it been working in a pandemic?
Lucky. Anyone who has a job at the moment (in any industry!) is in a better place than most. So if I have to wear a mask and do 1000 Covid tests then so be it. Hell, I’ll wear a hazmat suits if needs be!
Have you any more of your own films planned?
Yes. Though Covid sort of scuppered me there didn’t it? As soon as it’s safe and affordable to make small budget…
What are you looking forward to most post lockdown?
Hugs. And visiting my brother in Australia – I really miss him.
© JC Verona Trench coat stylists own Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
‘Pennyworth’ is available to watch online on Amazon Prime and EPIX
© JC Verona Tuxedo Suit Ellie Lines Earrings Unique Vintage Rings Halo and Co and Ania Haie
READ NEXT
