BWW Interviews: WOLFBOY's Emma Rigby

Hi Emma, how are you enjoying your London debut?

I'm really glad I've taken this part. It's a really interesting piece, especially in this theatre [in the Trafalgar Studios], because it's so intimate. It's learning a new skill, and you have to step out of your comfort zone and learn a craft and adapt to something while still trying to have charisma and sparkle. It has really helped me working with such a fantastic cast.

How did this part come about?

I read the script and auditioned - I've not had many auditions since I left Hollyoaks. Since I left the show, it's like going into the wild - I've left my little family, who I miss greatly. I miss the experience, because I absolutely love TV and love the idea of what you can do with television, what you can achieve with it. It was a fantastic opportunity and I was very fortunate to get that. Moving away from that is going into the unknown. I want to find a new challenge, but it's an exciting one. I jumped at the chance to do it. When I read the piece, I wasn't sure if I understood it at first. I had to read it again and again. I couldn't understand some of my character's decisions. Then you have to think, "Why would she do that?" It's been a really interesting process.

It is a complicated script for an audience member to follow.

Absolutely. Part of the piece, something happens, and you're suddenly into the next song with someone else singing it and then five days in front. It's a very unique piece. I think it all adds to it.

How do you go about characterising someone like the nurse?

I saw her as very One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Gregg [Gregg Lowe] and Paul [Paul Holowaty] have got the two lead parts, and they are quite bleak and out there. So I wanted to bring my part so it wasn't the same - everyone's not got this history and this massive story to tell. I am supporting the two guys, they can show a different side of their character, their lightness, trying to get the audience to laugh. Some of the subject matter and the songs - they're not really enjoyable singalong songs. That's how I went about it. She's got a story to tell. She works in this institute and she's very lonely as well. It appears that she spends most of her time there. There are no other characters to connect to. She wants to be liked by the patients. Maybe that's why she's flirty, she likes to have banter with the boys. When I started rehearsing I thought I wasn't old enough or strict enough. Your confidence grows with the part.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I thought you were really good with the comedy - it wasn't what I expected from you.

Everybody's said that! My family said, "Oh my gosh, Emma, you're really very funny!" People aren't used to me doing that kind of thing. I love gritty drama. I'm passionate about films and drama that make you think - hard-hitting, gravelly characters. To take this on, something I'd never thought about, I've really enjoyed it. I would love to do an American sitcom. There's nothing better than being made to laugh, but I've enjoyed playing this character because I can have fun with her. When I was playing Hannah, she was going through emotional turmoil. You take that character home with you. It's emotionally draining.

You were very young when you started doing Hollyoaks.

Effectively, Hollyoaks has been my drama school. I was in my last year of school when I started there; I was just about to start to study for my GCSEs. It's a grown-up environment; it makes you grow up quickly. It became like a family. When you're in a soap, it's fantastic, and I'm really grateful for the fans who watch you and support you. For me, it was the best experience because I was able to act every day and work with so many different directors and get some great storylines and learn on-screen. I was sad to leave, but I know that I want to act and to have that opportunity to do as much as I can - any type of role.

What kind of roles would you be interested in?

I'd like to do Chekhov, or a Mike Leigh film, I want to be versatile - I love Linda Hamilton in The Terminator, it's an iconic role. There is so much great stuff being made at the moment - the Red Riding trilogy, The Unloved, those are the things I'd like to try.

I saw an interview when you mentioned that you'd like to go to LA...

I was probably misquoted! I'd love to do a sitcom or film, though; I want to gain as much experience as possible, whether it's in the UK or somewhere else. I want to build a career. And the theatre, of course - I think that's the making of someone. I've learnt a lot from the cast members. It's been a real experience.

Emma Rigby stars in Wolfboy at the Trafalgar Studios throughout July.

 

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