Since playing the much-loved, early-90s Coronation Street fixture Steph Barnes, actress, screenwriter and playwright Amelia Bullmore has gone from strength to strength. Appearing in heavyweight British comedy offerings including I’m Alan Partridge, Riot Women, Jam, Big Train, Brass Eye, Twenty Twelve and Shameless, she has also found small-screen acclaim in iconic TV shows such as Scott & Bailey, Gentleman Jack, and Happy Valley.
Next month, Bullmore arrives in York to play the lead role in an all-female production of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, which offers a new take on The Odyssey with a feminist twist. Amidst the hustle and bustle of rehearsals, we caught up with Amelia to discuss theatre magic, band names, and Alan Partridge…
Hello, Amelia! Interest in The Odyssey has surged in recent months – how does The Penelopiad provide a counterweight to Christopher Nolan’s new film?
Firstly, this is being told by the women. Secondly, it’s funny as well as being moving. Thirdly, this will be spectacular – not in a state-of-the-art technological/ millions of dollars budget way – but through theatre magic and live human connection.
The Penelopiad depicts Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, in a new light. What do you hope that audience members will take away from your portrayal of the character?
Well, if I do justice to Margaret Atwood’s portrayal of Penelope, she’s funny, resourceful, clever, persuasive and smitten. An insightful woman with a blind spot. It’s complicated…
Fittingly, the play features an all-female cast and creative team. How important has this been when crafting the production?
It’s a group of women telling the audience their story from Hades. We’re all dead, but we’ve got a lot to say – we act out all the men too! It seems perfect that the female storytelling is shored up with female direction, design, lighting, music and movement expertise.
In Sally Wainwright’s Riot Women, you played Yvonne, the band’s lead guitarist. Did you enjoy the rehearsal process, and if you started a band tomorrow, what would you call it?
I loved it! I would call my band The Granolas.
We’re big fans of I’m Alan Partridge at Your Local Link, and our readers may remember you for playing Sonja in the show. What do you think Sonja would make of Alan’s subsequent career, after the breakup?
Sonja is not surprised that Alan continues to be a very successful and important man, although it’s hard for her to hear of him being with another woman. She’d like everyone to know that her humorous gift business is going great, and can be found on Etsy…
The Penelopiad runs at York Theatre Royal from 10-31 October. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-penelopiad/ to book your tickets today.
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