Movies

Hayley Atwell: From Housing to Stardom

BBG News

Hayley Atwell candidly discusses the hurdles she overcame to achieve success, sharing that her ultimate goal was simply to escape from her public housing background.

The well-known actress, who turns 42 this year, will soon be sharing the stage with Tom Hiddleston in a revival of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Initially, these two prominent figures crossed paths during the tryouts for a selective position at the illustrious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Remarkably, he managed to secure a spot while she was not accepted.

At the audition, Hayley, who later studied at Guildhall School of Drama, confessed that she turned down offers of the glamour of fame and expressed contentment with just having a means to earn a living.

During an interview with the Sunday Times, she reminisced: ‘A woman from Rada told us, “We are currently seeking the upcoming generation of actors who will significantly influence the arts.” At that moment, I responded, “I’m not so sure about that; I’m merely striving to escape living in a housing association — if I can earn a livelihood, I would be incredibly content.”‘

Although Hayley initially believed otherwise, it’s now evident that she has indeed left a significant impact on the art world, as various challenges she encountered during her career have come to light.

She pointed out that it seems women aren’t getting a level playing field compared to men, and expressed it this way: “There appears to be a significant role for chance. Over the course of several years, I’ve put in my time…and setbacks are tolerated.

Initially, I had trouble accepting failures and the opportunity for a do-over. As a woman, there was an unspoken pressure to be flawless. However, as time passed, I realized that my work isn’t solely for my personal satisfaction, but for the audience. If they don’t appreciate it or if it doesn’t succeed, that’s acceptable – it’s their prerogative.

Besides disclosing this, Hayley mentioned that discrimination, particularly at the beginning of her career, seemed more pronounced. To maximize her potential, she consciously selected roles aimed at providing her with the most favorable prospects.

In my perspective, during that time, there seemed to be a noticeable amount of classism prevalent. Consequently, I harbored a personal bias, believing that adopting a specific accent could enhance my chances for roles that potentially paved the pathway towards a film career. As a result, I opted to pursue period dramas instead of soaps or working-class plays, hoping it would boost my opportunities. I didn’t have any alternative plan in place. I hadn’t been born into privilege and had no financial resources to fall back on.

This season at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Shakespeare’s plays “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Tempest” will be presented by The Jamie Lloyd Company.

For the first time since Peter Brook’s 1957 production of “The Tempest” featuring John Gielgud, the theater is now hosting plays penned by the Bard.

Every production I’m involved with is orchestrated by none other than the brilliant Jamie, whose masterful touch brought to life the enchanting adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that showcased the captivating performances of Marvel sensation Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers in the lead roles. This production was a true spectacle set right here in our capital city.

In an innovative twist, the acclaimed actress Sigourney Weaver takes on the role of the storm-summoning magician Prospero, traditionally portrayed by males, in a fresh take on The Tempest that premiered on December 19, 2024, and ran until February 1, 2025.

Currently, Tom and Hayley portray feuding-yet-romantic characters Benedick and Beatrice in the production of Much Ado About Nothing, running through April 5, 2025.

Earlier this year, Richard Madden, who plays Loki, expressed that working alongside Jamie Lloyd on Harold Pinter’s Betrayal was among the most rewarding and impactful performances he has ever taken part in.

Overjoyed beyond words, I feel incredibly fortunate to be teaming up with him once more, this time delving into one of Shakespeare’s most affectionate and jubilant works – ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been given the privilege of returning Shakespeare to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber. This invitation comes during a season where Sigourney Weaver will enchant us in The Tempest, and it’s a unique opportunity for me to collaborate with Hayley Atwell for the first time.

Actress Hayley, who plays Captain America, expressed her excitement: “I’m delighted to be working with Jamie Lloyd’s theater group for the third time in my acting journey.

‘With his daring and dynamic leadership style, blended with the charm and humor of two of Shakespeare’s most acclaimed comic pairs, this is an exhilarating prospect that I eagerly anticipate will bring joy to our spectators.’

I’m eagerly anticipating collaborating with the gifted actor, Tom Hiddleston, and together we aim to revive Shakespeare at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Previously, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theater owner, mentioned that when he was just nine years old, he attended a remarkable performance of The Tempest at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This production was directed by Peter Brook and starred John Gielgud as Prospero.

The final performance left a deep impact on me. In that last act, Gielgud shattered Prospero’s staff and declared that the Theatre Royal would no longer stage Shakespeare, stating that it would be “taken over by musicals.

Since acquiring the Theatre Royal, I’ve been driven to disprove someone’s doubt. So, it brings me immense delight to share that Jamie Lloyd is reviving Shakespearean plays at this venue once again! The first of these two Shakespeare productions is going to be ‘The Tempest’.

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2025-02-09 14:38

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