I was lucky enough to attend a Masterclass on Thursday with Sienna Miller and Sheridan Smith at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, discussing their current roles in Flare Path by Terrance Rattigan. I had not seen the play, neither had my friend who joined me, however this did not detract at all from the pleasure of the afternoon. (We are now looking for cheap last minute tickets before the run ends in 4 weeks!
Matt Wolf, all round theatre critic, author and university lecturer interviewed the ladies about the play and then opened up the conversation to the packed stalls of the theatre. These included a mix of aspiring actors, theatre fanatics and personal twitter fans of the two actresses. All were thoroughly entertained by these two remarkable young women who claimed to be shocked that they were giving a ‘masterclass’, because they didn’t feel they had enough knowledge or experience to coach others.
Sheridan has a hugely successful Televison career and an Olivier for Legally Blonde to boot, yet she constantly maintained that she ‘blags it’ and is always scared her unorthodox technique might be discovered! While Sienna Miller who has a thriving film career and two other theatre credits under her belt, claimed that she does not have the bold confidence she once had when she first set out as an actress.
While being unbelievable modest, these two ladies could not hide their inner nerves at being confronted with an audience and no character to play. They acted like giggling school friends, holding hands and sharing secrets and it was marvellous to watch. Both answered the audience’s questions with ease and gave genuine advice from their experiences. As an aspiring actress myself, it was truly rewarding to see that these two talented actresses were, by their own admission; very lucky and often in the right place at the right time, but also friendly, approachable and completely humble about their own success.
Although surprising, it was comforting to realise that all people famous or not, have insecurities, times of doubt and often need reassurance of their brilliance. It is easy to watch an actor play a character on stage or in a film and forget that they are real people who lead normal lives. (well, maybe not normal!)
Even though, both women dealt with the task at hand and their nerves quite differently; (Sienna played with her gorgeous hair frivolously as she talked and Sheridan had to pop to the toilet in the middle of the session!) they both excelled in the moment and without realising it, provided much entertainment and inspiration to all.
I can only hope that their success continues and that I get that chance to work with these talented ladies when I am in the right place at the right time. They may have both had bad reviews in the past, but they get five stars from me
The Masterclasses ‘offer free talks and workshops with leading professionals, to anyone aged 17-30.’ Sign up here: http://www.masterclass.org.uk/index.php
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