Insight Winter 2011 - South Essex Homes

SOUTHEND STARS | 3
Southend Stars
Film and TV actress Kierston Wareing lives in Leigh-on-Sea, where she grew up. Since her first major
casting in 2007 by director Ken Loach in It’s a Free World which earned her a BAFTA nomination for
Best Actress, Kierston’s acting career has gone from strength to strength. Highlights include memorable,
gritty roles in series such as The Runaway, Martina Cole’s The Take and The Shadow Line.
It’s nearly the end of the year –
how has 2011 been for you?
Very busy - it’s been a bit of a
whirlwind really, going from one job
straight to the next. While the work
is very rewarding and I thrive on
being busy, I’m currently taking a
rare but much-needed break!
What are your highlights of the
last year?
I enjoyed making The Holding, with
an added bonus of winning a
Scream Magazine award for Best
Actress in October. Plus there’s been
some great TV work, starting with
The Shadow Line, Luther and Scott
and Bailey at the beginning of the
year, and more recently Inside Men
(which is out in April 2012) and Top
Boy.
Tell us more about Top Boy…
It’s a hard-hitting, four-part thriller
set in London which provides an
insight into the lives and personal
viewpoints of gang members and
the impact gangs and drugs can
have on local communities. I played
Heather, a pregnant mother with a
cunning but dangerous plan to give
her unborn child the best chances
in life. It was great appearing
alongside the talented rap artiststurned-actors
Ashley Walters (of
So Solid Crew fame) and Kane
Robinson.
What does 2012 hold in store
for you?
I can’t really say fully at the moment
but I do plan to visit the States to
see if there are any opportunities
there. I will hopefully be flying out in
February! Watch this space…
Looking back at your acting
career, the characters you’ve
played have predominately been
strong but often vulnerable
women. Has this happened by
chance or do you actively seek
out these roles?
A bit of both, really! Directors have
tended to cast me in these roles but
it’s good because I enjoy them.
I enjoy bringing these characters to
life on the screen, especially when
they’re powerful in some way, or
defy the odds to turn their situations
around.
If you could star alongside any TV
or movie actor who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe - she was amazing.
I am definitely what you’d call a
die-hard fan!
What’s your favourite film?
It’s hard to pick just one, could I
have two please? (Laughs) It would
have to be The Shining and Girl,
Interrupted. Oh – and anything
starring Marilyn Monroe!
That’s more than two but we’ll
let you off, Kierston! Did your
interest in the performing arts
begin in Southend?
Definitely - I began acting lessons in
Leigh when I was seven years old. I
had a fantastic teacher (she was
called Elizabeth Slater) who was a
huge support and role model for
me. I also took part in the Leigh and
Southend Festivals which nurtured
my interest in drama – I’d love to go
and take part again one day.
How important has the support
of others been to you as your
career has progressed?
Very - my family in
particular has stuck by me
from day one and always
believed in me. They are
still based in Leigh, so
when I’m not working
I spend a lot of time
with them.
You also regularly
volunteer at the local
YMCA – tell us a bit more
about your involvement.
I think I previously had a
misconception that centres
like the YMCA were just soup
kitchens, but they do so much
more than provide food, shelter and
other essential services. They help
young people get back into
education or employment and build
their confidence and skills to get
their lives on the right track. I’m
inspired by the work done at the
YMCA and the difference it makes,
so I’m glad to be part of that effort.
Finally, where are your favourite
places in Southend?
I love Hadleigh Castle and its
grounds, and of course the
Southend seafront. I explore these
places even more now that I have a
dog and go for long walks (he’s a
15-month year old golden retriever
called Marley, so-named because of
the film Marley & Me). Before I got
him I don’t think I’d completely
appreciated what beautiful places
we have on our doorstep!
The individuals featured in our Southend Stars
interviews donate their time and photography
free of charge.
In character – (left and right) Malcolm Kamulete as Ra’Nell and
Kierston Wareing as Heather in Channel 4 drama Top Boy