Natasha O'Keeffe
Natasha O'Keeffe is best known for her role of Sadie Anderson in Lip Service and the season series is set for release on DVD on Monday.
But she has mixed and matched her TV and movie work this year and she is set to star in films Filth and Svengali.
I caught up with her to talk about the second season of Lip Service as well as the movie projects that she has in the pipeline.
- The second season of Lip Service will be released on DVD later this summer so for anyone who missed it when it was on TV what can fans expect this time around?
This series follows the characters journeys through love, loss, deception & breakups with plentiful frolics thrown in to the works! There are some lovely new faces to behold also.
- You take on the role of Sadie Anderson in the series so what was it originally about the character and the script that drew you to the project?
Sadie is everything I’m not. So it was terrific fun putting on the ‘Sadie Mask’ and playing around with various elements to her character. I am very proud to be part of a Series that champions the Lesbian community.
- And so how are we going to see Sadie develop through this second series?
We find Sadie at a bit of a loose end at the beginning of the series. But in true Sadie fashion, she deals, steals and dodges to get herself back on track.
These sort of manoeuvres don’t come at a cheap price though. The ride isn’t a smooth one.
- Fiona Button, Heather Peace and James Anthony Pearson are all on the cast is so how have you found working alongside them? Is it a fun set to be on?
There are various challenges to face when working to a strict TV schedule. So when you have top cast & crew to keep all things light & entertaining it is a joy.
We have had some belly laughs that’s for sure! I have formed some fond friendships.
- You are also going to be back on the big screen next year with Filth so how familiar were you with the novel before you took on the role of Anna?
I hadn’t read ‘Filth’ the novel before we started, but was already a big fan of Irvine Welsh’s work.
And ‘Trainspotting’ was such a seminal film that I knew it was going to be a rather special project to be part of. I have since read the Novel and it’s pretty extraordinary.
- How useful has the novel been to you in developing the character?
The novel was adapted into a screenplay by the director of the film, Jon. S Baird.
He did a fantastic job, but there are some parts in the film that differ to the novel itself. My character ‘Anna’ is one of those.
- Jon S. Baird is in the director's chair for the film so how did you find him as a filmmaker?
He’s marvellous. Everything from my audition to the shooting of the film was so relaxed with Jon. He gave me a great sense of ease & assurance and has all the time in the world for his Actors.
I think he’s going to be one of the prominent filmmakers of his generation and I really hope to work with him again.
- And you are surrounded by such a great British cast with James McAvoy, Jamie Bell and Jim Broadbent all in there so how exciting has it been to be involved in a project like this?
It’s super cool. I was a bit overwhelmed by the calibre of the cast at the start. But once I was there I saw how down to earth & normal everybody was.
I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think this film is going to be bit of a classic! My part in the film is only small, but I’m just so proud to have been involved.
- This is only your second film so how does working in movies compare to working in TV?
Usually the time constraints when working on films are a lot less than in TV. This allowed me to talk things through on set & I was encouraged to experiment more.
My Winnebago on Filth was also a bit posh! A double bed, TV, shower & cooking hob! - Not that I got to use any of it!
- You are also going to be starring in Svengali with Martin Freeman so how was filming for that?
I’ve been incredibly lucky this year! Filming ‘Svengali’ was another amazing experience. So many great actors and we’ve all become very close.
It was largely improvised, which was new territory for me. But there were tons of giggles. Working with such a talented & giving bunch was a great learning experience.
- And now you have a taste of TV & film is there a medium in particular that you would like to focus on?
I have an appetite to work in all mediums. Greedy me!
- Finally what's next for you?
I start filming on something soon that I’m all giddy about, but not allowed to talk about just yet.
Lip Service: Series 2 is out now on DVD and Blu-ray. Lip Service: Series 2 is also available for legal download and via video-on demand on 18 June.