IN CONVERSATION WITH GABRIELLE CREEVY

interview by JANA LETONJA

BAFTA Cymru Award winning actress Gabrielle Creevy will be starring in Starz limited series ‘Three Women’, which will be premiering on 13th September. In addition to ‘Three Women’, Gabrielle recently wrapped production on Joe Barton’s upcoming limited series ‘Amadeus’ for Sky, where she will star as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s wife, Constanze. Later this year, we’ll also be seeing Gabrielle in Netflix’s spy action thriller ‘Black Doves’.

Gabrielle, we’ll be seeing you in the Starz limited series ‘Three Women’. What can you share about this upcoming series?

It’s an adaptation of Lisa Taddeo’s book. We see women supporting women and the hope is that  people will have a better understanding of female desire. Oh, and there’s four women.

In the series, you portray Maggie, a student from North Dakota who is dealing with an intense storm after accusing her married English teacher of an inappropriate relationship. How was it portraying Maggie and what did you find most challenging about this role?

To portray Maggie was the biggest honour, and to portray someone so strong who fought and now helps other young women was something special. There were emotional challenges, of course, because of the subjects we are dealing with, but the biggest challenge was more to do with making sure Maggie had her voice and that it was heard. And she was seen because this is Maggie’s time.

The series is based on Lisa Taddeo’s bestselling novel. Did you read it before you started filming? How does the series differentiate from the book?

I read the book and it was incredibly helpful. As we know, its such a powerful book and the detail provides such rich backstory that would take years for me to fill in myself, so that’s a great gift. I found it hard at times to turn the pages because I had quite an emotional response. The series doesn’t differentiate that much. The only difference is that the character of Gia is played by Shailene Woodley.

You also recently wrapped filming on the upcoming series ‘Amadeus’, where we’ll see you portray Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s wife. What can the viewers expect from this series?

Music. Lots of it. Also a ton of epic wigs and costumes.

How did you find the experience of starring in a series about one of the biggest musical geniuses, set at the end of the 18th century?

Well, I learned how to play the piano and how to sing opera in two different languages, so it was a completely different experience. That’s the cool thing about being an actor. You get opportunities to acquire new skills.

What creatively challenges and excites you the most as an actress?

When I don’t understand a character, their motives or why they’ve done something. Also, flawed characters.

What kind of roles would you like to explore next in your career?

I guess there’s no roles specifically, apart from Batman. I think that makes sense for me right now. No, I’m joking. Maybe a horror story.

For your work on BBC Three’s drama series ‘In my skin’ you’ve won a BAFTA Cymru award. What does such recognition for your work mean to you and how does it inspire you for the future?

Those things are always so strange because it’s the last thing you expect when you take on a role. But it was very lovely. I guess it’s good if it brings attention to the project and everyone’s work on it. And it’s inspired me to maybe write a speech next time. If there is a next time.

Who would you describe as your biggest idols in the industry?

My biggest idol isn’t in the industry. It’s my mum.

Later this year, we’ll also be able to watch you in Netflix’s spy action thriller ‘Black Doves’. What can you tease about this series?

I can tease that I did way more stunts than I thought possible, a very good haircut and loads of champagne. So, as you can tell, it was very fun to film.

photography PIP BOURDILLON