IN CONVERSATION WITH SIENA KELLY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Siena Kelly will be starring in the latest season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series ‘Black Mirror’, which returned in early April. In May, she will also lead the production ‘1536’ at the Almeida Theatre opposite Liv Hill and Tanya Reynolds. 

‘Black Mirror’ is known for its secrecy. Without giving too much away, can you tease anything about the upcoming season and what audiences might expect from it?

It will be easy for me to not to give too much away because I don't know that much anyway. ‘Black Mirror’ is incredibly private and secretive with it's own cast, creative team and crew, as well as the audience. I don't have a clue about any of the other episodes. I'm eager to find out.

The show often explores technology and its darker effects on society. Did working on this episode change how you view technology in your own life?

I'm already slightly cautious of technology anyway. I deleted all social media 8 years ago with no intention of getting back on it. I'm currently taking a 3-month break from YouTube, Streamers and TV. I don't use Siri or Alexa. There are definitely multiple ‘Black Mirror’ episodes that have affirmed certain technology worries I have. But really, they are fears of humanity, our greed and the fact that we keep making the same mistakes. Fears of what we would, or would not, do with so much incredible tech at our fingertips. My particular episode didn't change my view of tech, but my view is quite bleak to begin with.

How did you prepare for your role in ‘Black Mirror’? Did you draw inspiration from any real-life experiences or stories?

My sister and I realised that I accidentally, and ocassionally on purpose, base a lot of my characters on her. So, I'll let her tell me if I've used her again. My character is extremely irritable, so honestly, I just used myself on my first day of my period. 

You’ll also be leading ‘1536’, which  is set in Tudor England and follows three women grappling with political and personal turmoil. What drew you to this role, and how do you relate to your character?

I am so excited for this play. It is going to be brilliant. Anna, the character I play in ‘1536’, is wild, raucous, violent, foul mouthed, horny, rude, sensitive, and jealous. Who wouldn't want to play a character like that? I was so intrigued by the snyopsis that I asked my agent to get me an audition. The script was better than I could have imagined. It is brilliantly funny and there is a huge amount of chemistry on paper. I was constantly gasping, I was desperate to be in this play. 

The play parallels historical events with contemporary themes. What do you think audiences today will take away from the story?

Unfortunately, there's more parallels than I'm comfortable admitting. The play is set during the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn and looks at the trickle down effects of Court to the common person. The Overton window around how to simply exist as a woman is shifting in real time right now and in this play. In 2025, we are living in a politically volatile and unpredictable landscape with an impulsive man at the helm. Sounds very much like Tudor England.

How does performing on stage differ from your work on screen? Do you have a preference between theatre and television?

I much prefer theatre. Theatre feels like my second home. I know it so well and feel so comfortable in a rehearsal room and on stage. I find there's a lot less ego and hierarchy. There's time to explore and play in a rehearsal room and on stage. TV works so fast and you have very little time with your character and the script, so you really do just have to go on your initial instinct & hope it was right! 

Almeida Theatre has a reputation for bold, thought-provoking productions. What has it been like working on ‘1536’ and collaborating with the team?

It's been an absolute dream. I love the Almeida. I think the Almeida is the coolest theatre in London. Ava Pickett and Lyndsey Turner are geniuses. I am so inspired by the colossal talent of absolutely everyone involved. And also, just how lovely everyone is.

What kind of roles or projects excite you the most? Is there a dream role or collaboration on your bucket listI do like roles where I can be as big as possible and go as far as possible. And those roles are very few. I love a role where I can do it all, comedy and tragedy. I'm desperate to be absolutely camp in something. I do generally love just being OTT and a bit ridiculous. I'm also desperate to do something really physical whether that's physical theatre, playing a creature or maybe a full dance piece! 

With so many exciting projects in the pipeline, how do you balance your professional and personal life?

I have been finding it very difficult when I'm working to maintain a social life. When I am in a leading role, I have to be so tunnell vision and unfortunately, my social life is the thing to get sacrificed. But when I am not working, I make sure I am available for every social interaction around. I do really enjoy taking breaks. I'm definitely not someone who wants to work all year round. I am a Yoga instructor and I find teaching in between acting jobs to be incredibly rewarding and nourishing. I am very fortunate to have a job where I am not needed every week of the year, so I can get time to rest and give time to my loved ones.

The industry is evolving rapidly, especially with the rise of streaming platforms. How do you see the landscape changing for actors like yourself?

I'm not sure how I see the landscape changing. There's definitely a lot more getting made, and it’s up for debate whether that's a good thing or not. 

TEAM CREDITS:
photography JEMIMA MARRIOTT
styling JAIME JARVIS
hair DIONNE SMITH
makeup FRANCESCA BRAZZO