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On The Table Read, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, actress Gemma Gordon talks about highlights from her acting career, and her latest role in Barfight.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed actress Gemma Gordon about her life and career, her latest role in Barfight, and the advice she has to inspire other actors.
Tell me a bit about yourself:
I’m a 28 year old actress based in London.
I appear regularly in the ‘Dark Ditties Presents’ series, a dark comedy anthology that you can watch on Amazon Prime.
I have played alongside Ian Gelder (Game of Thrones) in the episode ‘The Witching Hour’ that won best feature in the Unrestricted View Film Festival.
I love horror movies and also staying fit and active, and trying new restaurants.
When did you first realize you wanted to be an actor?
Growing up, I was never particularly academic. I always had a strong interest in film, and was inspired by movies such as ‘Thelma and Louise’ and ‘Show Girls’ due to their strong female leads and their contrasting personalities. It was a drama teacher who encouraged me to take my acting career further – something I never even considered whilst still at school. It was then I realized, that with hard work and persistence – I could become a professional actor.
What is your favorite thing about performing?
My favorite part when performing live on stage is the rush you get when you feel the energy change in the room with an audience. It’s an addictive and very satisfying experience, making one feel more alive. My favorite part of TV and Film work is how small and truthful it is. I like the prep work to deliver an honest performance which others can believe in and relate to.
What classes or training sessions have you taken to support your acting career?
I’m always in class – however, my bread and butter training was at The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (London) and The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (Manhattan). I graduated in 2015 and have since taken combat courses and Meisner classes to keep me fresh. I also make sure to take regular workshops to keep my self-tape game fresh!
What was your first professional acting job?
My first professional acting role was part of a 3 hander Shakespeare Group. The first performance I did was Lady Macbeth. It was a huge learning curve but an amazing opportunity to work on Shakespeare professionally.
What was your most recent Acting job?
My most recent role was a support role in ‘Barfight’ an interactive game/film starring Paul McGann (Doctor Who) and Myanna During (Twilight Saga). It will be released on STEAM (a gaming platform) – bit different from Shakespeare!
Tell me your favorite experience in your career?
Working with friends! Creatives have such passion and commitment to what they do and it is incredibly infectious. To create is to live – and I can’t get enough of being a part of a story people can relate to.
What was the toughest experience in your acting career?
Learning a liverpudlian accent for episode 4 of ‘Dark Ditties Presents‘. I play Amanda Hamilton – Ian Gelder’s (Game of Thrones) receptionist. My dialect coach was fabulous – but goodness, it was hard!
Have your family and friends been supportive of your acting career?
Yes – everyone I love and care about is supportive and interested.
What would you like to achieve?
I would like to be the lead in a horror movie – it’s always been my favorite genre and I’m slightly obsessed with it. I am currently working on a Psychological Thriller with a good friend of mine who is a Director which will definitely scratch that itch!
What are your words of advice to other aspiring actors?
Enjoy the journey, embrace the rejection and take risks.
Find more from Gemma Gordon:
IG @gemmagordon
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