The beloved actress spoke to an intimate audience of around 100 people in Poole on Wednesday, February 11, as part of PIPELINE, a Lighthouse event series supporting new writing for studio drama.
Ed Viney, writer and chair of the event, said: “We’re very lucky having a venue like Lighthouse that is committed to presenting studio drama.”
Alison Steadman at the Lighthouse in Poole this past Wednesday. (Image: Lighthouse Poole)
During the evening, Ms Steadman shared stories from her six-decade career across film, television, stage, and radio.
She reflected on the nature of her craft, saying her urge to perform began in childhood.
Ms Steadman said: “I’ve made a living out of pretending to be someone else, which is very strange when you think about it.”
She emphasised the importance of writing in performance, saying: “No matter how good the cast is and how great the performers are, if you haven’t got a good script, you’re nowhere.”
When asked about her most iconic roles, Ms Steadman discussed Gavin and Stacey, Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine, and Nuts In May, the 1976 BBC Play For Today filmed in Dorset.
PIPELINE continues at Lighthouse on March 17, April 21, and May 20.
Ed Viney’s play Stolen Ram, the sequel to his earlier drama Pot licker, premieres in the Sherling Studio at Lighthouse on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5.
Tickets are available now at lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/stolen-ram/.