Our Interview with Actress LISA HARDING
The ever captivating Lisa Harding is probably currently best known for her role as Connie Boylan, Yvonne Doyle's love interest on RTE's Fair City, but Lisa has been a force on the acting circuit both in Ireland and in the UK for some time now. In London, she was actively engaged in theatre, both as a performer and a writer. Having produced three new plays and of course having various acting credits to her name including many stints on the small screen for the BBC, Lisa is certainly an accomplished actress. But as well as her successful acting career and being a playwright, Lisa is also, rather interestingly, a pilates instructor. Indeed we will ask her more about this! But last year Lisa returned from the UK to take on her current role in Fair City and we were delighted to catch up with Lisa this week to find out how she feels about being on Ireland’s home grown soap opera and much more!
Q:Lisa, this isn’t your first time on the small screen by any means, but how are you finding it to be playing such a big part on Ireland’s 'Fair City'?
A: Im just really relishing the opportunity to be working in Ireland again after ten years in London
Q: You don’t do things by halves, because you’ve walked straight into a rather controversial storyline and have now been a part of Ireland’s first on screen gay wedding. How has the reaction been to the storyline and indeed to your character?
A: Reaction has been great, on the street anyway! Connie is such a lovely person, so full of goodness. Her ability to love is astounding, even in the face of some pretty bad behaviour. The wedding was pretty informal and low key, and was really a public declaration of the girl's love for each other.
Q: Probably a little unfair to ask, but we will anyway!! Who are your favourite cast members?
A: They've all been very welcoming and great to work with. I've obviously worked the closest with The Doyle family and feel I developed a strong bond with Bella (Jim Bartley)
Q: Which do you prefer, screen or stage?
A: I love variety, so having both in my life is best. I also write stage plays and have had a few produced in London. The buzz of live theatre is exhilarating, and hearing your own words being spoken out loud is the biggest buzz ever!
Q: Who is your biggest influence?
A: I'm inspired by so many sources it would be difficult to pinpoint one. I met and worked with the playwright April D'Angelis and the actress Fiona Shaw in London recently and was pretty inspred by their strenth and passion. I have particular respect for actors and actresses who create their own work. Olwyn Fouere is pretty amazing!
Q: If you had to offer young aspiring actors one important tip, what would it be?
A: Patience, persistence and perserverance. Oh and pilates!.
Q: A little bird told us that you are also a fully qualified pilates instructor and in fact run your own pilates workshops in the UK (www.privatepilates.co.uk) - which are also coming to Dublin - can you tell us why you are so particularly interested in pilates and what are the benefits of it?
A: I trained as a dancer when I was younger and have always been interested in the body and movement. I feel teaching pilates, writing and acting is a balanced way to handle all the down time as an actress. I'm not someone who likes not to work, so it's empowering to run my own business. I'm launching www.privatepilates.co.uk in Dublin, this June and I am really looking forward to sharing my passion for pilates. It's such a grounding, nourishing form of exercise.
Q:In terms of public image and style, how would you describe your own personal sense of style?
A: I'm not sure I have one. I like what I like. Other people have described me as "Boho Chic". Not sure about the "chic" bit!
Q: Do you have any particular lean towards either high street or designer styles, or are you a mix of both?
: Definitely a mixture . I like to shop in Portobello market (I am more in to one- off pieces), and a lovely little shop in Queens Park in London called Iris, though am quite prone to a spree in Topshop once in a while.
Q: Do you have any style influences?
A: I like pretty, floral and floaty. I don't follow any designers or trends. I wear what feels good on me.
Q: If you could have anything you wanted right now, what would be on the top of your wishlist?
A: A Nissan Figaro to drive into the Wicklow mountains. I love hiking. And a trip to India. I think I'll do both!
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