The actor on how she didn't set out to be categorised as a comedy actor ? or a villain
Sophie Thompson is best known for playing Lydia in Four Weddings and a Funeral and EastEnders baddie Stella Crawford. She reprises her acclaimed turn as Kathy/Bev in the Royal Court's production of the race-relations drama Clybourne Park at Wyndhams theatre, London, until 7 May
What was it about Clybourne Park that drew you in?
It is very funny but it is also very dark. That's the beauty of it. There's something about laughter that opens people up, and then you can ? I was going to say insert, that sounds rather rude! ? get certain things across. Hard things, difficult things, upsetting things, even.
Like racism?
The play tackles uncomfortable issues we all have within us. It's a bit like a fire in a grate. There's this element that's so powerful, and in the grate you can deal with it. Theatre's like that. You can discuss dangerous elements without getting completely scorched. I am thinking about the second half, when pretty much everybody gets insulted because of either their race, sexuality or politics. The playwright, Bruce Norris, is not one for chitter-chatter. He gets right in there. There are certain things that this play talks about, particularly the race issues, that are massive and really thorny, and by writing this play he's saying, we've got to get it out there, because it's a problem.
The first half of the play is set in 1959, the second in 2009. How do you make the transition?
The issues that they're dealing with underneath the coating, as it were, in the 1950s and the issues that they're dealing with in 2009 are spookily similar. It's the carapace that's different. The language we use has shifted, but the actual underbelly of it all isn't that different.
Do you see yourself as a comedy actor?
No! As an actor you get categorised by other people, but it's not like I arrange myself into comedy mode or serious mode. If it's good writing you just have to play it true ? if it's funny, it's funny.
You played the villainous Stella in EastEnders. Did you enjoy soap acting?
Because I often play very empathetic characters that was a really interesting role, because she wasn't at all. There was a terrible coldness in her heart. So it was a real challenge, and I enjoyed the job.
Emma Thompson is your older sister. Do you envy her any of her roles?
No, never. Now I'm going to sound pretentious, but, it's a bit like being different musical instruments in an orchestra. If you're playing a violin, you don't think, "Oh I could play the cello!" We've got such different stuff to offer as actors. It's not a competition.
What TV are you watching these days?
West Wing box sets. I'm blown away by the phenomenal writing. Martin Sheen is my pinup! And Allison Janney, oh my God. They're brilliant actors.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2011/feb/06/sophie-thompson-interview-clybourne-park
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