This year, Harriet Webb could be seen in Michaela Coel’s latest TV show I May Destroy You throughout the series as Theo as well as playing Tina Taylor in comedy mini-series Sandylands, Ali in the second series of The Split and Judith in It’s True, It’s True, It’s True: Artemisia on Trial, which was filmed for BBC during their run at Edinburgh Fringe. Harriet’s previous TV shows have included starring opposite Ryan Sampson in Waiting, appearing as series regular Lisa-Marie in Derren Litten’s Scarborough and being cast in both series of White Gold for BBC. Chatting to us, Harriet talks about playing Theo in I May Destroy You, working with Ryan Sampson in Waiting and filming for Scarborough as Lisa-Marie.
You play Theodora in I May Destroy You, can you tell us about filming for the character and what is she like to play?
Theo was such a complex, exciting and rewarding role to play and every single day that we filmed was an absolute joy of my life.
How was it working on a Michaela Coel production?
A dream. I cannot express – she is the greatest – a total inspiration and I still can’t quite believe it happened, I feel extremely lucky. She showed us all, every single day, what is possible, and she did it with grace, strength and love.
Can you tell us about your character Tina Taylor in Sandylands?
Tina is kind of like the best friend everyone needs but nobody really wants. She’s so much fun, full of energy and one of life’s enthusiasts.
What’s the show like to be part of and to film?
Ah we had so much fun in Weston-super-Mare. The whole team is fantastic and we have become great friends, writers, director, and a great cast – we did so much laughing together – I want to go back very much.
What was it like joining the cast of The Split for the second series as Ali?
It was amazing. I had admired the cast and the whole team behind Series 1 so much so to be able to be a part of Series 2 was a bit of an honour really. Every aspect of The Split is quality.
You were part of Waiting alongside Ryan Sampson, how was it working on the production?
Well, for starters, Ryan Sampson is the greatest. He is a dear friend and getting to work with your mate, just the two of us, was honestly one of the best weeks of my life. We had this incredibly talented, half mad, band of merry men – we were shooting so fast, all over the place and did not stop laughing the entire time. So, so lucky he wanted to do it. I love Waiting, he is amazing and I’m really, really proud of it.
Did you have a favourite episode to film and what drew you to the script?
This changed on the daily – but I’d say I’ve never laughed so much as when we shot Conservatory, the awkwardness appeals to me so much. Ice Cream and Cupboard would be my two other highlights. I love Ryan and I love his brain and I want to do everything that he writes.
How did you find your time as Lisa-Marie in Scarborough and what did you enjoy most about being part of the cast?
Scarborough was very special to me because it was my first big role in a six-part show. I learned so much about what it means to make something like that and it felt like a huge step up for me in lots of ways. Hugely grateful and thankful to be a part of that cast. Crying with laughter with Steve Edge every day is hard to beat.
Can you say more about Lisa-Marie and how would you describe her?
I think she’s ballsy, honest and often gets it a bit wrong. She’s hopefully pretty loveable.
You filmed as Maureen in the first series of White Gold, how was it returning to the second series and what do you like about the role?
Oh Thyroid. I miss her. I just loved that she didn’t give a shit. The dinner scene at the awards ceremony is the most excellent character introductions, sums her up completely. Her relationship with Brian was a constant source of amusement and a pleasure to play.
Can you say about performing in It’s True, It’s True, It’s True: Artemisia on Trial at Edinburgh Fringe and having it filmed for BBC?
It was the biggest high. This show is so close to my heart. Playing Tassi was one of the coolest things I’ve ever been lucky enough to do and I hope I get to do it again one day. The journey that it has been on has been a privilege to be a part of. I love everything that Breach is and they are a glory to make and work with.
Last year, you were part of the stage show Dinomania, can you say about it?
Kandinsky, who made this show, are a huge part of my life and are responsible for so much of my growth as an actor. Dinomania is a geeky, funny, moving piece about the guys that discovered fossils. After a terrific run at The New Diorama, we were meant to take it to New York this year – hopefully more people will get to see this brilliant little show.
What was it like being part of Sonnet Walks by Mark Rylance?
I’ve always wanted to work at the Globe so it was a really fun and highly creative experience I will cherish. Met some really ace people.
Do you have any favourite TV shows or films to watch?
I’ve just been to see Rocks at the Drive In Film Club at Alexandra Palace which I cannot recommend highly enough. It’s on Netflix, it’s amazing, watch it.
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