Louisa Binder is currently making her professional stage debut at Chichester Festival Theatre in Anna Ledwich’s new production of Coram Boy. In the show, Louisa plays Young Alexander in Act 1 and Aaron Dangerfield in Act 2, working alongside a cast including Tallulah Greive as Alice Ashbrook / Molly Jenkins, with the run in Chichester continuing until 15th June before transferring to The Lowry in Salford. On screen, Louisa booked her first TV project playing Constance March in Hotel Portofino, with two series already released and a further series set for release this summer. Talking to us, Louisa told us about making her professional stage debut in Coram Boy at Chichester Festival Theatre, what it’s like playing Young Alexander / Aaron Dangerfield and filming as Constance March in Hotel Portofino.
How does it feel to be making your professional stage debut in Coram Boy, which runs at Chichester Festival Theatre until 15th June before transferring to The Lowry in Salford?
I feel incredibly grateful and lucky. There’s a real energy and hum you get from performing to a live audience that doesn’t exist in the film/TV world, and I’m so keen to see how the show develops with every different performance.
How has it been rehearsing for the production and what is it like being part of Anna Ledwich’s new production?
The rehearsals have been a really gorgeous, collaborative process and a lesson in being brave and just giving things a go. Working with Anna has been a real privilege – she’s done the most perfect job of building a safe, warm and creative space where we all feel comfortable discovering who our characters are at our own pace, whilst still keeping up with the demands of a very layered and intricate script. The show is so physical and busy, which was great for me because I love just getting up and into the body of the project, but it was a real shift when I realised we would be learning and singing Händel at the same time… So I feel very lucky to have had the support from both Stephen Higgins (MD) and Chi-San Howard (Movement) while I was working it all out….
Can you tell us about the show and your characters Young Alexander / Aaron Dangerfield?
So. In Act 1 I am playing Young Alexander Ashbrook; quickly approaching adulthood and on the cusp of losing his pure, soprano voice – threatening what’s most important to him in the world – a life working with music. In the second act, I play Alexander’s son (yes, it took me a while to wrap my head around too), who has inherited his father’s love for music and faces his own obstacles en route to a happy ending of his own.
How is it working alongside the rest of the cast and what is it like getting into character?
This cast has been a complete joy – they’re a laugh a minute and it’s never really felt like work. It’s a real privilege to be around such a warm, dedicated and talented group of people and I am so grateful for all I can learn just being here! Getting into character is really helped by how collaborative the show is – it feels like we build the world together every morning, supported by an unbelievable band and stunning stunning sound design.
Was there anything that drew you to Coram Boy and how much did you know about the play before auditioning?
I immediately felt a sort of ‘universe-is-sending-me-a-message’ pull to this play because I’d come across it in my final year at drama school, and it felt very right that it could become my first professional stage project. On top of that, I’m a big history and classical music fan and, as a German, it felt very exciting to be part of something that celebrated the work of such an iconic German historical figure like Händel – it definitely felt like some stars were aligning.
What are you looking forward to for continuing performing at Chichester Festival Theatre?
I think the Chichester Festival Theatre is a magical place. Not only is the theatre (and our set!!!) a really beautiful and exciting place to get to work for four weeks, but the surrounding areas is such a wonderful, green and peaceful break from the chaos of where I live in London. It’s a real honour waking up and doing what I love every day, but it’s especially nice when it’s so close to the beach…
Who do you think will enjoy watching Coram Boy and why would you recommend booking tickets?
Anyone and everyone. We’re telling real and important stories that surpass the time it’s set in, so I think everyone will have something to learn and experience.
On screen, you play the regular role of Constance March in Hotel Portofino, what is Constance like to play?
Playing Constance has been one of my favourite experiences to date. Despite a difficult past, she moves through the world with such warmth and kindness, and experiences everything in such an honest, sensory way – it feels very calm to exist in her space. I love her a lot.
How has it been developing the role across the two series already released and what can viewers expect from the upcoming Series 3?
It’s been really wonderful having the chance to access different and deeper levels of Constance’s character as her story goes on, and I think we really see her come into her own in Season 3. There’s a new level of confidence and contentment in herself which is very fulfilling, but it’s countered by less security and more tension in her relationships; both romantic and platonic. Plus! Her son has finally come to join her in Italy…. So, yes. Lots happening for her…
What is Hotel Portofino like to be part of and how is it filming on location?
Hotel Portofino is truly a dream, and I love every minute of being on that set and the people involved. The cast is ALMOST as beautiful as the scenery and I’ve really valued being on such a female-driven show. Plus, the ocean swims after a long day of shooting aren’t too bad either.
Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked Constance for your first screen role and do you have any stand-out highlights from working on the show over the years?
I got the offer when we were in the height of lockdown in 2020, so I really felt like the luckiest girl in the world. After spending so long isolated in London, travelling to Croatia, swimming in the ocean and meeting the rest of the cast felt really surreal. I think it’s because of that first season that all of us have created such a bond – we’re still very close and see each other all the time whenever we’re back in London at the same time. I think the whole three seasons have been a highlight for me; experiencing the love and dedication all of us put into creating that show is something I will always be proud of.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
Honestly, I can’t remember ever considering anything else as an option. I’m just lucky I get to call what I love work.
What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?
I think I have pretty varied tastes, and will watch almost anything, as long as it’s got a juicy storyline to sink my teeth into. Having said that, during rehearsals when I’ve needed something short and comforting to watch before bed, I have been blitzing through Schitt’s Creek – I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m a very social person, and like pretty much everything, but my friends and family are very important to me; so anything that involves them basically… When on my own, I’m a big reader, a ‘sometimes’ painter, and now a parent to a very fresh puppy, Rudy.
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