In December 2023, Faith Delaney made her West End debut when she originated the role of Alice Creel in the WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre. As a screen actor, Faith filmed for episodes of The Winter King as Sarlinna, played Skye Brannon in Series 2 of The Tower on ITV, and she was in the cast of the 2022 Netflix Christmas film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, in which she played Violet. Faith’s first professional job was at six years old, voicing Piper in Chuggington on CBeebies, and she has since gone on to voice Franny Fox in Brave Bunnies. Upcoming for Faith will see her play Vanessa on screen in Robert Zemeckis’ film Here, working closely with Tom Hanks as Richard and Robin Wright as Margaret (her on-screen parents), with the film due for release in cinemas this November. Chatting with Faith, she talks about originating the role of Alice Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End, being in the cast of Christmas on Mistletoe Farm as Violet and what it was like working on feature film Here.

How has it been originating the role of Alice Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow and what was it like being part of a new play?

Well, I actually finished in Stranger Things a couple of months ago, but it was an amazing opportunity and I had so much fun! Because we were the first cast, we had a whole month of previews with a lot of changes happening all the time. It was exciting to be part of the creative process and having my first West End experience.

Can you tell us about Alice and what did you enjoy most about playing the role?

I can’t give too much away because I don’t want there to be any spoilers, but Alice Creel is the sister of Henry Creel. The show is based around Henry Creel’s transformation into what he later becomes, and life in Hawkins in 1959. Alice only has a small role, but we also get to have a very special cameo at the end of the play.

How did you find the experience making your West End debut with the production and how did you feel on your first performance at the Phoenix Theatre?

I found my first performance really exciting and also a bit nerve-racking. But the whole company are just so, so kind and made me always feel so happy and welcome and part of the Stranger Things family.

What was it like seeing the audience response to Stranger Things: The First Shadow and hearing that the show had won awards at the WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards?

I’m not surprised the audiences are loving it so much because it’s such an amazing show and the special effects are absolutely incredible. I felt very blessed to be part of it. It’s so cool that the show is winning awards and we actually had celebratory cupcakes at the theatre, which was really great.

On screen, you have filmed as Vanessa for the future release of Robert Zemeckis’ film Here, what was it like to work on?

It was an amazing experience and opportunity, and it felt almost like a dream! I had such an incredible time filming it and everyone was so lovely. Bob is so kind and a very talented director, I was very lucky to work with him.

How did you find your time filming for episodes of The Winter King as Sarlinna?

It was so exciting seeing all the massive sets they had built and being made up to look dirty with big backcombed hair. My final day of filming was very special because all the adult actors were really kind and gave me a big round of applause and cheers when I wrapped.

How would you describe your character Skye Brannon in the ITV series The Tower and how did you prepare for the role?

I think Skye is a very sweet and gentle character who has quite a hard upbringing. To prepare for the role, I had a day of workshopping with the director and the two actors playing my parents, improvising different scenes and scenarios.

What was it like reading the scripts for The Tower for the first time and how was it joining the cast in Series 2?

I wasn’t ever actually allowed to read the scripts because of the content of the series and some of the scenes. The director and production team were really careful with what I was exposed to. Each day I was told what we were filming and what my lines were, but often I wasn’t told the full storyline of what was happening so that it wasn’t scary for me. I felt very blessed to be joining such an amazing show and I really loved my time filming it.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Violet in Christmas on Mistletoe Farm and what was she like to play?

I was actually off school with COVID when I found out that I’d got the part, but I was really excited even though I was feeling a bit unwell. Violet was such a lovely character to play, I had the best time and made friends for life.

What was it like being part of a Netflix Christmas film and how did you feel when it was released in 2022?

I was so excited when the film came out on TV. We had a screening at home with my family and had lots of popcorn. I love being part of a Christmas film, but I also love hearing that some people enjoy watching it all year round.

Do you have any favourite highlights from your time on set of Christmas on Mistletoe Farm and filming with the rest of the cast?

We all lived in a hotel together for seven weeks so every day was an adventure. On and off set we just had so much fun together and really became the best of friends.

As a voiceover actor, you voice Franny Fox in the new series of Brave Bunnies, can you tell us about recording for the show?

I love audio work as much as I love filming and this project was so great to be part of. Franny is a very fun character to voice. She has lots of energy and a wonderful imagination.

What was Piper like to voice in Series 6 of Chuggington for CBeebies?

I was only six when I voiced Piper and it was my first professional job. It was so much fun and I learnt so much. I actually lost my front teeth in the middle of the recording period, so sometimes I had to use my finger to fill the gap where my teeth should have been.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

The lovely Debbie Blackburn at Sylvia Young Agency invited me to my first audition when I was only three years old, and I absolutely loved it. I’m not sure I fully understood what being an actor was, but by the time I was eight I knew that this was really what I wanted to do. I hope I’m lucky enough to act forever!

How do you like to spend your free time, and what are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

Well, I actually really enjoy going to school, and I love playing with my two younger sisters, reading, watching movies, swimming, and going on adventures. My favourite films are probably E.T., Big, and The Devil Wears Prada. I was only two when I first watched E.T., and my mum says that I sat transfixed until the very end when she saw a tear trickle down my cheek. My favourite theatre shows are The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Wicked. I’d also say Stranger Things, but I haven’t watched the TV show or play yet, but I have tickets to finally watch the play in November.

What are you hoping this year brings for you?

Well, I’d love more acting adventures, and also fun family adventures. I’m really hoping I’ll get to go to a film premiere and walk the red carpet. Whatever I’m doing, I’d just like to have fun and spread joy.

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