In September, Cadence Williams was seen as her first on-screen regular character playing Mia in the new CBBC series Pickle Storm. Cadence works alongside Kassidi Roberts as Pickle, and she will be reprising her role for the upcoming Series 2, and she was a guest on Saturday Mash-Up when the series was released. Having started her acting career in theatre, Cadence made her National Theatre debut playing Betty Parris in the Arthur Miller play The Crucible, and earlier this year, she played Sarah in Till The Stars Come Down, performing once again at the National Theatre. Continuing in acting, Cadence will be working on some upcoming unannounced projects. Chatting to Cadence, we found out about playing Mia in CBBC series Pickle Storm, being a guest on Saturday Mash-Up with her co-star Kassidi Roberts and performing at the National Theatre in Till The Stars Come Down and The Crucible.

Can you tell us about the new CBBC series Pickle Storm and how would you describe your character Mia?

Pickle Storm is a children’s fantasy comedy about nine-year-old Pickle Storm’s life and adventures in adjusting to the ways of living on earth. Pickle soon makes a new friend, Mia, who is logical, rule-abiding and a keen and loyal friend.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked Mia for your first on-screen regular character and what do you remember from your first day working on the project?

When I finished my third audition, I felt super confident. It was in that moment that I realised that I had a real chance. I had been hoping and wishing that I could be so lucky as to secure the part but when I received the news it simply felt unreal. It felt like a fantasy and I could not bring myself to fully understand that I was going to be working on a proper job as a regular! I remember my first day vividly, the moment I arrived at the big, old building I felt instantly comfortable. I was extremely nervous but I felt at home too. I remember walking into the green room and meeting Kassidi (Roberts) and Toby (Barnett-Jones), and how we had that table read and met everyone. I knew that those were my people, the people I would spend the next two months with and it was a wonderful first day.

What is Mia like to play and how is it filming alongside the rest of the cast?

It is a joy playing Mia and I have often found that we are quite alike in a lot of ways. I think, because of that, it is very easy for me to play her as it’s just like playing myself. I love working alongside the cast, after a while it seems like we are no longer a cast, we are a family. Everyone was so welcoming and I have not one bad word to say about any of them.

How was it seeing the series release on CBBC in September, and how has it been returning to film the upcoming Series 2?

Seeing the show released was like breathing a sigh of relief. Seeing the hard work and time you put into something so wonderful is absolutely amazing. Then going back to Belfast to film for Season 2 was just all the chaos and fun, all over again. Season 2 was definitely more hard work but it was worth it for the fun new stunts and costumes…

How do you find the experience on set of Pickle Storm and working with CBBC?

Being on set is like being at the eye of the storm, filled with chaos but in the world of showbiz that’s what you live for. On set, everyone is equal and everyone is needed, if you removed just one person it could all fall apart like dominoes. Working with CBBC was a dream come true. Everyone is so welcoming and fun but also so hard-working and efficient. As a team, there is nothing you cannot do.

What was it like being a guest on Saturday Mash-Up with your Pickle Storm co-star Kassidi Roberts in September?

Going on Saturday Mash-Up had to be one of the most fun things I’ve ever done! You play so many games and once you get used to having to be constantly aware, it’s a dream. I will say that at first I was thrown off because we are always told “never look at the camera”, it’s one of the most important rules of filming, but on live TV, you need to be always smiling and looking at the camera! It was so fun and really a nice way to introduce the show.

Earlier this year, you were performing as Sarah in Till The Stars Come Down at the National Theatre, how was your time in the show?

Sarah has been my absolute favourite role to play in my acting career. She is the typical child but with the added bit of mischief! My second time working in the National Theatre and I thought it couldn’t possibly get better, And then it did! We got to eat on stage, wear super pretty costumes and perform the funniest, most dramatic, most chaotic show ever.

What was it like getting into character as Sarah and was there anything that drew you to the production?

Getting into character as Sarah was like getting into the character of the most mischievous, lovable little girl ever. Sarah is, again, quite like me, like the other half of me that contrasts to Mia! I just went out there and had tons of fun and performed my heart out as Sarah. When I got the audition and I read the script, I was immediately curious about the strange scenes. The scenes were very long and contrasting and I had no idea how they could ever belong to the same play!

You first performed at the National Theatre in 2022 with The Crucible as Betty Parris, what are some of your favourite memories from working on the Arthur Miller play?

Betty Parris was my first big role on stage and it was amazing to be a part of that. The cast and crew were amazing and one of my distinct favourite memories was when there was about 10 minutes until the curtain and we were waiting backstage and Brendan Cowell, who played John Proctor, would have his laptop out, watching the Sharkies (the Australian rugby team) and he would tell me about all the players and the scores until the curtain came up.

How different do you find theatre work to screen acting and what do you enjoy about both?

I find that screen and stage are actually not too different but they do have some distinct differences. I love how stage is more risk-and-fall so you only have one chance and whatever happens has to be left behind as the show must go on but I do love how in screen work there is more character development, you learn more about your character through the mistakes you make.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?

I started acting when I was about seven and I had never wanted to do it professionally but I had nothing to do on a Wednesday and so I just joined a club. After my first class, I was asked to do a tape for The Midwich Cuckoos and I got a part in it! From there, it was just baby steps up and up until my first big jobs.

Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

I love The Hunger Games, Outer Banks, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mousetrap play and The Maze Runner. I also love Married at First Sight.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I like to read, watch TV, bake and see all of my friends.

What are you hoping the upcoming year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I’m hoping I will be able to get a big break show or movie this year but I do have some work coming up that is currently a secret.