For Imogen Clawson’s first professional acting role, she plays Jenny Alderson in the Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small, and has continued in the recurring role over the five series already released. Imogen works closely with her on-screen family Rachel Shenton as her sister Helen and Tony Pitts as her father Richard, with Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot, Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon and Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall. Currently, Imogen is training at CAPA College on the Drama Pathway, which focuses on acting for stage and screen, and she is due to graduate in June this year. Speaking with us, Imogen told us about her recurring role of Jenny Alderson in All Creatures Great and Small, what it’s like having the show as her first professional acting job and working with the cast including Rachel Shenton and Tony Pitts.
Since the start of All Creatures Great and Small on Channel 5, you have played the recurring role of Jenny Alderson, how are you finding the experience having Jenny as your first professional acting role?
It is a privilege to be part of a welcoming, loving and beautiful project as my first professional role. I have learnt so much from the incredible cast and crew that make this wonderful TV show happen. Growing up with Jenny has provided me with opportunities to learn and develop both personally and in terms of character development. All Creatures will always hold a special place in my heart and is something I am so proud to be a part of.
How did you feel finding out you’d booked All Creatures Great and Small and what do you remember from your first day on set?
Finding out I had booked the job in All Creatures was surreal as I was only 12 years old. I was shocked as it was my first experience of an audition for TV and I remember being so overwhelmed with happiness. Waking up knowing it was my first day on set I remember feeling nervous, but mostly excited and full of anticipation. My first scene I filmed was me getting on an old 1930s bus with my sister Helen (played by Rachel Shenton). The day was incredible as I met the most amazing people that I now get to call my co-stars and friends as well as my first introduction to the wonderful director Brian Percival. He was so kind and helpful towards me as I was learning on the job. His invaluable advice enabled me to begin developing my role as Jenny.
How would you describe Jenny and what has it been like developing the character across the five series already aired?
I’d describe Jenny as clever, hard-working and devoted to everything she puts her mind to. She’s part of a tight-knit Yorkshire farming family, who have experienced the sad loss of their mother and wife. She grew up with her sister, who is like a mother to her, and her hard-working father (Tony Pitts). Jenny’s charisma and drive has only grown with her age as she approaches everything that life throws at her with determination and care. The animals and farming are her priority, and she’s inspired by the people around her such as James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph). He shows her various tricks in helping the animals which Jenny absorbs with great interest. It’s a joy to play such a strong-willed young woman who is trying to make her mark in the world, which is something I can relate to.
Is there anything you enjoy most about playing Jenny and how is it getting into costume/character?
Filming in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, together with the animals and cast, inspires me to immerse myself into Jenny’s character. You get a real sense of what rural life must have been like during the 1930s and 1940s. I get to wear some fabulous outfits from that era which is something very different to today’s current fashions. It’s the first time I’d ever worn a proper hairnet! I travel to London before we start filming for fittings which is like stepping back in time. I get to try on many different outfits, and this is something I really enjoy as it takes me back into the role of Jenny.
What is it like filming alongside Rachel Shenton as your on-screen sister Helen and Tony Pitts as your on-screen father, and with the rest of the cast?
Over the past five years, the relationship between myself, Rachel, and Tony has strengthened with each successive series. On and off set we are so close which helps when they are your TV family. Rachel has been the best sister to me, and I value our time on set when we get to play these incredible women who thrive off each other. The relationships I have built up with both Tony and Rachel are things I appreciate so much as I learn huge amounts from their advice and talents but also from them as people. Sam (West), Anna (Madeley), Callum (Woodhouse) and Nick (Ralph) have always been the most terrific people to share the screen with and I feel lucky every day that I get to act with the best company. Truly, the cast make the show and have made my experience on All Creatures unforgettable.
What do you feel you’ve learnt from working on All Creatures Great and Small over the years?
I have learnt so much about this vast industry and what it’s like to grow up on a TV set. Being so young, I learnt on the job which was the best way for me to build my actor toolkit and thrive as a performer. It’s taught me about professionalism but has also taught me to appreciate everything. The Yorkshire Dales are on my doorstep and being part of a show that highlights its beauty has made me value it so much more and take pride in where I’m from.
Do you have any stand-out highlights from playing Jenny so far that you can share?
One of the main highlights is when we film the Christmas Specials. This is a time when the cast is all together and there’s something magical about filming a Christmas Special. The atmosphere on set is electric and this is a time where we all laugh and share stories which are so memorable to me.
Another highlight for me was when Helen was in her wedding dress. Rachel walked downstairs and it was a beautiful moment which was shared between me and Tony watching her look so special. It was one of the first times I thought to myself, “I want to do this for the rest of my life”.
There have been numerous encounters with animals during filming. Scenes include me standing next to a very large and intimidating bull, an encounter with a pesky ferret, and feeding the pet rabbits at Skeldale House. One of my favourite lines by Jenny refers to her usual experience with wild rabbits on the farm, stating, “the only rabbits I know we put in pies”.
Another moment which sticks with me is from Series 5 where Rachel and I filmed a scene on a roof of an outbuilding at our family farm. We discuss the importance of family bonds and what the future might hold for both Helen and Jenny. This was very powerful and an emotional piece for us and the crew, and I came away from this scene so proud of what we created.
We understand you are currently training at CAPA College, how is your time going as a student?
I have been studying at CAPA College since 2023 and I am due to graduate in June of 2025. At CAPA, I study on the Drama Pathway, which focuses on acting for stage and screen. This has enhanced my skills in both theatre performance and camera acting. The experiences I’ve had at this college are amazing, including participating in National Theatre Connections and contemporary plays by CAPA College alumni. I have learned a lot about the industry and met many incredible fellow students and creatives who I hope will be lifelong friends. Studying theatre full time can be intense but it has helped me expand my knowledge and craft which I’m always striving to do. I highly recommend CAPA to those who wish to pursue a career in the arts.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
I started acting classes in Harrogate when I was five and it didn’t take long to know I wanted to be an actor. During my teenage years, I have attended countless theatre workshops, been involved in acting classes and performed in many shows. All this has made me fall in love with the arts. I have an inner drive to learn new roles and develop characters. I hope to continue to do what I love and explore as many projects as I can.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?
My recent favourite show is Series 1 and 2 of Bad Sisters on Apple TV. I’m a huge fan of Sharon Horgan’s writing and acting and this thriller made me appreciate her work even more. The powerful storylines and masterclass of acting from Sharon Horgan and Anne-Marie Duff is inspiring to young actors like me who are wanting to step further into this industry. I also really enjoyed Stephen Graham’s Boiling Point. The style and performances from all the actors, given it was one take, is phenomenal and something I like to rewatch. Paapa Essiedu is a leading light and Taylor Russell’s performance in The Effect by Lucy Prebble at the National was unmissable.
Have you been given any advice over your career as an actor so far that has stuck with you?
Grasp every opportunity, absorb everything and allow yourself to take direction. The tips, tricks, and advice I have received over the five series have led me to appreciate and motivate me to continue my work in this industry. It has also enhanced my self-confidence and shaped how I engage with the world.
Do you have a favourite aspect of working in the acting industry?
One of my favourite aspects of working in the acting industry is learning new stories each day and being able to communicate that on screen. So many important stories are represented on screen which allow us to learn, be educated and acknowledge voices that should be heard. Working on the All Creatures project has allowed me to appreciate the industry’s fast-paced nature and constant development of exciting themes and stories.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love travelling, shopping, trying different foods and exploring new places. I enjoy being around my family and friends so spending time with the people closest to me is important and makes me so happy. I’m a huge fan of National Theatre Live and my absolute favourite pastime is going to London to watch the latest plays and musicals. Also, at the end of a long day, I like to relax with a cup of tea and watch my favourite boxsets. There’s nothing better!
What are you hoping this year brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?
I am hoping this year brings me new acting opportunities that I can face head on. I really want to explore more stories and projects, and I am always striving to better my craft. 2025, for me, is a year of entering adulthood and striving to experience all the new things turning 18 offers in my personal life and professional career.
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