In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Madeleine Mantock, who’s currently playing Agnes Hathaway in the RSC’s Hamnet.
Find out more about Madeleine and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
Through dance. It was like a light bulb turning on when I discovered what the West End was and I feel really grateful to be performing here.
2. My West End idol is…
I’m really inspired by the detail in Paapa Essiedu’s work.
Lennie James and Paapa Essiedu in A Number at The Old Vic. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Honest and hard working.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Before we opened, I saw Grenfell: in the words of survivors at the National Theatre. It was really humbling to see that group of actors offer themselves up to honour the lives lost. My favourite musical is Michael John La Chiusa’s The Wild Party. Queenie is a bucket list role.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Sometimes it’s hard to take stock of the moment when you’re in it, but I’m going to say Hamnet. I never thought the door would be open for me to play a part like this and it’s probably the most demanding role I’ve had, physically and emotionally.
Tom Varey (William) and Madeleine Mantock (Agnes) in Hamnet. Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
When you’re dealing with extreme emotions, sometimes your body is so fatigued that it will try to stop you from diving in. Finding ways to coax my body into relaxing and letting me go on the journey of the show is sometimes a real challenge.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
An athlete.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m British! A lot of people know me from work I’ve done on screen and are always surprised when they hear my natural accent.
Madeleine Mantock (Agnes) in Hamnet. Photo by Manuel Harlan © RSC
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
How you treat people is more important than how talented you are. And rest! If you don’t take time to rest, at some point, your body will force it upon you.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Have the courage to be patient and keep believing in yourself.
You can see Madeleine in the hotly anticipated world premiere production of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet at the Garrick Theatre.