JLife’s Sarah Nelson speaks to Laurence Olivier Award-winning actress Sara Kestelman about her lengthy career and role in the brand new musical, The Girls, written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow.
How did your start in acting come about?
When I was younger, I didn’t actually have any acting desire and trained in classic ballet dancing, but it became clear to me by the time I was 15/ 16 years of age that things weren’t going to work out.
When I was 16, I was part of a theatre dance group at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and met Russell Thornbike, brother of Dame Sybil. He was the most imaginative, creative person, and encouraged me to go to drama school.
I was reluctant and remained uncertain during my time there and even through the early stages of my career. Life is full of funny decisions, but I’ve been extremely lucky.
How did you get involved in The Girls?
It was rather unexpected, actually. I received a call from my agent about the project and whether I would take a meeting for it. There was no script at this stage, more of a character breakdown, and I ended up still being in the office over an hour later.
I went back later to meet up with Tim Firth (who wrote the musical along with Gary Barlow) and we performed together. It was very relaxed and informal; not like an audition at all.
How are you finding the production?
It’s been really wonderful. The musical is inspired by ‘the Calendar Girls’, a group of Yorkshire women who produced a risqué calendar to raise money for leukemia research, so it’s extremely touching.
I actually met some of the ladies in London when we were rehearsing and I was moved by how courageous they are – what they’ve raised for charity is phenomenal. They’ve managed this elegant, witty, inspiring thing, and made the brave choice to do it.
What’s it like working with Tim and Gary?
We’ve seen Tim pretty much every day as the musical’s adapted from his own film. He’s such a wonderful, supportive spirit and so keen to listen and absorb ideas. Gary, too, has been incredibly enthusiastic and kind despite his busy schedule.
What has been your favourite piece of acting work?
Playing the role of Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret in the London revival of the show is definitely one. It was a great production and I won a Laurence Olivier Award for my performance in it – a bit of a turning point for me.
I was in Fiddler on the Roof in the West End with Chaim Topol, followed by the national tour, playing Golde. The play, 4,000 Miles, was an incredible experience too and something I wish had a longer life, but it wasn’t to be. IGNIS – a theatre dance experience at The Print Room – in recent years is something I’ll always remember as it enabled me to go back to my dancing roots.
What other projects are you working on?
I’m very proud of a documentary I’ve made alongside my colleague Amanda Brennan to help a charity, Interact Reading Service, which involves one-to-one reading to people who have had strokes.
The film’s about a stroke survivor, Nan Millard, and it has been the hardest, yet most fascinating, educational process. I’ve had to be a linchpin and be available for everything. We’ve been so blessed to have people dedicate their time and money towards it too.
Has Jewish culture been a strong force in your life?
Yes and no. My father was Jewish and my mother wasn’t, so I wasn’t brought up under it – however, I was always very proud and encouraged to ask questions. My father’s family came over from Russia and I have family in America. There’s a sense of Jewish culture about me – it’s part of my birth.
What’s the secret to a long-lasting acting career?
I would advise young people to focus on trusting their own gifts; not just as performers, but as observers of life, so that they can expand their works. Staying in touch with people is important too. And keep reminding yourself that you have the ability to do it.
