Direction: Dominic Cooke, Design: John Stevenson, Lighting: Peter Mumford, Sound: Paul Arditti.Cast includes:Paul Broughton, Michelle Butterly, Joe Cooper, Sue Jenkins, Stephen Mangan, Nick Moss, Jack Richards, Sally Rogers, Sheridan Smith
'Homecomings in drama are rarely happy. Think of Aeschylus, Pinter or Wesker's Roots. But even by those standards, Michelle in Michael Wynne's scabrously funny new play - his first for the Court since The Knocky in 1994 - has a tough time discovering that Birkenhead is about as welcoming to its returning daughters as Argos was to Agamemnon.
'Michelle and her boyfriend Robert have forsaken Clapham to buy a five bedroom house a stone's throw from the working class estate where she grew up. Idealistically, she wants to be part of a community and see the turnaround in Birkenhead; to which her sister replies, with characteristic pragmatism: 'I'd like to see that too.' And, in the course of a grisly family party; Michelle discovers that her dad is living off false hopes of a return to the shipyards, that sister Donna is coping with a disturbed son and layabout partner, and that her niece, Kirsty, is a 16-year-old single mum psychotically hooked on fame.
'What is refreshing about Wynne's play is that , like The Knocky, it uses comedy as a vehicle for social criticism. We laugh at Donna's obsession with psychic phenomena and her belief that something spooky has happened to all local pets. Only in a stunning first act climax do we see the connection between this and her catatonic son. Equally, her daughter Kirsty is first seen as a comic figure so besotted by fame that she 'wouldn't even mind having a stalker'. Only gradually do we learn that Kirsty is more dealer than wheeler. Liverpool's centre may be enjoying a rebirth but, as Donna says, 'One square mile of wealth doesn't do anything for the surrounding twenty.'
'Wynne's territory is Birkenhead, but his theme has national resonance: that traditional manufacturing crafts and skills are being replaced by service industries and property developments. But Wynne's skill lies in allowing his point to emerge through the interstices of a family comedy.
'Dominic Cooke's adroit production reinforces this by playing up the social embarrassments of an upwardly mobile daughter returning to her roots. Presenting her guests with vine leaves stuffed with rice, Michelle is shocked when they're dismissed as 'six shits on a plate'.
'Sally Rogers as Michelle captures the awkwardness of a woman caught between two worlds and there is first rate support from Michelle Butterly as her down to earth sister, Sheridan Smith as her niece and Stephen Mangan as the furtive boyfriend. But really cheering is that Wynne has written a deeply political play while sending gales of unfamiliar laughter through the Royal Court.'
The Guardian
'…The day of family revelations is driven by robust humour and absurd, cruel ironies: Michelle's sister Donna, works in a peanut factory but her son is allergic to nuts. Sadness and frustration seep through the comic cut and thrust.
'…In a strong cast, Stephen Mangan captures Robert's fecklessness so well that you wonder why Sally Rogers's competitive but vulnerable Michelle ever hooked up with him. Sheridan Smith is hilarious as Donna's lippy daughter, Kirsty, who peddles drugs to fund a boob job that she sees as a guarantee of fame and fortune. Michelle Butterly is superb as Donna, whether loosing off another cutting comment ('She's got more kids than teeth'), sensing the menacing spirit world around her, or displaying a cynical resilience. And an opening night young Joe Cooper nearly stole the show as Donna's additive filled, cat-strangling son.
'At the end Michelle is left alone and literally holding the baby (full marks for using a real one) in the about-to-be painted living room in which most of the action takes place.
'It's typical of the unsentimental sympathy with which Wynne has treated his characters that his final moment doesn't immediately suggest a bright new beginning. A big question mark still hangs over all their futures.'
The Times
'Michael Wynne's writing has Alan Bleasdale's grittiness, Willy Russell's sense of meolodrama, Jonathan (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme) Harvey's scally campness, the cheek of The Live Birds, a keen eye, a sharp ear and a political nous that is all his own. He's got that Mersey magic.
'…Wynne has a terrific talent for characterisation and his women in particular are drawn with a vividness that is matched by his affection.
'…Needless to say the party is a series of painful and painfully funny revelations which Dominic Cooke directs with wit, warmth and pace. It deserves to transfer.'
The Mail on Sunday
'It's got a scary child who looks like an ailing owl or a Midwich cuckoo; it's got anxiously smiling Sue Jenkins (Brokside's Jackie Corkhill); it's got (thanks to Paul Arditti) the most sickening sound effect of the year. And it's got snappy Sheridan Smith and fervent Sally Rogers. There won't be many more immediately pleasurable plays this year than The People are Friendly.
'Michael Wynne's play is full of local surprises, patches of vividness - 'You've got one of those dildo rails,' a hapless mother exclaims to her socially aspiring daughter. But its underlying assumptions are totally familier. Girl from Birkenhead council estate goes South and posh, takes up with a public schoolboy (effete) and returns to wreak havoc (why?) in her home town.'
Observer
'…a piece that hits the funny bone with unerring accuracy.
'…The homecoming drama may be a familiar staple, but Wynne's play offers a feast of crackling dialogue, sharply drawn characters and great jokes.
'…Wynne offers depth as well as comic pleasure. Ths is a stae-of-the-nation play, exploring class values, the painful transition from manufacturing to service industries, and the inane cult of celebrity.
'…This is the most entertainingly awful stage party since the one thrown in Mike Leight's Abigail's Party all those years ago.'
Telegraph
Saturday 6 July 2002
Thursday 13 June 2002
The People Are Friendly
Homecomings in drama are rarely happy. Think of Aeschylus, Pinter or Wesker's Roots.But even by those standards, Michelle in Michael Wynne's scabrously funny new play - his first for the Court since The Knocky in 1994 - has a tough time discovering that Birkenhead is about as welcoming to its returning daughters as Argos was to Agamemnon.
Michelle and her boyfriend Robert have forsaken Clapham to buy a five bedroom house a stone's throw from the working class estate where she grew up.
Idealistically, she wants to be part of a community and see the turnaround in Birkenhead; to which her sister replies, with characteristic pragmatism: "I'd like to see that too."
And, in the course of a grisly family party, Michelle discovers that her dad is living off false hopes of a return to the shipyards, that sister Donna is coping with a disturbed son and layabout partner, and that her niece, Kirsty, is a 16-year-old single mum psychotically hooked on fame.
What is refreshing about Wynne's play is that, like The Knocky, it uses comedy as a vehicle for social criticism. We laugh at Donna's obsession with psychic phenomena and her belief that something spooky has happened to all the local pets.
Only in a stunning first act climax do we see the connection between this and her catatonic son. Equally, her daughter Kirsty is first seen as a comic figure so besotted by fame that she "wouldn't even mind having a stalker".
Only gradually do we learn that Kirsty is more dealer than wheeler. Liverpool's centre may be enjoying a rebirth but, as Donna says, "One square mile of wealth doesn't do anything for the surrounding twenty."
Wynne's territory is Birkenhead, but his theme has national resonance: that traditional manufacturing crafts and skills are being replaced by service industries and property developments. But Wynne's skill lies in allowing his point to emerge through the interstices of a family comedy.
Dominic Cooke's adroit production reinforces this by playing up the social embarrassments of an upwardly mobile daughter returning to her roots. Presenting her guests with vine leaves stuffed with rice, Michelle is shocked when they're dismissed as "six shits on a plate".
Sally Rogers as Michelle captures the awkwardness of a woman caught between two worlds and there is first rate support from Michelle Butterly as her down to earth sister, Sheridan Smith as her niece and Stephen Mangan as the furtive boyfriend.
But really cheering is that Wynne has written a deeply political play while sending gales of unfamiliar laughter through the Royal Court.
Thursday 28 February 2002
Two Pints of Lager Cast Interview - Sheridan Smith
Have you ever taken revenge on someone and, if so, how?
My big bro, Damian. When we were younger, I used to always shout "Mum!" and get him into trouble even if he'd done nothing! What a brat!
If you could take a course in any subject, what would it be and why?
Cooking - I'd love to be a good cook. I'm always eating KFC and Domino's Pizza!
Were you to write a self-help book, what would the title be?
"Me, me, me!!"
What was your favourite book to read as a child?
"Charlotte's Web". I love that story, even though I'm terrified of spiders!
What are your phobias?
Spiders (and any other little creature that crawls or flies!), heights, and going out of my depth in water…I'm a crap swimmer!
Describe yourself as a lonely hearts advert...
Short, horny female seeks tall, athletic male!!
What was the worst job you ever had and why?
Working in a burger van 'cos I got sick of saying "d'ya want ketchup on that, luv?"
If you could hire someone to do a job for you, what would that be?
Someone to cook, clean and wash my stuff…I miss that now I don't live with my mum! I'm such a lazy bitch!
Have you ever been attracted to a teacher/tutor and, if so, who were they?
There was only one younger teacher in our school, Mr Driver. He taught Science. He was quite cute!
Have you ever made your own clothing? What was it?
Well, I cut a pair of old jeans into shorts once - does that count?!
Give us a good statistic...
I don't really know one but someone told me that everyone swallows at least one spider a year whilst they sleep. Ewwww!
If oranges had never existed, how would you describe their colour to someone?
Carrot colour!
What was the first record/album you ever bought?
I think the first album I bought was The Jackson Five but the first CD I was given was 'Cotton-Eyed Joe' the single! Bless my mum - don't know what she was thinkin'!
If you were to write a musical about a famous person's life, who would you base it on and why?
Dolly Parton! She's a real character, she's had an interesting life and she's done some great songs! (Plus it would make my mum and dad happy 'cos they're a country and western duo!)
When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you smell?
Cat sh*t! I'm staying with a friend at the moment and his cats keep pooing everywhere. Nice, eh?!
The Darkness clearly believe in a thing called love - do you?
Of course... the world would be a very sad place without it!
Predictive texting - good or evil?
Evil - it's far too high tech for me!
Have you ever blown something up in a microwave and, if so, what was it?
Almost! The other day, I accidentally put a non-microwavable plate in. I luckily kept an eye on it and soon took it out when sparks started flying!
Do you have a recurring dream?
No but I do have some crazy dreams - my imagination runs wild when I sleep!
In your opinion, which is the best track Tom Jones ever recorded?
'What's New Pussy Cat' - whoa-whoa-whoa!
Facial hair - good or bad?
Bad on a woman, good on a man!
David Beckham. Discuss.
Well, he's quite pretty, isn't he?! But that voice would do my head in after a while! But he seems like he's a great dad and husband. That's the main thing!
What's your most amusing alcohol-fuelled experience?
There have been loads, I'm always amusing when I've had a bit to drink. We were at the BBC after the programme and Children In Need was on at the same time. Loads of my friends were there, and Will was doing a strip routine with The Dreamboys. I ended up in The Dreamboys dressing room with a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bottle of baby oil in the other, and I was oiling up the dancers. I wrote 'Hello Mum' on Will's bottom, and when he was dancing and showed his bare bum the camera zoomed in on the message. I was very proud, as it was my little piece of artwork!
What's the rudest thing you've ever done while squiffy?
It's really bad. I often flash my boobs. My friends are so used to seeing them they tell me to put them away. I'm not as bad as Ralf. He's always getting his arse out - even when he's not drunk.
What's your idea of a great night out?
Being with all my friends, having a good time, boogying, and lots to drink!
Do you have any cool party tricks?
I can make my tongue into a flower shape, so that it curls in, in three places. It's like a three leaf clover.
Which cast member do you fancy most and why?
Natalie - no I'm only joking! I don't fancy either of the boys. I suppose when I first started, I fancied Will, as he works out and stuff, but not now that I know him so well. It's like they're brothers. My friends really fancy them both but I've had them fart on me and know they have smelly feet!
What's your best chat-up line?
My mates have said that when I'm drunk I've come out with some funny lines but I don't know what they are. I just walk by blokes and if I fancy them I make it really obvious!
Describe the sex-god/goddess of your dreams.
Personality is really important - a good sense of humour, as I like to laugh. They have to be able to put up with me! I don't really have a type though, just someone sexy and fun to be with.
Who did you last show your bare bottom to?
My housemate, when I came running out of the shower. No blokes have seen it recently!
Have you ever lied to get a shag?
I may have told a little porky. Like if someone really likes me and wants reassurance that I'll see them again, I might say "we'll see what happens", even if I don't intend to.
Favourite ever comedy series/inspiration?
Kathy Burke has been a real inspiration. I think she's brilliant. I like the fact she doesn't care what she looks like on TV and just gets really into character. Obviously, she can do drama as well, but it's her comedy I love. Like when she plays Perry.
Have you ever been to Runcorn? Do you think you've improved its image?
I think we've made it worse, haven't we?! We went there for filming some of the location stuff - it's a funny little place, there wasn't much to do. I'm from up North so I quite enjoyed it. I hope people from Runcorn like the show and think we've made it look good.
In which ways, if any, are you similar to your character?
I drink a lot of lager, but Janet wants to settle down, and that's not me. I like to be young, free and single. She's quite a sweet girl, but I'm a bit of a rebel. As for biscuits, I love eating! I've added chocolate spread to one of things Janet loves.
What's the most amusing thing that's happened during filming?
There are so many, we have such a good laugh. There was one time when Will had to put a pinny on over his clothes, while Ralf was under a duvet on the sofa. Will came in with the pinny on but nothing else underneath, and Ralf didn't know.
My big bro, Damian. When we were younger, I used to always shout "Mum!" and get him into trouble even if he'd done nothing! What a brat!
If you could take a course in any subject, what would it be and why?
Cooking - I'd love to be a good cook. I'm always eating KFC and Domino's Pizza!
Were you to write a self-help book, what would the title be?
"Me, me, me!!"
What was your favourite book to read as a child?
"Charlotte's Web". I love that story, even though I'm terrified of spiders!
What are your phobias?
Spiders (and any other little creature that crawls or flies!), heights, and going out of my depth in water…I'm a crap swimmer!
Describe yourself as a lonely hearts advert...
Short, horny female seeks tall, athletic male!!
What was the worst job you ever had and why?
Working in a burger van 'cos I got sick of saying "d'ya want ketchup on that, luv?"
If you could hire someone to do a job for you, what would that be?
Someone to cook, clean and wash my stuff…I miss that now I don't live with my mum! I'm such a lazy bitch!
Have you ever been attracted to a teacher/tutor and, if so, who were they?
There was only one younger teacher in our school, Mr Driver. He taught Science. He was quite cute!
Have you ever made your own clothing? What was it?
Well, I cut a pair of old jeans into shorts once - does that count?!
Give us a good statistic...
I don't really know one but someone told me that everyone swallows at least one spider a year whilst they sleep. Ewwww!
If oranges had never existed, how would you describe their colour to someone?
Carrot colour!
What was the first record/album you ever bought?
I think the first album I bought was The Jackson Five but the first CD I was given was 'Cotton-Eyed Joe' the single! Bless my mum - don't know what she was thinkin'!
If you were to write a musical about a famous person's life, who would you base it on and why?
Dolly Parton! She's a real character, she's had an interesting life and she's done some great songs! (Plus it would make my mum and dad happy 'cos they're a country and western duo!)
When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you smell?
Cat sh*t! I'm staying with a friend at the moment and his cats keep pooing everywhere. Nice, eh?!
The Darkness clearly believe in a thing called love - do you?
Of course... the world would be a very sad place without it!
Predictive texting - good or evil?
Evil - it's far too high tech for me!
Have you ever blown something up in a microwave and, if so, what was it?
Almost! The other day, I accidentally put a non-microwavable plate in. I luckily kept an eye on it and soon took it out when sparks started flying!
Do you have a recurring dream?
No but I do have some crazy dreams - my imagination runs wild when I sleep!
In your opinion, which is the best track Tom Jones ever recorded?
'What's New Pussy Cat' - whoa-whoa-whoa!
Facial hair - good or bad?
Bad on a woman, good on a man!
David Beckham. Discuss.
Well, he's quite pretty, isn't he?! But that voice would do my head in after a while! But he seems like he's a great dad and husband. That's the main thing!
What's your most amusing alcohol-fuelled experience?
There have been loads, I'm always amusing when I've had a bit to drink. We were at the BBC after the programme and Children In Need was on at the same time. Loads of my friends were there, and Will was doing a strip routine with The Dreamboys. I ended up in The Dreamboys dressing room with a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bottle of baby oil in the other, and I was oiling up the dancers. I wrote 'Hello Mum' on Will's bottom, and when he was dancing and showed his bare bum the camera zoomed in on the message. I was very proud, as it was my little piece of artwork!
What's the rudest thing you've ever done while squiffy?
It's really bad. I often flash my boobs. My friends are so used to seeing them they tell me to put them away. I'm not as bad as Ralf. He's always getting his arse out - even when he's not drunk.
What's your idea of a great night out?
Being with all my friends, having a good time, boogying, and lots to drink!
Do you have any cool party tricks?
I can make my tongue into a flower shape, so that it curls in, in three places. It's like a three leaf clover.
Which cast member do you fancy most and why?
Natalie - no I'm only joking! I don't fancy either of the boys. I suppose when I first started, I fancied Will, as he works out and stuff, but not now that I know him so well. It's like they're brothers. My friends really fancy them both but I've had them fart on me and know they have smelly feet!
What's your best chat-up line?
My mates have said that when I'm drunk I've come out with some funny lines but I don't know what they are. I just walk by blokes and if I fancy them I make it really obvious!
Describe the sex-god/goddess of your dreams.
Personality is really important - a good sense of humour, as I like to laugh. They have to be able to put up with me! I don't really have a type though, just someone sexy and fun to be with.
Who did you last show your bare bottom to?
My housemate, when I came running out of the shower. No blokes have seen it recently!
Have you ever lied to get a shag?
I may have told a little porky. Like if someone really likes me and wants reassurance that I'll see them again, I might say "we'll see what happens", even if I don't intend to.
Favourite ever comedy series/inspiration?
Kathy Burke has been a real inspiration. I think she's brilliant. I like the fact she doesn't care what she looks like on TV and just gets really into character. Obviously, she can do drama as well, but it's her comedy I love. Like when she plays Perry.
Have you ever been to Runcorn? Do you think you've improved its image?
I think we've made it worse, haven't we?! We went there for filming some of the location stuff - it's a funny little place, there wasn't much to do. I'm from up North so I quite enjoyed it. I hope people from Runcorn like the show and think we've made it look good.
In which ways, if any, are you similar to your character?
I drink a lot of lager, but Janet wants to settle down, and that's not me. I like to be young, free and single. She's quite a sweet girl, but I'm a bit of a rebel. As for biscuits, I love eating! I've added chocolate spread to one of things Janet loves.
What's the most amusing thing that's happened during filming?
There are so many, we have such a good laugh. There was one time when Will had to put a pinny on over his clothes, while Ralf was under a duvet on the sofa. Will came in with the pinny on but nothing else underneath, and Ralf didn't know.
Sunday 27 January 2002
The unstoppable Miss Smith
Was it strange to go from the Royle's living room to playing a prostitute in a serious drama?
Blood Strangers is controversial but I play a great part. She's a real feisty little thing but she's still just a child so she has that vulnerable side as well. I've done straight drama before, but this is a gritty piece. When I was in Manchester - filming and researching the role - I'd see little girls in school uniform and think, "I hope she's waiting for her Mum," then you'd see them winking at the cars. It was shocking.
You didn't go to drama school, so how did you get into acting?
My Mum and dad are a Country and Western duo and I've sung with them from the age of seven. I was never nervous about being on stage - in fact, I was always the little cheeky one that lapped it up. When I was at school, I auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and got in. Then a producer took our show, Bugsy Malone, to the West End. I played Tallulah and because I was 16 I was classed as an adult so I moved down to London, into a shared house. After that I planned to move back to my Mum's, but I got an agent. I was lucky, as I couldn't have afforded drama school.
How did your family feel about you leaving for the bright lights at such a tender age?
I'm from a village near Doncaster, and everyone knew that's all I ever wanted to do. I was always a troublemaker in class, but in drama I'd really concentrate. My parents knew I couldn't let the opportunity go - even though they were like, "Our baby girl". They're really supportive, Mum puts a piece in the local paper when I'm on telly, "Everybody watch Sheridan". It's sweet. I go home every month, it keeps my feet on the ground.
Which you may well need as you live with a very famous person, don't you?
Well, Hannah from S Club 7! She's my best friend and flatmate - we met through the NYMT and we became best mates straight away. She was in the show too, so me, Hannah and four boys lived in a little flat together - we lived on McDonalds! When I got my agent, Hannah got into the band, so we've lived together for four years. We're like sisters. We've been here for each other all along, otherwise it would have been scary.
Was it ever a worry that one of you would get famous and leave the other one behind?
That's never been a problem - music was Hannah's route and I always wanted to be an actor, so we never competed in any way. I was so proud of her when S Club took off, and now I'm doing all right in acting, she's really proud of me as well. There's no jealousy - she's just got back from a tour and we've been yap, yap yapping from the minute she got off the plane! I really miss her, but when she's back I see a lot of her so it makes up for it.
Does hobnobbing with celebs and being on TV feel like a strange life for a 19 year old, or does it seem normal to you?
Well, it's weird - when I first moved down here at 16 and started going to auditions I'd go, "Oh my god! It's that famous actor!" Because I'm from a little village, at first it was strange to come here and see famous people walk past on the street. In the end you just get used to it and realise they're all in the same boat as you. But it is strange - specially when I go home, cos my mates all say, "Who've you met?", and I forget I was like that when I first started.
What about the celeb lifestyle - do you do designer clothes?
No, not at all! Hannah and I go shopping together and it's brilliant because I can borrow her clothes... well, I can't get into some of them cos she's tiny. But we borrow each other's stuff all the time. We love Topshop, me and Han - there's no point in spending fortunes. It's nice to buy the odd posh garment, but we're more like, "Ooh, two tops for a fiver!" - I'm a real bargain queen.
No wonder you fitted into The Royle Family so well...
Well, yeah. When I heard I was auditioning for it, I couldn't believe it. I'd seen the first series and - although some people just don't get it - I thought, that is my family! My Dad even plays the banjo - just like Jim Royle. When I auditioned, Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash were there. They said, "Just read it like a nice normal girl", so I did it and thought, "That was rubbish." I said, "Thanks for seeing me, bye". Then I got home and there was a message saying I'd got the part! I went wild! That was my first break.
What was it like walking on to that famous set?
It was weird! They're like a little family but they made me feel at ease and we had a good laugh. Ricky (Tomlinson, aka Jim Royle) was hilarious, he'd just ad lib and come out with something mad. Ralf Little (Anthony Royle) and I were like brother and sister by the end, really good mates and then I worked with him on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. I can't get rid of him! I learnt different things from all of them but Caroline's fantastic. She's like (adopts Aherne's accent) "'ello, lovely lady". She's got an amazing brain, and she's so laid back.
What about the comedy series Two Pints... how was that?
That was fun cos it was a small cast, and we did it with a studio audience. It was nerve-wracking because you had to remember not to play to the audience. I was used to theatre, and I'd always want to go "da-dum!" and wink at the end of a joke, but I couldn't! My Mum was made up because she bussed her friends down to see it. The only problem was that she laughed really loudly in the wrong bits - I'd just raise an eyebrow and she'd go "Woooh! That's my daughter!".
Actors say that the downside of doing TV and film is sex scenes. Do you have a policy on it yet?
Sometimes I see films that have unnecessary sex scenes and I think, "What's the point?". But if it was a great role I suppose I would. In one drama I did, I had to take my bra off. You couldn't see anything and it was a closed set but, because the actor and I had been working together for ages and we'd built it up so much in our heads, when we finally did it he kept laughing. I was thinking, "Oh, cheers!" but he was embarrassed! In Blood Strangers there's a scene where I'm in the bath but you don't see anything. I was sitting there in knickers with men holding lights over my head - but they all left the room while I got my towel, luckily.
Are you going out with anybody or are you too busy?
No - I'm very career-minded and I have such a laugh with my mates that I'm not into getting a boyfriend at the moment, but you can't know what'll happen, can you? I don't get chatted up much either, because it's usually me doing the chatting up, going "All right, darlin'". I'm terrible! I'm quite scary, most blokes are terrified and run away - which is probably why I'm still single!
What about your house mates. No romance there, then?
No way! There's four of us in the house, including my mate Neil who I've known for years, and he's like another brother. He's brilliant, he's a magician and musician as well as an actor, he's a great housemate to have because if I'm down he can just snap me straight out of it.
Are you easy to live with?
I'm very indecisive. I always say, "What do you think I should do?" and they'll say, "You decide!" and I'll say, "No, but what do you think I should do?" I'll ask for their opinion and then go, "I don't agree!" Also, the house is quite neat but my room's the worst - my house mates take the mick out of my room and the fact that I'm rubbish at cooking. I could burn water. The other day I was cooking and they got the camcorder, it was so long since they'd seen it happen.
Blood Strangers is controversial but I play a great part. She's a real feisty little thing but she's still just a child so she has that vulnerable side as well. I've done straight drama before, but this is a gritty piece. When I was in Manchester - filming and researching the role - I'd see little girls in school uniform and think, "I hope she's waiting for her Mum," then you'd see them winking at the cars. It was shocking.
You didn't go to drama school, so how did you get into acting?
My Mum and dad are a Country and Western duo and I've sung with them from the age of seven. I was never nervous about being on stage - in fact, I was always the little cheeky one that lapped it up. When I was at school, I auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and got in. Then a producer took our show, Bugsy Malone, to the West End. I played Tallulah and because I was 16 I was classed as an adult so I moved down to London, into a shared house. After that I planned to move back to my Mum's, but I got an agent. I was lucky, as I couldn't have afforded drama school.
How did your family feel about you leaving for the bright lights at such a tender age?
I'm from a village near Doncaster, and everyone knew that's all I ever wanted to do. I was always a troublemaker in class, but in drama I'd really concentrate. My parents knew I couldn't let the opportunity go - even though they were like, "Our baby girl". They're really supportive, Mum puts a piece in the local paper when I'm on telly, "Everybody watch Sheridan". It's sweet. I go home every month, it keeps my feet on the ground.
Which you may well need as you live with a very famous person, don't you?
Well, Hannah from S Club 7! She's my best friend and flatmate - we met through the NYMT and we became best mates straight away. She was in the show too, so me, Hannah and four boys lived in a little flat together - we lived on McDonalds! When I got my agent, Hannah got into the band, so we've lived together for four years. We're like sisters. We've been here for each other all along, otherwise it would have been scary.
Was it ever a worry that one of you would get famous and leave the other one behind?
That's never been a problem - music was Hannah's route and I always wanted to be an actor, so we never competed in any way. I was so proud of her when S Club took off, and now I'm doing all right in acting, she's really proud of me as well. There's no jealousy - she's just got back from a tour and we've been yap, yap yapping from the minute she got off the plane! I really miss her, but when she's back I see a lot of her so it makes up for it.
Does hobnobbing with celebs and being on TV feel like a strange life for a 19 year old, or does it seem normal to you?
Well, it's weird - when I first moved down here at 16 and started going to auditions I'd go, "Oh my god! It's that famous actor!" Because I'm from a little village, at first it was strange to come here and see famous people walk past on the street. In the end you just get used to it and realise they're all in the same boat as you. But it is strange - specially when I go home, cos my mates all say, "Who've you met?", and I forget I was like that when I first started.
What about the celeb lifestyle - do you do designer clothes?
No, not at all! Hannah and I go shopping together and it's brilliant because I can borrow her clothes... well, I can't get into some of them cos she's tiny. But we borrow each other's stuff all the time. We love Topshop, me and Han - there's no point in spending fortunes. It's nice to buy the odd posh garment, but we're more like, "Ooh, two tops for a fiver!" - I'm a real bargain queen.
No wonder you fitted into The Royle Family so well...
Well, yeah. When I heard I was auditioning for it, I couldn't believe it. I'd seen the first series and - although some people just don't get it - I thought, that is my family! My Dad even plays the banjo - just like Jim Royle. When I auditioned, Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash were there. They said, "Just read it like a nice normal girl", so I did it and thought, "That was rubbish." I said, "Thanks for seeing me, bye". Then I got home and there was a message saying I'd got the part! I went wild! That was my first break.
What was it like walking on to that famous set?
It was weird! They're like a little family but they made me feel at ease and we had a good laugh. Ricky (Tomlinson, aka Jim Royle) was hilarious, he'd just ad lib and come out with something mad. Ralf Little (Anthony Royle) and I were like brother and sister by the end, really good mates and then I worked with him on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. I can't get rid of him! I learnt different things from all of them but Caroline's fantastic. She's like (adopts Aherne's accent) "'ello, lovely lady". She's got an amazing brain, and she's so laid back.
What about the comedy series Two Pints... how was that?
That was fun cos it was a small cast, and we did it with a studio audience. It was nerve-wracking because you had to remember not to play to the audience. I was used to theatre, and I'd always want to go "da-dum!" and wink at the end of a joke, but I couldn't! My Mum was made up because she bussed her friends down to see it. The only problem was that she laughed really loudly in the wrong bits - I'd just raise an eyebrow and she'd go "Woooh! That's my daughter!".
Actors say that the downside of doing TV and film is sex scenes. Do you have a policy on it yet?
Sometimes I see films that have unnecessary sex scenes and I think, "What's the point?". But if it was a great role I suppose I would. In one drama I did, I had to take my bra off. You couldn't see anything and it was a closed set but, because the actor and I had been working together for ages and we'd built it up so much in our heads, when we finally did it he kept laughing. I was thinking, "Oh, cheers!" but he was embarrassed! In Blood Strangers there's a scene where I'm in the bath but you don't see anything. I was sitting there in knickers with men holding lights over my head - but they all left the room while I got my towel, luckily.
Are you going out with anybody or are you too busy?
No - I'm very career-minded and I have such a laugh with my mates that I'm not into getting a boyfriend at the moment, but you can't know what'll happen, can you? I don't get chatted up much either, because it's usually me doing the chatting up, going "All right, darlin'". I'm terrible! I'm quite scary, most blokes are terrified and run away - which is probably why I'm still single!
What about your house mates. No romance there, then?
No way! There's four of us in the house, including my mate Neil who I've known for years, and he's like another brother. He's brilliant, he's a magician and musician as well as an actor, he's a great housemate to have because if I'm down he can just snap me straight out of it.
Are you easy to live with?
I'm very indecisive. I always say, "What do you think I should do?" and they'll say, "You decide!" and I'll say, "No, but what do you think I should do?" I'll ask for their opinion and then go, "I don't agree!" Also, the house is quite neat but my room's the worst - my house mates take the mick out of my room and the fact that I'm rubbish at cooking. I could burn water. The other day I was cooking and they got the camcorder, it was so long since they'd seen it happen.
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