In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time, the spotlight is on Sophie Ladds who is returning to the stage as Marina The Mermaid in the children’s show Mermaids & Pirates, running from 21 to 26 July.
1) My route into theatre was…
I went every year to watch panto as a child and adored Christopher Biggins. After joining a local youth theatre group, I knew it was what I wanted to do as a career and went on to train at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
2) My West End idol is…
Well, there’s only one answer to this…my fiancé, Darren Day!
3) My colleagues would describe me as…
Determined, hardworking, always up for a laugh, but always ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on.
4) My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Miss Saigon – I’ve loved it since I was about 14 and used to listen to the songs on repeat.
5) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
I was in Hullraisers for Channel 4 a few years ago. I loved every minute of it. I live in Essex and grew up in Cambridge, so I worked really hard to nail the accent. I love comedy and to be in a television comedy like that was a dream come true.
6) The hardest part about my job/role is…
Being away from friends and family at important times.
7) If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
A detective. I am obsessed with crime and criminology, and I am fascinated by the criminal mind, detectives and how they crack the cases!
8) Something people don’t know about me is…
As a teenager, I once helped Stephen Hawking when he fell out of his chair on his way home. My friends and I lifted him back in and walked beside him all the way back to his house to make sure he got back OK.
9) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Be kind always.
10) The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Don’t doubt yourself – you’ve got this!
See Sophie in Mermaids & Pirates from 21 July. Get your tickets now!
