Tell us about your new play, Negative Space, and your character Callie?
‘Negative Space’ tackles the issues surrounding missing people and how one family come to terms with the loss of a child. Callie Jackson went missing 10 years before the play is set and only appears as an imagined figure. As her family try to come to terms with her disappearance they all have a different way of seeing her, so in the play she is never the same twice.
It’s not revealed how/why Callie disappeared, what’s your take on it?
I'm not sure what happened to Callie and I think that is part of the beauty of the piece, it is never resolved. I think that is one of the most frustrating things for the families and all the people involved, that they haven't managed to get closure and there is that constant 'what if'.
The theme is quite topical, why did you choose to take on the role?
I was very interested in how Callie was written, I loved the idea of taking on multiple personalities and ages. It would also be a challenge to play someone who only exists in someone else's subconscious.
How did you prepare for the part?
I had to do quite a bit of research around the subject of missing people and I was shocked at the statistics, it is estimated that 100,000 children go missing every year, not all of them are as high profile as others. So, it was interesting reading and watching interviews with families and friends and reading news reports and seeing how much of it is the truth and how much is spin to keep the nation interested.
Do you prefer stage acting to television and film or vice versa?
I love all types of acting, I wouldn't say I have a preference at this stage, they are all very different disciplines and require a completely different skill-set.
Is it true you started acting when you were 3?
Yes, I started from a very young age it was all I ever wanted to do.
How did you juggle education with an acting career?
My school were very supportive and I was very lucky, they helped me through coursework deadlines and missing lessons. Sometimes I wish I had been there more and come out with slightly better grades but I can't complain! I was very busy, but I liked it like that.
What were you like as a student?
I was hard-working, cheeky, and personable. I like to think! I suppose I was a bit of a geek when I was younger.
How do you look back on your time in Skins?
It was an amazing two years, I will never forget it and all the brilliant people I worked with. It was hard work, and sometimes I found it very tough but it taught me a lot and really acted as a spring-board for my career.
Why do you think the show was so popular with students?
Because it was something new and totally innovative. There had never been anything like it before for the young-adult audience. It showed young people doing what young people do, it was funny and touching, and everyone could relate to one of the characters in some way.
How much of your own personality did you bring into the character of Michelle?
It is difficult to say because she is so different to me, but I suppose you always bring a little of yourself to a character.
What do you make of the success of Dev Patel following Slumdog Millionaire?
I'm so proud of him and excited to see where his amazing career takes him, he is the most genuine person you will ever meet and the fame hasn't spoilt him one bit.
It was recently announced that they are remaking the show for an American audience. Do you think it will work?
I can't see how an American company will be able to get away with what we did; they have such different censorship rulings over there. If they stick to the same format e.g.; actors of the correct ages, I think they will get an audience.
Film4 also have confirmed there is to be a film spin-off made. Do you know anything about this? Will you be involved?
I have heard whisperings of this on the grape-vine and if it is true I haven't been approached about it.
What’s next for April Pearson?
I've hopefully got another theatre project lined up for next year which is very exciting, but until then I’ll be trying to get another on-screen job 'till then, I'm never happy!
Negative Space runs at the New End Theatre, Hampstead from 15 September until 11 October. Box Office: 0870 033 2733
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