The London-based actress is not easy to miss, particularly with her very distinct and infectious laugh! Marian grew up working in theatre and continued her theatrical career throughout several impressive drama schools, but is now taking the big screen by storm. Having starred in multiple short films last year, she recently guest-starred in a web series and played both a supporting role and lead in two features. She really is one to watch out for on our screens in 2019.
Acting beginnings
Sabina: Marian, can you tell us about your acting beginnings?
Marian: "Well, I really had a love for acting from the age of 5, when my mother took me to see "Cats" on the stage for the first time. In the interval, we queued to get Brian Blessed’s autograph as he played, Old Deuteronomy. I guess from then on I dreamed of dancing in lycra and belting out show tunes. So I started attending a Saturday stage school called Stage Coach, where I danced, acted and sang my little heart out. At 17 I started at Amersham and Wycombe College, where I undertook classes in all aspects of theatre study. I was awarded a distinction in BTEC Performing Arts and Dance at ‘A Level’. During this time I auditioned and was offered the lead role of Sabrina in a local theatre society’s production of "Fame the Musical" which was presented at the Limelight Theatre in Aylesbury.
As a result of this performance, I was then asked to audition for the professional production of "Romeo and Juliet" and was awarded the title role, directed by Erica Sanderson. I then went on to audition for the Courtyard Theatre Training Company and was awarded a place on the acting program. I was working under the award-winning director, Abigail Anderson, in The Mystery Plays and thoroughly enjoyed playing many characters from Noah’s drunk companion to Isaac the sacrificial child.
I then went on to study Classical and Musical Theatre at the London Academy of Performing Arts, where I worked with and met my first agent Brian Parsonage Kelly".
Sabina: Where do you think is the best place to be as an actor and why?
Marian: "I have lived in London for over 10 years now and enjoyed the creative community and the opportunities that the city has to offer.
I think it’s paramount as a young actor to experience the city with the finest theatres and cinemas on offer. I have also enjoyed international experiences including having worked with an Icelandic Theatre company. In 2017 I spent the summer in LA and found it the perfect location for screen work and ultimately career development. I look forward to more international collaborations on screen with the creatives I met in America".
Best projects to date
Sabina: What are your best projects to date?
Marian: "I had my West End debut in "Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens" at the Fortune Theatre. The production was directed by David Toltek and was a transfer from Brentwood Theatre. I was a founder member of the production company, Beehive Theatre Company, where I worked together with and under the direction of Helen Tennison for two years, resulting in performances at the Marine Theatre Lyme Regis and being asked to perform at the ‘off west end’ venue, Southwark Playhouse.
I created the role of Martha in "A Christmas Carol" for Antic Disposition, which is now in its 6th year performing at the historic Middle temple hall - the site of the first performance of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" (and it is believed that Shakespeare himself performed in the play).
I was also cast as the role of Elizabeth of York for a documentary for Yesterday TV. Filming took place at Hever Castle in the former bed-chamber of Henry VIII. Then, in the summer of 2017, my search for professional development led me to apply and be awarded a place on the Encore program at the world-renowned American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA).
During my time at AADA, I worked with Clay Banks and Debra De Leso.
Shortly afterwards, Rory O’Donnell called me in for a casting as the Landlady in which I ultimately took the lead as Linda Wilde playing opposite Caroline Monroe ("The Spy who loved me")".
Sabina: How did acting change your life?
Marian: "I believe that acting is a creative gift and a desire that comes from your soul. As an actor, we explore another person’s inner-being. It’s only through understanding yourself and knowing what makes you tick that you can grow as an actor. Acting has taught me to be thankful on a daily basis as the struggles and successes all produce emotional behaviour that you can draw upon".
Upcoming projects
Sabina: Do you have any interesting Film or TV projects coming up?
Marian: "Later this year you will see me performing the lead role in the feature, "We Wait in the Woods". I play Jane in “Dorcha", the feature film, also in 2019 and am soon to start filming Atropos in the TV series, "Olympians" and Lucy in "Lucy and The Dragon" for Wee Dragon and Co 2019".
