My West London Life

Laura Waddell

Laura Waddell

April
20

Laura Waddell on her role in the upcoming royal wedding movie, scuba diving and her longing for Marmite

You split your time between Notting Hill and LA. Why did you choose Notting Hill as your London home?

It’s just a really great part of London; it has a cool artistic vibe and I love the markets, especially Portobello Road. It’s an area that I adore coming back to when I return to the UK.

You have recently starred in the upcoming William and Kate: The Movie as Kate Middleton’s boss when she worked at Jigsaw. Was it a bit surreal playing a character that had no idea of what was to come for Kate?

My character, at the time she hires Kate, is aware that Kate is in a high profile relationship with William, but had no idea that they would go on to become husband and wife. I think she’s glad that Jigsaw will get a lot of attention because of it but perhaps is a little jealous of her.

How will you be spending the day of the royal wedding?

I have quite a few British friends out here so will probably have a little party and we’ll all watch it together. BBC America is showing it so that should be fun.

Was there any particular reason why the royal wedding movie was shot mostly in LA?

There’s quite a bit of excitement over here about the royal wedding and I think because it’s for Lifetime, an American company, they wanted to cast it and shoot it here. I think they shot some of the additional exterior footage in the UK but the majority of filming took place in LA.

Is it true that you are a qualified scuba diver? What do you love about diving?

That is true, yes. I learnt to dive when I was travelling around Australia and it’s one of the most fantastic things, there’s nothing like it. It’s a whole different world underwater and it’s so serene yet exhilarating. I’ve especially loved doing wreck dives as it makes you feel like you’re discovering and experiencing something hidden and unique.

Will you be buying any royal wedding memorabilia?

There doesn’t seem to be much here in the US as yet. I might see what there is when I’m in London next.

You can do a wide range of accents. Which one is the hardest?

I love taking on roles with an accent different to my own. There are many that I feel completely competent with now but some I haven’t even tried yet. I can imagine some of the Slavic accents are tricky to grasp.

Where are your favourite places to eat out when you are in Notting Hill?

I’m a big fan of Thai food and Khao San Thai [108 Chepstow Road, W2] never fails to impress. I also like 202 Cafe [202 Westbourne Grove; W11] for a weekend brunch, when the weather’s good.

What do you miss the most about England when you are in America?

First and foremost my family and friends as they are such a long way away. With England in general, it’s the sense of humour and honesty of people. I also miss a lot of London’s parks in the summer – it’s so lovely to have a day in Hyde Park or walking up to Alexandra Palace. I miss a lot of English food; Marmite, apple crumble and custard and a decent roast dinner.

What has been your favourite role?

I’ve been very lucky to have many that I’ve really enjoyed. Playing Ophelia in Hamlet would be one of my favourites. It was a demanding role performing night after night, but a great one. I had a wonderful director and great cast members to work with, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

Do you prefer performing on stage or on screen?

I love both for different reasons but I think stage will always be my favourite. It’s such a buzz to perform live and feel that instant reaction from the audience. Acting for screen is great, too but you don’t get to appreciate it until you see the final product, which can be months later.

Do you get stage fright? If so, what do you do to settle your nerves?

Not proper stage fright thankfully. I always get a little nervous and feel that surge of adrenalin just before I go onstage but I’ve never been petrified. I generally take a few deep breaths and get on with it. It’s always fine once you’re out there with other cast members.

What is your favourite film and why?

I couldn’t ever narrow it down to one. I have so many and for whatever mood I’m in. I would say American Beauty is definitely in my top five of all time and I also love Alfred Hitchcock so I have to say Rear Window. I love films that are strong in every element – script, direction and performance.

What are your plans for this summer?

I’m shooting a feature film in late summer but hoping to pop back home to the UK just before that. I haven’t been back to London in the summer for a while and would like to experience that again.

William and Kate: The Movie; Sun 24 Apr 2011; Channel 5; 3.55pm

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

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