Across the Pond with British Actress Ellise Chappell

Written by Vaughn Stewart

The TV show Poldark is the most watched non-sport and non-soap in Britain. In season 3 the character Morwenna was introduced to the drama, played by actress Ellise Chappell, who won the hearts of millions of fans. To no one’s surprise the show just got picked up for a fifth season. We sat down with Ellise to find out what all the hoopla is about, and how life has changed for her since joining the hugely, successful program.

Before we talk about Poldark, let’s talk about how you got involved in acting?

 It’s a bit of a cliché beginning really! I’ve loved performing and entertaining ever since I was a tiny tot. Although, I think if it hadn’t been for my drama teacher at school (shout out to Mrs. Barker-Doherty), I never would have seen acting as something I could realistically pursue as a career, and looking back, it was the only subject I wanted to give my all in, 100% of the time. After school, I did a Drama degree at the University of Exeter, and upon graduating, I trained with The Actor’s Class and the National Youth Theatre REP Company in London. The rest is history!

Let’s talk about the very popular British TV series Poldark. For those

the don’t know or watch the show, what is it about?

It’s a show that’s absolutely packed with action, adventure and romance – there’s something in it for everyone. It’s set in 18th Century Cornwall, England, and follows the lives of Ross and Demelza Poldark — along with the stories of the friends and family around them. The characters and their relationships feel so exciting, complex, and real – I think that that’s why people love the show.

Who is your character on the show?

My character, Morwenna, is introduced into the show in Series 3, as an innocent, gentle, young romantic. Her journey begins so joyous, but she’s slowly manipulated into a position of total hopelessness and despair, at which point we start to see her incredible inner strength, resilience and bravery. She fights to come out the other side. It’s this heartbreaking and turbulent journey that has made her such an incredible character to play – I’ve loved every minute of it.

Tell us about the day that you found out that you got cast for the part?

I was walking to the café. I had been working at in North London when I got the call. I rang my Mum straight away and we both screamed and laughed out of pure excitement! I was completely over the moon and my Mum was freaking out because she already loved the show.

Have things changed for you at all?

The main thing is that for the past few years acting has been my only job – I’m so lucky and grateful to have been given the opportunities to do what I love fulltime, alongside people who I admire and respect.

How about with your family and friends?

Naaah not at all. I have best friends and I’m so close with my family. They put up with me like they always have!

Anything coming out soon?

Poldark Series 5 will be hitting TV screens very soon, and I’m appearing in Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis’ film, ‘Yesterday’, which is out in June.

Have you considered working as an actress in America?

If the opportunity came about, I would love to!

What director, actor and actress are you dying to work with?

I would love to work with Wes Anderson, I just love everything he does. I’d also love to work with Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton…basically the entire cast and team behind The Grand Budapest Hotel…it’s a perfect movie in my eyes!

In the perfect scenario, where do you see your career in 5 years?

The perfect scenario would be that I could still say that acting is my full-time job – that I could look in the mirror and think, “Yeah! I’m still doing it! Go me!”

What have you learned most since working as an actress?

That the highs are really high, but the lows are really low. Finding out that you’ve landed a role is one of the best feelings in the world, but on the other hand, the constant rejection can feel very rough. I can be very hard on myself, and I’m learning to try and cut myself some slack, and be kinder to myself.

What tips can you give an aspiring actor/actress to help them along their way of finding their own success?

Easier said than done, but believe in yourself and your abilities – there is only one of you on the planet so take up space and be confident in your own uniqueness. Challenge yourself, push yourself to step out of your comfort zone and give yourself credit for when you do.

I know that you’re not American, but we like to ask this question in our interviews – What do you think is cool about America?

New York is probably the coolest place I’ve ever been. I swear that city has powers.