Friday, May 1, 2015
Follow us on Twitter @Argus_The Guide ANDY HOWELLS chats to actress Holli
Dempsey ahead of her appearance as Vera in the forthcoming Dad’s Army Movie
Actress Holli joins the ranks of Dad’s Army for newilm
ACTRESS Holli Dempsey is soon to star in the film remake of iconic British series Dad’s Army. Due for release in mid 2015, Dad’s Army is already making waves, not only due to its immense reputation as a series, but also down to its excep- tionally boastful cast. Holli joins stellar cast Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Gambon, playing the part of Pike’s (The In- betweeners’ Blake Harrison) girl- friend, Vera. Born and raised in London,
Holli has been a guest lead in a multitude of successful TV shows including Doctor Who and Whitechapel but is best known for her performance as Vicky in the award-winning Ricky Gervais-directed series Derek. Having always been interested
in acting, Holli honed her craft by immersed herself in school plays from a young age. She decided against taking the drama school route into acting, instead claim- ing a waitressing job in a local theatre. Naturally this led her to getting
involved in as many plays and short films as she could, before she took the initiative of writing and performing her own show reel. This prompted her to be- ing picked up by her now agent, Piers Nimmo. Andy Howells recently put
questions to Holli about her ca- reer and forthcoming appear- ance in Dad’s Army.
How did you get into acting? Cinema I still remember the first time
I played a character on stage. It was my first school play in Year 7 – Little Shop of Horrors, where I played Detective Bern- stein. Year 7s were only allowed to be a part of chorus but I was offered this part by the director as I hung around the rehears- als so much, just soaking up the atmosphere. I suppose that was my first clue about how to succeed in this industry – pas- sion and persistence. After that night I knew all I ever wanted to do was to tell stories through acting. There was no match for the feeling of being in front of a live audience. I started attending a wonderful local youth theatre. For me, meeting my agent Piers Nimmo in 2010 was when things really started happening for me.
What can you say about your character Vera in Dad’s Army? Vera is very sweet and loyal,
I’d call her “salt of the earth”. She is besotted by her beloved Pike and very much a part of the women in the film who have a much bigger presence than in the original series.
What was it like acting with such a strong cast? It was never dull. Bill Nighy is a
really lovely man with a wealth of stories. Also, when he gives you a compliment, it really resonates. Toby Jones is truly mesmerising,
UK’s favourite psychic returns
THE nation’s favourite me- dium Sally Morgan will be wowing sell-out crowds across the land as she displays her amazing psychic abilities at St David’s Hall on May 6. After a headline-grabbing
2014, Sally is back where she belongs in front of live audi- ences, sharing her remarkable gift in a show that is unique to every venue. Funny, entertain- ing, sometimes heartbreaking, often controversial Psychic Sally on the Road 2015 marks her eighth year touring. Possessed of an incredible ability, the former housewife has become a global hit and cemented her place as the na-
tion’s best-loved psychic with one of the most successful touring shows in the UK. She has performed in front
of a combined audience of over 750,000 people in hun- dreds of venues. Sally says: “Every night on stage amazing things happen and it’s a privilege to be able to pass on messages of love and comfort to the people I share my gift with.” Her debut ITV show, Star Psychic, gave a fresh, contem- porary twist to mediumship and in 2008 she decided to share her gift with more peo- ple with a series of live shows that turned into a sell-out tour.
I love watching him “play with” the character of Mainwaring. He has such a physicality that is fas- cinating to watch.
Why do you think the populari- ty of Dad’s Army has endured? I think the wonderful charac-
ters and basic themes – friend- ship, survival and war – are all intrinsic to us as humans so are therefore relatable. The situa- tion may not directly relate to us today but the essence of the characters and their spirit stays
ROLE: Holli will play Private Pike’s girlfriend Vera in Dad’s Army Derek really was a dream job.
the same. The comedy seems as current now as ever. The idea of the men being mostly the “over- age and untrained” underdogs is inherent in British comedy too – we seem to be great at doing things terribly!
You’re no stranger to sitcom, having appeared alongside Ricky Gervais in Derek which has been known for its contro- versial and sensitive matter, what was working on the show like for you?
Series two was my favourite as my character was really integrat- ed into the Broadhill family and Vicky finally found her place. I am really proud of this as her character was originally only ever meant to be in one scene. My memories of filming are just laughing all day long. I am really proud of the show
as a whole too. It came up against criticism at first, mainly by people who hadn’t watched it! But I could stand by the fact
Queen tribute act to wow
KILLER QUEEN are back at St David’s Hall by popular demand for another un- forgettable night of rock ’n’ roll this Sat- urday. From Bohemian Rhapsody to Don’t Stop
Me Now, the world’s best Queen tribute act have been wowing audiences across the globe for 20 years. Their expert mu- sicianship, extraordinary energy and perfect portrayal of the greatest live band ever have rightfully seen them con- sidered as tribute act royalty amongst Queen fans. Fronted by Patrick Myers as the legend-
ary Freddie Mercury, Time Out described his resemblance as “spooky.” The rest of the band is incredible too. Relive Brian May’s amazing rock riffs and Roger Tay- lor’s epic drum intro on We Will Rock You, and groove to John Deacon’s funky bass on Another Bites the Dust. Limited tickets are still priced £19.50 (plus a £2.95 ticket service charge per transaction). To book your seats, visit
stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
that I thought the show was re- ally important and sweet. It made people react emotionally and think about how they treat others. That is a pretty rare and powerful thing for a TV show to do. The main theme is kindness and I think that’s a thing we could do with a lot more of in the world.
Who makes you laugh? My best friend! Also, Harry En-
field and Paul Whitehouse never fail to surprise, amaze and of course, make me chuckle.
Previewof Star Wars
ODEON Cardiff Bay are offer- ing a free exclusive screening of the new Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens trail- ers on the big screen this bank holiday Monday. The film is scheduled for re- lease on December 18, ten years after the release of the previ- ous Star Wars film, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Film fans should head down
TRIBUTE: Killer Queen
to the Red Dragon Centre on Monday and collect their tick- et from the ODEON stand in the mall. There are two sepa- rate screenings at 1.15pm and 4.15pm, showing the two latest trailers back-to-back. Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so fans are advised to come early to avoid disappointment.
9 Entertainment Extra
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