FAQ's

Do you use a wheelchair in real life?

It’s incredible how many times I get asked this question. Yes, I am a wheelchair user and have been so for most of my life. It’s hardly surprising, I suppose, that my wheelchair is often mistaken for a prop when disabled characters have been played by non disabled actors for so many years.

Where did you grow up?

I lived all of my childhood in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, with my mam, dad and younger brother….and I shouldn't forget to mention the cats! A working class, Geordie up bringing, you could say, with a big doze of Greek culture thrown in. My dad is Greek and my maternal grandma was Greek also. My grandma has been a huge influence on my life. I was only 9 years old when she died suddenly at the age of 54. I adored her and she is a constant reminder to me to make the most of every day.

I officially began my adult life making the huge leap across the Tyne to Newcastle to my own home, at the age of 19. Newcastle remains my home.

Were you educated at a school for disabled people?

No, and I feel fortunate to have experienced inclusive education. It was a difficult process for my parents to go through to fight for my right to be educated alongside non disabled children right from nursery school, but I will always be thankful to them for it. I think I was accepted and welcomed by the local community more readily and perhaps more importantly, it encouraged me to expect the same opportunities as my non disabled peers.

At the same time, it wasn’t always easy being referred to as the school’s only disabled student throughout my education. This meant I did not really understand my identity as a disabled person and was quite unprepared for the prejudice and discrimination I would experience once I left school. I came to realise that the curriculum at school didn’t reflect the lives of disabled people. It was only after mixing with groups of disabled people in my adult life that I began to understand my identity as a disabled woman and the culture I share with other disabled people – a culture I’ve learned to be proud of.

Is acting a career you’ve always wanted to pursue?

I think it could well have been, only I wasn’t conscious of that until recently. I didn’t begin acting until my 20’s. I can’t recall, whilst growing up, ever seeing a wheelchair using actor on TV or stage, so I suppose acting was never presented as an option for me. Looking back, going to the cinema and theatre were my favourite treats as a child. Recently I was amused to stumble across some film scenes I wrote as a very young child. I had no memory of that writing until that moment. Maybe it has always been a secret longing of mine to be creative and perform, who knows?

How did you get into Balamory?

I auditioned, just like the rest of the cast. I had three auditions and I never expected to get past the first stage, especially since I was asked to sing! It may have only been a nursery rhyme, but that is still a tall order for someone who runs a mile from a karaoke machine! Then I had to tell a story which I illustrated using a piece of paper that folded into various shapes. It wasn’t until I got to the end of the tale that I realised I had been holding the paper upside down. How I got into Balamory? Frankly, I have no idea!

In Balamory, Penny, the character you play is a football fan. Are you?

Yes indeed. I support Newcastle United and am a Season Ticket holder at St James Park. I’m still fairly new to it all though. Growing up, I did follow the game a little - well, it’s hard not to when your dad and brother are avid fans - and indeed, one of my most prized possessions is a photo of me, as a child, with Kevin Keegan. However, it wasn’t until I went to my first game around the time of Bobby Robson’s arrival to the club, that I became hooked. Next to the cinema and theatre, football is certainly my favourite pastime. Now I can’t believe that I get asked to sign my name next to Alan Shearer’s photo at games. It’s such an honour! I’m so not worthy Alan!

Are we going to see more of you on TV?

I hope so! Balamory has been such an amazing opportunity for me especially because I think it has allowed me to demonstrate that disabled actors can be ‘characters’ in drama and not just there merely to illustrate a ‘disability issue’. Opportunities for disabled actors are still scarce, but it’s a difficult business for any actor, disabled or not. Therefore, I think it’s important to at least try to create your own opportunities. I’ve learned not to just sit and wait for that casting phone call or it can get very depressing! I’m now trying to write and explore skills in tv and film production. At the least, it keeps my mind off those silent spells and rejection letters!

Due to the huge success of ‘Balamory’, how does it feel to be recognised wherever you go?

It does take some getting used to. In fact, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it in the sense that it always takes me by surprise when I am stopped in the street. My mind’s often on things like, what am I going to make for my son’s tea, then suddenly strangers start calling my name. I’m never quite prepared for it. The response to Balamory has been wonderful though and it’s always exciting to meet the people who watch the show. I’ve had so many interesting conversations with families who watch the show in the UK and abroad and I am fascinated to hear why people have taken to the show so much. All in all, I think it’s a very privileged place to be in. As an actor, what more could you ask for, doing a job you love AND an audience enjoying that work?!

What’s your ultimate ambition?

I don’t have one ultimate long term goal. I just like to feel that every day I am moving a little forward in some way, after all, there are always new things to learn and do. Life should never be boring – that’s a waste – so if I start to detect that feeling of boredom, I change something or set myself a new challenge. As far as work is concerned, I just want to learn to be the best actor I can possibly be. If I can play roles and give performances that stir and inspire people in any way, then I couldn’t really ask for more.