Billie Piper says working on Elsinore has renewed her interest in independent cinema and encouraged her to pursue a new direction in her career. The film, in which she plays casting director Patsy Pollock, has brought her more attention for a movie role than she has received before, according to the profile.
Piper received the Marquee Award at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival for her performance. Elsinore tells the story of actor Ian Charleson, who chose to play Hamlet at London’s National Theatre after being diagnosed with AIDS. Andrew Scott plays Charleson, while Piper’s Patsy is portrayed as his close friend and a central support in his chosen family.
Piper described the pair’s bond as “beautiful chaos,” recalling a relationship shaped by their close friendship and shared life in the theatre world. She said Patsy understood Charleson’s decision to take on Hamlet while facing the end of his life, and that she could relate to the appeal of such a demanding role.
The film has also introduced Piper to a wider awards-season audience. She received her first British Independent Film Award nomination for Elsinore, in a supporting performance category. She said attending festivals in support of the film had made her feel excited about the independent movies she was watching.
Piper has worked across television and theatre, including Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, I Hate Suzie and stage productions of The Effect and Yerma. She said Simon Stone’s direction of Yerma changed how she approached acting. Stone also directed Elsinore.
The actor said she is trying to balance demanding work with family life, noting that a nine-month shoot for Wednesday season three kept her away for a long time. She described the opportunity as exciting, while acknowledging that extended periods away from home come at a cost.
Piper has written a film she describes as “romantic horror” and plans to direct it. She said the enthusiasm she has found around independent films has strengthened her motivation to try to get the project made. Her feature directorial debut, Rare Beasts, premiered at Venice in 2019.
Elsinore is scheduled to open in a limited North American theatrical release on November 20.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.