On Miss Potter

© Miss Potter - Bac Films

Beatrix Potter is a legend in Britain. How did you feel about playing such a popular, well-loved character? 
I was terrified and it’s a huge responsibility. But fortunately I had a lot of help and I knew where I was going. I leaned on a whole lot of people who knew much more than I did, and I did my homework - research on who she was, and the accent - and I was finally ready to 'become' Beatrix Potter!

What surprised you the most about Beatrix Potter?
I think what truly surprised me the most was how much she accomplished in so many different areas. I had no idea about her scientific achievements, I had no idea about her leading role in the Conservative movement in Northern England, or how much she contributed as a naturalist - she was referenced by the scientific digest because of the precision of her drawings. She was so fascinating.

Behind Beatrix Potter's shy reserve, she was a very strong, revolutionary woman for her time. Did that attract you to the role? 
Yeah, it was interesting for me to show that side of her. Especially because at the time women couldn't express themselves as much with words, so I had to show her strength in different ways, in deeper ways. You know me, I’m way too loud, I’m opinionated and I laugh also way too loud…so sure, it was a interesting challenge for me to have to contain myself in order to play her as she was: she was sweet but strong, subtle and eloquent. I think it would have been hard for me to live in that time period, knowing me!