Meet The Cast: Madeleine Webb
She’s the newest lead in the Rianne Pictures filmography playing the role of Charlotte who is desperate to come out to the family as gay on Christmas Day but keeps being interrupted. Here, Madeleine Webb, from Teeside, tells us about her experience on making the cooky festive short and a bit more about herself.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ON SET OF COMING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS?
MADELEINE: My experience on set for Coming Out For Christmas was full of joy and laughter. The whole team was so professional but we had such a good laugh together, which is great to see in any film production. Everyone was so welcoming, despite having only known each other for such a short time, and we worked extremely efficiently.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE COMING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
MADELEINE: Sassy, Hilarious, Important.
Still of Madeleine Webb as Charlotte
WHAT WAS IT THAT DREW YOU TO YOUR CHARACTER IN COMING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS?
MADELEINE: I think Charlotte appealed to me because she's quite a sarcastic character, but obviously feels and thinks very deeply and cares about how people think about her, which has some resemblance to me as a person. What was so interesting is how she develops throughout the film, having this build-up of frustration which turns into confidence. She's a powerful character but very down to earth. She also just seemed pretty cool with her interest in travel and photography!
DO YOU THINK THERE ARE A GOOD AMOUNT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKING IN FILM/THEATRE/TV IN THE NORTH EAST?
MADELEINE: I think if you know where to look, there can be a great amount of opportunities for film, theatre and TV in the North East, but as most of it is low budget and unpaid, it's so important to take part in projects which are meaningful to you as an artist. Of course I would always love for there to be more going on in the North East…but it's getting better!
Still of Madeleine Webb as Charlotte
WHAT OBSTACLES ARE THERE WORKING IN FILM/THEATRE/TV IN THE NORTH EAST?
MADELEINE: I suppose the biggest obstacle for many of us is that there simply isn't much paid work in the North East, so it's necessary to travel pretty far away which is expensive!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LGBTQ+ FILM AND WHY?
MADELEINE: My favourite LGBTQ+ film is most definitely Pride. The strength and comedy portrayed in the characters during such a difficult time for LGBTQ+ rights was admirable, and to know that it is based on a true story really hit me hard. I have an immense amount of gratitude for all of the work that has been done for LGBTQ+ rights and that which continues to be done today. Also, the soundtrack is amazing!
Still from Pride (2014)
WHAT IDENTITIES DO YOU WANT TO SEE REPRESENTED IN A MORE POSITIVE WAY ON SCREEN?
MADELEINE: I would like to see Trans and non-binary actors more on screen. It is so important that the industry reflects real life people and members of society...also People of Colour. We have a long way to go to fight racism within film and TV industries and society as a whole. I think more people of colour need to be performing leading roles in Hollywood blockbusters and closer to home.
IS THERE A FILM/FILMMAKER/ACTOR THAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO ACTING?
MADELEINE: I would say Julie Walters inspired me simply because she's hilarious and seems so full of confidence.
IF YOU COULD WORK WITH ANY FILMMAKER OR ACTOR (LIVING OR DEAD) WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
MADELEINE: It would be amazing to work with Nicola Coughlan, one of the stars from Derry Girls. Her portrayal of character through facial expressions is incredible! I also think she would be a lot of fun to be on set with!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST ANTICIPATED FILM THIS YEAR?
MADELEINE: I am actually very excited for Toy Story 4, probably because Toy Story was my favourite film as a kid!
Still of Madeleine Webb as Charlotte
WHAT’S THE BEST FILM OR TV SHOW YOU HAVE SEEN RECENTLY AND WHY?
MADELEINE: Derry Girls! It is hilarious and full of love and laugher, yet it's set amongst this backdrop of terrible struggle and sorrow. I loved how it focused on the individual characters and what it's like to be a teenager. It showed me that regardless of the circumstances, there is always humour to be found and a life to live. These characters really inspire me.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
MADELEINE: I'm currently trying to get involved with as much performance as possible, as well as travelling about this summer before continuing my acting training.
Coming out for Christmas will be available later this year.
