The Wylde Interview: Kate Phillips
TRAVELLING FROM WOLF HALL TO DOWNTON ABBEY, ACTRESS KATE PHILLIPS IS CURRENTLY TAKING CENTRE STAGE IN THE VICTORIAN DETECTIVE ROMP MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE. SHE CHATS TO PHILIP GOODFELLOW ABOUT BUSTLES, BULLETS AND GENDER BALANCE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH SHINNER
STYLING BY DEE MORAN
Dress: Christopher Kane
Kate Phillips was halfway through her third year at Guildhall School of Music & Drama when she attended her first-ever audition.
“I was incredibly green about the whole experience,” she explains. “It wasn’t really something we practised at drama school. There was a guy in my year who’d worked in the profession, so I got him to help me prep. I arrived in a sort of cream lacy dress with the entire episode printed out, more prepared than is necessary for a meeting.” The role was that of Jane Seymour in the hugely popular BBC television adaptation of Wolf Hall and the rest, as they say, is history. “It was an amazing gift to be offered that part; it completely changed my life and I’m sure I wouldn’t be doing the work I’m doing today if I hadn’t been given that opportunity.”
Dress: Chloé
Since then, Kate has gone on to feature in several high-profile British series, most recently Peaky Blinders, which has taken on somewhat of a cult status. “It’s a very lovely thing, actually,” says Kate. “The relationship the fan base has with the show is really special; we had a Peaky Blinders festival back in September, which was amazing, and we won Best Drama at the NTA Awards, an award voted for by the viewers. I think we’re all incredibly grateful to the fan base because they’re the main reason we’re still running.”
Polo neck: John Smedley / Waistcoat: Mark Kenly Domino Tan @ Harvey Nichols
The darker nature of Kate’s role in the series – that of Linda Shelby – sits in contrast to both her usual roles and her own personal character, a contrast Kate greatly enjoys exploring. “I find Linda very confusing. I’m never quite sure what she’s thinking or where she’s going to go, which is great. Mining the darker sides of myself has been a really exciting challenge; I certainly enjoy playing roles that have a more villainous quality to them. The dangerous, darker sides are always really exciting to find inside yourself.”
Suit: Smythe @ Harvey Nichols / Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Top: Roland Mouret
Kate is currently to be seen taking the lead in new TV series Miss Scarlet and the Duke, which tells the story of a young woman trying to make it as a private detective in Victorian London. “It was an amazing experience, I had the best time. It’s such a fabulous role. The world is a really wonderful one; it has a sort of bouncy, brilliant, intelligent feel to it whilst also being very funny.” Always one for being prepared, Kate had the scripts and got to know the production team well before shooting began. “I sort of attacked the project like I would a play and learnt all my lines way in advance, so I knew I could just jump in and do what was required on the day. I wanted to enjoy the experience of playing out those scenes and working with the lovely cast. In many respects, it’s an ensemble production; we had a large company of really great actors, so it felt like a shared pursuit.”
Full look: Roksanda
For several years now, Kate has also been involved with ERA 50/50, a campaign centred on seeing women represented on screen, in television and theatre in equal numbers to men. “I wanted to understand the experience of being an actress in this industry – I am one, but it felt important to hear from other people as well, to meet other people and hear what their experiences are.” Overwhelmed and inspired by what she found out, Kate felt compelled to get involved.
Jumper: Bottega Veneta
“What I really enjoy about the campaign is that it’s a movement for men and for women, because representation on screen can be just as damaging for men as it can for women. Just the fact that the conversation has already begun means the fight to articulate one’s position is not so challenging any more. People recognise where we need to go and what the destination is and it feels like they’re pulling together to make sure that happens.”
Top: Victoria, Victoria Beckham