Nicholas Nickleby: Meet the team: Eva O’Hara

This month we’ve got a series of interviews with cast and crew members from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s forthcoming two-part production of Nicholas Nickleby at Bristol Old Vic (June 14-22).

Our fourth conversation is with Eva O’Hara, a graduating BA Professional Acting student at BOVTS who plays Kate, Nicholas’ sister. Eva took time out of the rehearsal room to share with us what she’s learnt about the character so far and what she’s looking forward to most about the show.

So, Eva: where are you from and how did you get into acting?
I was born in Hackney and moved out to the Midlands with my parents. I soon discovered Playbox Theatre’s Shakespeare Young Company and proceeded to spend every spare second of my life in their rehearsal rooms and on their stage. From commedia dell’arte classes to tours of San Francisco, Playbox became my primary source of joy and development.
Growing up I didn’t really know what drama school was, but I knew I didn’t want to give up my acting training when I left school. With Playbox’s guidance and my parents’ unwavering support I auditioned for BOVTS and fell in love with the School.

Eva O’Hara platys Nicholas Nickleby’s sister, Kate

Tell us about your character, Kate. 
Kate, Nicholas Nickleby’ sister, is a fascinating character. She is unfortunately often labelled as the passive confidante of her brother. However, I have found that her words and actions point to quite the opposite. She marches on through rejection and failure and stands firmly against the gang of unscrupulous men who cross her path. Finding and exploring her resilience in a world that is designed against her has been a real journey and pleasure.

How did you prepare for the role?
Kate’s life is full of uncertainty. Her life is so often dictated for her, but she never ceases to make the best of it. I have several scenes where I am vulnerable and subjected to licentious behaviour which is a challenge in itself.
It’s been so interesting navigating these scenes in our current climate. Respect and dialogue are so essential when it comes to rehearsing intimate scenes like these. I am delighted to say that the conversations I’ve had around consent within scenes of a sexual nature have been informed and considerate.
Discovering more about the growing movement of intimacy directors and choreographed sexuality on stage and screen has delighted me as a soon-to-be graduating female actor in a sometimes hazardous industry.

What’s your favourite thing about training at BOVTS?
The promise of flapjacks at reception.

Are you excited to be performing on the Bristol Old Vic stage?
I can’t begin to describe the excitement in the room of my classmates when we were told that we would all perform together on the Bristol Old Vic stage for our graduating show. We are such a close year group, and this news was beyond exciting for us.
Having watched productions as an audience member for three years now, I cannot believe I get the chance to perform on the grand stage in such an epic play.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s production of Nicholas Nickleby is at Bristol Old Vic from June 14-22, in two parts.
For more info and to book tickets, visit bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/nicholas-nickleby-part-one and bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/nicholas-nickleby-part-two

Top picture: Eva O’Hara (L) in rehearsal for ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. Pic: Mark Dawson Photography

Read more: Nicholas Nickleby: meet the team: set designer Oscar Selfridge