OffWestEnd talks to Eliza McClelland who is playing Gloria in The Madhouse at The Network Theatre from 31 Aug to 4 Sept 2021

Eliza McClelland trained at LAMDA. She has worked extensively in the theatre all over the UK – most recently in Scarborough in The Girl Next Door – Ayckbourn’s latest Covid inspired play.  Eliza appeared in the one-woman show Female Parts by Dario Fo at the King’s Head which transferred to the Arts Theatre, London. Other recent London theatre work includes Leaving at the Arcola, The Werewolf of Washington Heights at the Cockpit and The Execution of Paddy Flynn at the Vaults Festival. TV work includes Constance Kent, Tickets for the Titanic, The Bill, Peak Practice, Casualty, Inspector Lynley, Breaking News and Action Stations.

What first attracted you to the theatre?

I come from a theatre family so never really thought of doing anything else.

If you could pick any one person or theatre company to work with on your next project, who/which would it be?

Anyone doing new and exciting work.

What is your opinion of Off West End theatre, in general?

I think it is wonderful and crea<ve and gives huge opportuni<es to both actors and audiences. It really is the way forward for new and exciting work.

What was the most inspiring performance you have ever seen? Why

I love the work of all the strong women in the theatre. Amazing performances by Vanessa Redgrave, Glenda Jackson, Leslie Manville, Fiona Shaw – all those who are pushing the boundaries for women.

What piece of work are you the most proud of?

I am always trying to push forward – but I guess the most useful piece was Female Parts at The Arts as it gave me a huge grounding that I have always used as a place to build from.

What things in your personal life do you draw from when you perform?

My training at LAMDA – followed by any research that needs to be done. That gives you the basis to then start pulling out what is needed in rehearsal in collabora<on with the other actors.

Who is the best actor/actress performing on Off West End today?

Covid has put a bit of a hold on that – but fab that soon so much will be up and running.

Musical, comedy or drama- what’s your preference to watch?

All three – but only if the musical is Sondheim!

Can you tell our readers about what you’re doing now/next?

I have just come down from Scarborough where I was part of 2 isolating companies performing the new Ayckbourn – but now I am working with Spada Productions in a new work by William Vercelli called The Madhouse. It is a crazy, colourful, funny and disturbing piece – should be good !

The Madhouse, Fancy Dress & Party Shop is at The Network Theatre from 31 Aug to 4 Sept 2021: https://www.networktheatre.org/show/the-madhouse-fancy-dress-party-shop/