Amanda Brennan, 55, is a principle lecturer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, author and acting coach. For the past seven years, she has coached Asa Butterfield for his lead roles in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game and the forthcoming Tim Burton film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. She has her first book published on Aug 18th. The Energetic Performer (Singing Dragon £17 99) looks at the relationship of the inner to the outer in acting. She is also a Woman of the Tub!!
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
Willesden, NW London
AGE?
55
TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE YOUR AGE?
It is good. I feel like I have reached a place of ease where I am able to watch the world go by.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE AT 25?
I have a knowledge and understanding of myself, the ability to live in the present and an appreciation of the preciousness of life.
WHAT ABOUT SEX?
Not sure about it really.
AND RELATIONSHIPS?
I treasure the close friendships I have, they keep me buoyant, interested in living, challenged and inspired. I have many kinds of relationships, each of which has its own dynamic. Working with actors means I often get to know them intimately, this exchange is required to access the deep and complex layers of a role. It is a trust – an exchange.
HOW FREE DO YOU FEEL?
I feel free in terms of self-expression. In terms of freedom of movement, and how life could be lived in an ideal world less so.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF?
Of knowing where to place my energy. Of nursing my Mother through the last years of her life and facing the pain of loss. Of following my dreams. Of dedicating the time to parenting when it was needed.
WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
An inquisitiveness about the world and people. The belief in change and that it is always possible.
WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST?
Now
AND WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY GO?
It goes into how I teach, experiment in my work, interact with others, search for new knowledge,and push myself to experience new things. I recently finished a book that I have been writing for seven years. At times I thought it would just never get completed but what got me through it was discovering new nuggets of information which some how I felt was relevant such as Rupert Sheldrake’s concept of morphic resonance, and how the universe is energetically connected. Placing topics side by side which seem unconnected is for me highly creative.
WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING?
Now is where the action is.
AND DYING?
Its inevitable and has to be faced.
ARE YOU STILL DREAMING?
Always.
WHAT WAS A RECENT OUTRAGEOUS ACTION OF YOURS?
Not that outrageous for most, but I jumped off a boat into choppy waters to swim to an island because I felt sea sick. I am terrified of deep water. And I sang an Abba song in an open mic session. And I flirted with a traffic warden. I still got a ticket.
