Lesley Manville is poised to captivate audiences once again in her latest film, Midwinter Break, where she portrays Stella, the wife of Gerry, played by Ciarán Hinds. Set against the backdrop of a trip from Glasgow to Amsterdam, the film delves into the complexities of a long-term marriage as hidden tensions surface. Manville, in a recent interview with NPR, expressed her affinity for relationship-driven narratives, stating, “Relationship films always appealed to me to watch as well as to be in. You’re depicting people’s existence.”
The conversation took place between rehearsals for a production of Christopher Hampton‘s adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre in London, showcasing Manville’s remarkable ability to balance both stage and screen careers for over 50 years. Her journey began as a teenager in the 1972 West End musical I and Albert and has since evolved into a celebrated career that includes an Emmy nomination for her role as Princess Margaret in Netflix‘s The Crown and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Paul Thomas Anderson‘s Phantom Thread.
Stage and Screen: A Harmonious Balance
Continuing to thrive in both mediums, Manville has received numerous accolades for her theatrical performances. She has been nominated multiple times for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, winning Best Actress twice, notably for her portrayal of Jocasta in Oedipus. This contemporary retelling of the Greek tragedy features a striking visual element—a large, red clock counting down to election night—as she delivers an emotionally charged monologue detailing a harrowing secret from her character’s past.
Reflecting on the challenges of live performance, Manville remarked, “You cannot be edited around. You cannot be made to look better than you are. The audience can look at you all the time if they want to.” This raw exposure is what she finds thrilling about the stage. She elaborated on the demanding nature of theatre, stating, “You’ve got to deliver something that’s consistent for possibly two hours, rather than two minutes.”
Manville’s portrayal in Oedipus is particularly memorable. In a tense moment, she recounts how, at the age of 13, she was made pregnant by the nation’s leader, a narrative that deeply resonates with audiences. “It’s an extraordinarily emotive piece of writing,” she shared. “And never once did I deliver that speech without it affecting me.”
Advocating for Older Women in the Arts
At 69 years old, Manville is not only an accomplished actress but also a passionate advocate for the representation of older women in film and theatre. She believes that stories featuring women of her age are increasingly relevant. “Our story is as vibrant and vital as a 20-year-old’s story. We’ve lived longer lives. We have more stuff in us,” she stated firmly.
She acknowledges a growing interest in these narratives, noting, “I think it is getting better slowly. And long may that continue.” By challenging the industry’s long-standing preference for youthful appearances, Manville emphasizes that there is a significant market for stories that reflect the experiences of older women.
As Midwinter Break prepares for its release, Manville’s dual commitment to stage and screen continues to inspire audiences and fellow actors alike. Her journey exemplifies the intricate relationship between different forms of storytelling, proving that both mediums can indeed thrive together.
