Annie Kershaw directs Harriet Madeley’s electrifying modern adaptation of the Ibsen classic Hedda Gabler, currently playing at Reading Rep. We spoke to Anna Popplewell who plays the title character in this production.

You’re making your theatre debut in this production of Hedda Gabler at Reading Rep. Have you always wanted to take on a theatre project?

I’ve always wanted to work on stage. I grew up watching lots of theatre and it just seemed like such a magical place. I feel very lucky to be performing Hedda.

Does performing on stage excite or terrify you at the prospect?

Both! It’s so exposing, and that is both exciting and terrifying. There’s no editor between you and the audience; unlike screen, the actors are the final stage of telling the story.

This adaptation by Harriet Madeley is described as ‘a queer adaptation’. How does it differ from Ibsen’s original writing and what can audiences expect?

The character Eilert has been changed to Isla in our production. Hedda was already very much trapped in her marriage in Ibsen’s text, but changing her sexuality and exploring her discomfort with her sexuality adds another layer to how trapped she feels.

What first attracted you to this project in particular?

I’ve always loved Hedda Gabler so the opportunity to play this character was very exciting. And I thought the adaptation was brilliantly crafted by Harriet.

If you could play any other role in a classic theatre piece, what would it be and why?

Tough to pick one!…. I love Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Beatrice-Joanna in The Changeling. I’ve always liked Isabella in Measure for Measure. But if it started tomorrow, probably Iago in Othello. I feel like he and Hedda might be related!

Hedda Gabler continues to play at Reading Rep until 11 March, with further information here.