Best known for her role as Gwen in the BAFTA award-winning BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, Melanie Walters takes to the stage this December as the Wicked Queen in the Swansea Grand Theatre’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This isn’t Melanie’s first appearance at the theatre; previous years have seen her perform in Educating Rita, The Canterbury Tales and Rape of a Fair Country – although this year’s panto will be her first time gracing the stage since 1998. So what made her choose Snow White and return to the Grand?
MW: “Because it’s Swansea! I’ve got a young family so I don’t think I would have gone anywhere else. I can be at home for Christmas and just pop up the road.”
Did the fact that Gavin and Stacey was based in South Wales affect your decision when auditioning for the role?
MW: “As soon as I got the script, I knew it was fantastic. You’re not going to turn a script like that down! We didn’t quite realise it was going to be as explosive as it has been but I think all of us knew we were reading a good script.”
Are you surprised by the success of the show?
MW: “Well, it did surprise me because it just became so huge; we knew we had something special but we had no idea that it would catch people’s imaginations like it did. It was all word of mouth: it had a very quick growth from BBC3 to the bigger channels.”
With Gavin and Stacey airing on BBC America, do you think an American version would be well received?
MW: “The American version of The Office has gone down well… I don’t see why not. You can choose two very different states; it’s a big enough country to have differences. You could have the east coast and the west coast or the north and south; there’s bound to be foibles and things that people can pick up on like the differences between the Essex and the Welsh.”
What makes the show so popular?
MW: “I think because it’s character-based, rather than plot-driven and people recognise them, or part of them. People will recognise certain aspects of Uncle Bryn for example – not a complete Uncle Bryn because that would be a bit scary! But aspects of Uncle Bryn, or Pam, people will think ‘oh she’s exactly like my mother-in-law.’ Even Gwen wanting to feed people all the time! Because it’s so character driven and very well written I think people identify with different characters. It appeals to all ages – not too young because it’s a bit risqué in some places but it’s a fun family show without being too sugary; there’s a little edge to it.”
You’re currently living in Mumbles, Swansea; is that correct?
MW: “I lived in London for a while but I moved back, primarily to bring my son up with his extended family down here. I put the acting on a bit of a back-burner so I could organise things around him.”
Do you have any favourite places to visit in South Wales?
MW: “Three Cliffs Bay is my favourite place on earth; it’s where my ashes will be scattered! (Laughs) Three Cliffs over to Oxwich Bay is a very beautiful area; it’s where I like to go most weekends on long walks with the dogs.”
And for eating and drinking?
MW: “There are some fantastic restaurants and wine bars down in Mumbles. I often have a drink in Mr. Jones on Newton Road; it’s a really nicely done-out wine bar.”
What about your Pilates classes in Swansea; how did they come about?
MW: “The business is called ‘Practical Pilates Ltd’; it’s been a company for two years and I’ve been teaching for nine. I practiced Pilates myself so I decided to see if I could teach it. I did all the training in London and set up a company; it started with one class but now we have about thirty I think.”
What attracted you to Pilates?
MW: “Primarily it’s for postural work and in fact Gwen’s posture is what I had – it’s a really bad posture! I get a bit impatient in yoga so it was perfect for my mindset.
Is it nice to have that balance between Pilates and acting?
“I love it – my clients have been so loyal to me and the other instructors cover my classes when I’m doing the panto. We’re currently looking towards organising retreats in west Wales; the nearest is Dorset I think, so there’s nothing in Wales.”
Finally, Gwen’s passion for omelettes is infamous; what’s your favourite?
“It always remains the same: I love a rocket and parmesan cheese omelette – it’s gorgeous!”
Catch Melanie in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Swansea Grand Theatre, Wed 15 Dec-Sun 16 Jan. Tickets: £8.50-£19. Info: 01792 475715 / www.swanseagrand.co.uk