Currently starring in Rebus, a new BBC One Scottish detective drama in which she plays DC Siobhan Clarke, Lucie Shorthouse is the award-winning rising star of primetime television. Know for previous roles in shows such as We Are Lady Parts, Henpocalypse and Bulletproof, she got her start on the West End in a production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
The last thing I saw and loved… Baby Reindeer! I know everyone is talking about it, but for good reason. So vulnerable and messy and human. A triumph. So thought-provoking too.
The book I keep coming back to… The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s all about self-love and living on the track of love over fear. I come back to it regularly because I need the reminder!
I find inspiration in… my daily walks! Very boring but nature walks became a staple for me in lockdown. Getting out in nature and touching some grass does wonders! But also the acts of my courageous friends – becoming mothers, handling life’s challenges, showing up for themselves. I’m very lucky to know some very inspiring women so I don’t have to look too far for inspiration!
My favourite film is… The Sound of Music. It’s pure childhood nostalgia for me. It’s what made me want to perform.
My career highlight is… still to come hopefully! I’m really bad at taking stock of moments of success. Stupidly, I’m always onto the next thing and probably fail to fully appreciate the highlights. I would say my time in the Everbody’s Talking About Jamie musical was very special. I was so green and fresh and learned so, so much. And what a story to be part of.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… Break My Soul by Beyoncé is still up there in terms of making me feel like That Girl! But I also love old school soul and Motown to make me feel all the things.
The last show I recommended is… the play For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy. It’s stunning. So important and everything theatre is supposed to be.
I never leave the house without… lip balm.
The performance I still think about is… seeing Stevie Wonder live. He was like a kid experimenting again, having a pure jam session. Just someone truly in love with what they do, in command and peak of craft.
My dream role would be… again nostalgia is involved, but I really want to play Maria Von Trapp. Aside from her, I can’t think of a dream character I’d like to play, I just want to keep challenging myself with different roles. As I get older, I feel like the jobs I’m getting are becoming richer and more complex and that’s exciting.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… comparison is the thief of joy.
The art that means the most to me is… Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. I’m biased but it’s incredibly special and uplifting. I’m also forever grateful to have been a part of it.
My favourite moment in We Are Lady Parts is… any time the band’s all together. There’s something just so infectious and effervescent when we’re all together. They’re also the most fun to film because we’re menaces and make each other laugh so much!
Working on Rebus was… honestly a dream come true! Dream cast, crew, creatives. There was a real culture of generosity and spirit of collaboration. Richard Rankin was lovely to work with too, he’s so funny and charming.
The most challenging thing about being a woman in film is… not shrinking myself and advocating for myself as much as I feel a man could/would.
After I wrap on a project, I… sleep and watch true crime. I’m so boring! I love getting into bed, reading and relaxing with my cats. I’m quite introverted but I’m dancing ALL NIGHT at the wrap party. ALL NIGHT!
If I wasn’t an actor, I would be… a teacher or a cat sanctuary owner!
The magic of film to me is… the ability to affect, inspire, provoke. It’s probably now one of the most accessible forms of art for all ages (I wish all art was this accessible; HELLO THEATRE TICKET PRICES!). It’s transformative and there’s something for everyone.
Photography by David Reiss
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