Lucy Avison: 'I was on a work placement in Scotland at 21 and never really left'

My first job was in December 2011, in Aladdin at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews. I played the Dragon (in full costume – I had no spatial awareness in it and almost walked right off the front of the stage before I got my bearings). I was also the Queen’s Executioner, starting a long tradition of me not playing women. I was in my second year of foundation training at Langside College in Glasgow and my tutor was directing it.

I had ended up in Glasgow in my 20s (I’m originally a Halifax lass) because, despite doing nothing but acting and singing my entire childhood, I panicked at the age of 18 and thought I needed to do a ‘proper degree’ to get a ‘proper job’, ending up on a work placement in Scotland at 21 and never really left. By 26, I hugely regretted my earlier decision and ended up beginning my acting training at Langside.

At the Aladdin audition, I decided to sing one of my favourite songs, You Can Always Count on Me from City of Angels. I remember saying something daft afterwards and then skipping out of the room because I had enjoyed the song so much and had belted really well, even though I was sure there wouldn’t be a part for me. How wrong I was.

I combatted my nerves by making sure I did lots of preparation to feel as grounded as I could – knowing my lines, a physical and vocal warm-up before every show and lots of lemon, ginger and spoonfuls of manuka honey.

The best advice I can give anyone entering the business is to understand that a career in the arts is not linear. You may have what you think is your ‘break’ and then not get another opportunity for years – this has absolutely nothing to do with your talent, it just means that there isn’t a you-shaped hole in something yet. So spend your time on becoming a healthy human being inside and out and treat your acting career as something you do and not who you are: it will help you compartmentalise the knock-backs and celebrate the wins. Go and be your best self... who just happens to be a performer.

CV Lucy Avison

Age 41
Training ArtsEd, London; Langside College, Glasgow (now part of Glasgow Clyde College)
Theatre includes Oliver Twist (European tour, TNT Theatre); Full Circle (Black Sheep); Romeo and Juliet (Butterfly Theatre); Puss in Boots (Fizzgig Theatre); Maman Le Mot (immersive, London Bridge)  TV includes: Coronation Street Agent: Catherine at AC Actors
TV includes Coronation Street
Agent Catherine at AC Actors