It’s Dream time for Clare again

Not many women want to be flung about in the woods and called names. But Clare Reilly just can’t get enough of it!

PHOTO BY ELYSE MARKS

The Croydon-educated actress is playing hapless Helena in Shakespeare 4 Kidz’ musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the second time.

Poor Helena is unlucky in love in the Bard’s comedy. The boys – Demetrius and Lysander – have eyes only for sexy little Hermia while beanpole Helena is the butt of their jokes.

Things get even worse when Oberon’s sprite Puck gets involved and the insults really start to fly.

Claire went to Regina Ceoli Primary School in South Croydon, St Philomena's High for Girls in Carshalton, did an HND in Musical Theatre at the Charles Cryer Theatre in Carshalton, followed by the year-long course at the London School of Musical Theatre in 2004.  Now based in Wimbledon, she also has strong connections with the Mitre Players.

Since graduating in 2004 Clare has played all sorts of roles from Cinderella to Boogie Nights and will be appearing in panto this Christmas in Sheringham. She also kicks up her heels in fine style and performed a great Celtic dance in S4K’s last tour of Macbeth.

What is it about Helena which just keeps Clare coming back for more?

"Helena is the most fun character and the most different character I have played since I left college," she says. "Even though she cries and wails a lot, there is so much comedy in her. I have fun every single day!"

"One of my favourite moments is when she is "enchanted" by Puck in the woods. It involves a squeaky, rubber bone and a spaniel impression!"

“She’s a hopeless romantic, ditzy but not dumb, utterly faithful, utterly loving and utterly desperate!” says Clare.