Renowned for her role as Claire in the popular BBC comedy Fleabag, Sian Clifford initially hesitated to accept her latest film role portraying a fame-seeking aristocrat with a penchant for notoriety akin to Kim Kardashian. The new movie, “Lady,” set to debut in theaters on August 14, has been described as a surreal experience likened to “Saltburn on magic mushrooms.”
In the film, Sian embodies Lady Isabella Ravenhyde, an eccentric aristocrat fixated on celebrity culture, residing in a vast 26-bedroom estate and yearning for instant stardom. Despite her on-screen persona, the 44-year-old actress admits to being camera-shy in real life, confessing, “I am not like Lady Isabella at all. I would rather hide from everything, especially from a camera.”
Persuaded to take on the challenging role by fellow actor Riz Ahmed during their collaboration on the TV series “Bait,” Sian initially grappled with anxiety about the character. Recalling her initial reservations, she shared, “I almost backed out. I was afraid of messing it up. It was a new territory for me, and self-doubt crept in.”
Reflecting on the intense filming process that spanned 15 days, Sian described it as one of the most demanding periods of her career but emphasized her pride in the final outcome. In “Lady,” her character navigates a whirlwind of deception, donning extravagant attire while deceiving a young filmmaker, portrayed by Laurie Kynaston, into creating a Netflix documentary about her extravagant lifestyle.
Acknowledging her BAFTA win for Best Female Comedy Performance post-Fleabag, Sian expressed gratitude to her close friend Phoebe Waller-Bridge for her unwavering support. The duo’s bond dates back to their drama school days, where they nurtured a dream of portraying on-screen siblings.
Despite their friendship, Sian had to audition for her role in Fleabag and feared rejection due to the show’s need for a high-profile cast. Recounting the nerve-wracking audition process, she admitted to feeling uncertain about securing the part but ultimately received support and approval from the BBC.
Praising Phoebe’s talent and the poignant storytelling in Fleabag, Sian highlighted the show’s courage in addressing sensitive topics such as Claire’s miscarriage, which was inspired by a real-life event. She emphasized the importance of destigmatizing miscarriage through open dialogue and expressed pride in contributing to meaningful conversations through their work.
“Lady” will hit theaters on August 14, promising audiences a captivating cinematic experience.