LILY NEWMARK OF NETFLIX’S 'CURSED’ TALKS ABOUT PLAYING PYM AND CLIMBING MOUNT SNOWDON ON HER OWN

Brilliant, rising star Lily Newmark currently stars as ‘Pym’ in the Netflix fantasy series CURSED. Lily stars alongside alongside Katherine Langford, Devon Terrell and Daniel Sharman in the reimagined universe retelling the Arthurian tale from the Lady of the Lake’s perspective.

Aside from her memorable role in SEX EDUCATION, she is also known for her BIFA nominated role in PIN CUSHION where she was nominated for Most Promising Newcomer.

In this exclusive interview, Newmark addressed her experiences in playing PYM, her acting journey, music, her sources of inspiration and more.   

How would you describe CURSED and what’s unique about the show?

Cursed is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the Lady of the Lake's perspective. It's unique in that it flips the power structure to put a female on top.

Did you get the chance to read the Graphic Novel where the series was based upon?

The novel was still in the midst of being made while we were filming, so I was only sent it after we'd wrapped. It's a wonderfully illustrated book and differs in parts of its plotlines to the Netflix series.

Tell us more about Pym and her role in this universe. How would you describe your character Pym’s evolution throughout the series?

Pym is anxious and her nerves translate into humor a lot of the time. Although she's not interested in becoming an adult and taking on the roles that are expected of her within her community, she's equally terrified to push the boundaries and go beyond the world she's grown up in. It takes her best friend, Nimue, to threaten running away in order for Pym to realize the courage she had in herself all along. Through her own, albeit unplanned, journey - we see Pym grow into her crafty, nurturing and brave self.

What’s the best part about playing her?

The transformation that happened every morning and evening - coming in and out of hair and makeup and costume. Also, playing someone who cares fiercely for her friends and is incredibly attuned to nature meant that Pym and I shared a close bond.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

I had quite a few physical injuries during the filming process, which meant that the few stunts I had to do were pretty uncomfortable - but you learn to channel the pain into the scenes. The highs I experienced pretty much all took place in Snowdonia, where a lot of the beautiful landscapes featured in the series were filmed. And being able to experience most of it with one of my best friends, Devon (who plays Arthur).

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

I kept a positive mindset and didn't put too much pressure on myself or other people.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series/film?

I had a day off while we were filming in the Snowdonia National Park, so I decided to climb mount Snowdon on my own. The view from the top was one of the most awe-inspiring perspectives I've ever experienced... I was elated.

Everyone’s process is different and each have their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?

It's completely dependent on the overall tone of a project and the weight of a specific scene. For instance, Pym (as a tool within the narrative) is the comic relief in a generally dark story - so I approached most of my scenes with the mindset of wanting to ease any potential tension that may be lingering from a previously filmed weighty scene. Through that mindset, I can bring a new energy to the room that would hopefully enable my only physical audience - the crew - to relax. In short, I generally tried to keep things light. 

How did acting start for you?  Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

As is the case with a lot of actors, I was heavily involved in anything performance-related at school. I was also part of the National Youth Theatre as a teenager - I started in the costume department and later joined as an actor. I explored my writing abilities through another youth theatre group in South London at an Arts Centre - one of my mentors was actually the awesome Inua Ellams. It was there (at the Albany Arts Centre) that I was seen by a director, watching me rehearse one day, who cast me in my first short film. When it came to the time where everyone had to figure out the next step after school, I decided to choose acting over further education. However, a year after graduating high school, I decided to commit to a BA in Acting & Contemporary Theatre at East15.

Who and what inspires you?

My family, my soul-mate Wilfred and trees (read the Hidden Life of Trees).

What’s your dream project?

I have a couple biopics that I've been egging myself on to produce and act in. In the meantime, while I build up confidence, I'm dreaming of playing a role unlike anything I've done before - a creature of sorts.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

Iona, from Pin Cushion. I don't know if any role will come close in terms of relatability. She was an outsider and an open book, and although I'm years away from her now, those qualities she had are ones that will always resonate with me.

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

My mind, always whirling and swirling - not always with creative thoughts but they keep me busy. I've become more disciplined with music again, during this lockdown, so I'm finding respite in that. I put a lot of my screen time to better use now - researching information in the hope of answers to problems such as the climate crisis. And, if I'm honest, a lot of Angry Birds.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

Apparently, I'd be a guidebook on how to look after your goldfish... according to my mum.

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CURSED is currently streaming on Netflix with LILY NEWMARK as PYM