Darci Shaw interview

Darci Shaw is a 20-year-old actress born and raised in Liverpool. She is best known for her roles in Netflix’s The Irregulars and 2019’s award-winning Judy.

We sat down with Darci to discuss her career so far and latest project, Midas Man, a biographical film about the life of music entrepreneur Brian Epstein.

Words | Olivia Barkley-Quinn

Can you tell us a little bit about your life growing up and how you first got into acting?

I’ve lived in Liverpool all my life and had an interest in singing and musical theatre even as a child. When I turned five years old, I began attending LIPA every Saturday which fuelled my passion and drive to make a career out of acting. I really looked forward to the end-of-year shows which we were always working towards; it was my chance to show off my singing and acting abilities.

At 14, I realised that musical theatre may not be the best avenue for me because of how competitive the industry is, but I knew I still wanted to do something involving acting so I began going to screen classes. I was fortunate enough to join the Everyman Theatre and was cast in plays such as Romeo & Juliet; I started taking my career more seriously from this point and managed to get an agent and it kind of skyrocketed from there.

© Tony Blake

What was it like appearing alongside Renée Zellweger as a young Judy Garland in the award-winning film Judy?

At first, I couldn’t believe it was real and it felt like it was happening to someone else! For someone who had no previous formal training, there aren’t many chances like that so I just had to make it work and have confidence in my abilities. Even all the costume, hair and makeup preparation behind the scenes was eye-opening!

2021’s The Colour Room was another film you featured in which was based on the life of a famous figure – ceramic artist Clarice Cliff. What did you enjoy most about that project?

The whole crew was very female-driven and I loved exploring the relationship between my character, Dot [Cliff], and her sister Clarice. It was a real challenge to play the role of a female who was defying the expectations of her working class background. Dot was very reserved and sensible whereas Clarice was outspoken and determined to get what she wanted. I tried to strike a balance between the two. Oh, and the period costumes were amazing as well!

Your latest project is Midas Man – a film based on the life of The Beatles’ legendary manager, Brian Epstein. Were you eager to get involved given your Liverpool roots?

I loved The Beatles growing up and my family always had their music on in the house, so I knew I had to be involved when the audition came around. The film is set inn the 1950’s/60’s and I play Sonia Seligson, a middle-class Jewish woman who meets Brian because of a family arrangement.

I’m platinum blonde in it! Thankfully it’s just a wig though, so my hair is damage free.

Initially, I thought I’d be talking in a Scouse accent but they wanted me to use a neutral one instead. Sonia’s characterisation is in stark contrast to someone like Jesse, who I played in The Irregulars a while ago. I always had mud in my nails and my costumes were ripped as it was set in a poverty-stricken society. Sonia is certainly a more glamorous character but I try not to think too much into it and go onto the set with an open mind.

Do you have any particular rituals you go through on set to prepare for a scene?

I wouldn’t say I have any rituals as such. Just getting ready peps you up! I’m usually the one still talking on the set until the director yells ‘action!’. In terms of getting into character, perfecting the accent is important to me and the Stoke accent [for The Colour Room] was one of the hardest I’ve encountered. I try and interact with local people and get someone to record themselves doing the lines so I can listen back to their intonations and inflexions.

What advice would you give to other young actors and actresses?

It really is all about experience and throwing yourself headfirst into the industry. I watched a lot of TV so I could study how other actors speak and their facial expressions. This was key to expanding my own skills and it’s a great way to take a method from another and make it your own. I’d say Saoirse Ronan is one of my idols because of the vast range of roles she’s played. I’d really love to have a similar career.

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