Beets, Laundry, & Nerves - Our Interview With The Delightful Miss Anna Gooden

It's not everyday you get the pleasure of a future superstar dropping by your office. But today we at the Bridgeman Creative HQ were busy at work the delightful and always charming Anna Gooden, holder of some of the most memorable roles in Bridgemans history, popped in for a quick chat between running to the gym to muscle up for her new role as Mary Magdalene in the upcoming Production Redemption. Enjoy, and get ready to fall in love all again!US: As one of Bridgeman Coc's Veteran stage stars, how was the audition process for you?
AG: It was a bunch of fun! Seeing everyone up there giving it their best shot and knowing that not only does everyone share a love for acting but a passion to see people's lives changed through the arts was inspiring.
US: Going into a church audition do you rely on your natural talent, or your knowledge of what the director (who happens to be a close friend) wants?
AG: In no way should my friendship with the director be used to my advantage in an audition. And in no way does my doing his laundry or cleaning his house have anything to do with that either.
US: Do nerves play a part for you at all?
AG: All professionals get nervous. Except me, I get excited.
US: You're playing the role of Mary Magdalene, Congratulations on that, what do you think you can bring to her?
AG: First of all, thank you! I've always admired Mary Magdalene, coming from such a shady background to being transformed by the love of Jesus. I think a lot of people today can relate to her story of redemption. I'm excited to see what I can bring to the role.
US: We've been told that to prepare yourself for the role you watched passions of the christ. Is this true, did it help?

AG: Pah! Who told you that? I may have happened to watch passions of the Christ just after I discovered I got the role, but it honestly was a coincidence! Honestly... Come on... Who can blame me for being excited :)
US: You've been lucky enough to read the script, what do you think?
AG: It is one of Mike's finest. I laughed in parts and got goosebumps in others. I think this production is really going to speak to the hearts of people and what they can find through the love and power of Jesus Christ.
US: What do you think people can expect?
AG: A transforming experience. Not to mention superb acting from everyone involved.
US: Mike is known for his use of humour, so naturally there's a little concern of his handling of serious subject matter, how do you think his transition went into the world of Drama?
AG: Naturally Mike's quirkiness made it's way into the script in some parts, however I think people will be surprised at how easy he seems to have made the transition from comedy to drama. Something like the Easter story needs to be done tastefully and I think Mike has really done it justice. 
US: Do you think Luke Normans influence in the script writing process helped the two focus? What do you think it would have been like to have been locked away writing with them?
AG: Those two creative minds in a room locked away together? Why do you think the script is so brilliant?... But no... I would not have liked to have been there. It would have been like staying at Dwight Shrute's beet farm for the weekend- Unnatural, scary and disturbing. (If you've watched the office you know what I mean).
US: How long have you been acting?
AG: Since I was able to walk and sing the Lion King to my parents.
US: What was your first production?
AG: I played a sewer rat in the Pied Piper. But my first main role in a production was Olivia Twist. We changed it from Oliver to Olivia because I'm a girl.
US: Any embarassing stories?
AG: Many. I played a scots man once and forgot kilts tend to fly up over your head when you fall off the stage.
US: If you could have any role in film history who would it have been and why?

AG: Any historical heroine. From cleopatra to Elizabeth Bennet or even Annie Reed in Sleepless in Seattle.
US: What is a must for you in any green room?
AG: A mirror and water. And a couch and chocolate and a phone with games on it and fresh flowers and an oversized gorilla and a bird that constantly says "good job good job good job". I need positivity in my life.

US: What would you love to see as the next production?
AG: A huge biblical musical. With dancing. I'd love to see some spirit fingers in there.
US: Why should people come & see redemption?
AG: It'll be like nothing you've ever seen at Bridgeman C.O.C, I guarantee it's going to be extraordinary!

Consider yourself charmed! You can catch Anna Gooden and the rest of the cast on the 17th of April at Bridgeman COC for Redemption!

Hope to see you all!