Cara Theobold was still in training at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama when she was cast in the multi-award-winning Downton Abbey. She is now ready to move on as one of the leads in the third series of Kay Mellor’s BBC One hit The Syndicate.
Do you find yourself missing Downton Abbey?
I had such a wonderful time on Downton, it was my first job so it’s one that will always have a special place in my heart. I was excited to move on to new roles and challenges but I do still watch the show and love seeing what all the characters are up to. Especially Mrs Patmore and Daisy, obviously!
Are you still good friends with the actors?
Yes! Such a lovely bunch. Daisy and Ivy are pals in real life
Do you like to be on stage and what is the last time you stood in the theatre?
The last time I was on stage was in ‘London Wall’ at The Finborough Theatre in London. I love going to the theatre and try and get to see stuff as often as I can.
You’ve also appeared in Last Tango in Halifax and Call the Midwife, which one would you return to if given the chance?
I would love to return to my character in Last Tango in Halifax – I played a nanny who was hired to look after the baby of Sarah Lancashire’s character. She appeared to be charming and sweet but was actually a secret alcoholic. Sounds quite dark but the character was very funny and so much fun to play. Sally Wainwright’s writing is brilliant.
You’re one of the lead characters in the third season of The Syndicate! Can you give us an outline of the show and what is your character is like?
The Syndicate is about five members of staff at a stately home in Yorkshire who win the lottery and their lives change forever. I play Sarah, the house manager who throws herself into her work to get away from a difficult past. Throughout the series her life is turned upside as she tries to figure out the responsibility of a crumbling stately home in need of saving and the drama of the relationships in her life. It’s a brilliant ensemble cast and each of the main characters has a different story which all intertwine and get revealed as the series goes on.
Did you enjoy working on this production?
I had an amazing time on The Syndicate. Kay Mellor creates such rich characters with incredible journeys to play and you really do fall in love with all of them and their story. The whole cast and crew were awesome and felt like a big family. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.
What is up next for you?
I am currently filming a new comedy series written by Jonny Sweet for the BBC called Together.
The third series of Kay Mellor’s BBC One drama The Syndicate will air from Tuesday 2nd June at 9pm.
Interview by Mattias Crowe
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato