The precocious Sadie Soverall on her love of Lennie James, her fear of the ocean, and why you can never have enough plants
There's a famous Twelfth Night quote, you'll know it: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
Now at 19, Sadie Soverall hasn't yet achieved acting greatness but her role in Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga announces her arrival as a serious talent.
And how did her career begin?By being talent spotted in a school production of Twelfth Night.
She's put the work in since, splitting her time between A-Levels and filming. It's a work ethic that should serve her well.
As a wise man once wrote: "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
I have a few things which I can’t mention at the moment but it’s all very exciting, and it feels great to be working and auditioning again.
I think it’s also really lovely to see the industry start back up and for things to slowly come back to normal - or the new normal for now - that certainly excites me.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I’d definitely have to say Fate: The Winx Saga at the moment. I was in my last year of A-Levels while filming so I was constantly between school and filming - at points if felt as though I was living two lives which was demanding and surreal but a wonderful challenge.
It was stressful, but in the end I am very proud of how I handled it all and worked under pressure.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
Maybe that I could have started earlier, I always knew that I wanted to act from a younger age but never really had the confidence to look into doing it more professionally.
I do think, however that things happen for a reason. I gained the agent I have now because someone on their team came and saw me in a school production of Twelfth Night and from there I started auditioning professionally which has lead to me being in Fate.
I wouldn’t change much as my career has just begun, and everything I have done has lead to me being where I am now.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I would love to be in an A24 production - I always like to keep up to date with their aesthetically beautiful and wonderfully written films and shows, and I have yet to find one that I don’t like. They find a way of staying with you.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
My current inspiration probable has to be Lennie James at the moment. ‘Save Me’ is definitely one of my favourite shows in its enthralling plot, striking cinematography and deeply moving acting. I just think he’s brilliant - an incredible storyteller.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
One of my biggest fears is the deep ocean… which I think is pretty understandable…
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
I’d have to say my Stella McCartney black platform boots- even though I have yet to wear them out because of Coronavirus!
I just saw them, absolutely fell in love and bought them as a gift for myself to celebrate completing the show after I had watched it. It means a lot as its something I brought myself, as a sort of well done.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
A little turquoise opal ring that my mother gave me, she bought years ago in Coober Pedy, Australia. I just always have it on me almost like a good luck charm.
It's something that wherever I am, I can look at and think of her which gives me strength.
What items do you take on holiday and why?
A hat, sunglasses, SPF 50, walking shoes and a good book. I’m someone who either loves to lie by the pool or beach and really unwind and relax fully or I’m someone who wants to explore the cities or natural wildlife around where I’m staying and have an adventure.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
I have accidentally shrunk a few of my favourite cardigans and jumpers in the washing machine which I still miss to this day.
What’s next on your shopping list?
Some more plants for my room! Over lockdown I have really enjoyed bringing the outside in and filling my space with plants of all kind.
I find the greens so calming and feel very proud watching them grow and flourish. Someday I’d love to have a huge cactus or a really large Monstera Deliciosa. I guess its something I can look forward to when plant shops can re-open.
What would you buy if money was no object?
Probably all of Chanel Haute Couture! I do love seeing the runway looks through my screen every season and imagine my wardrobe filled to the brim with tweed, silk and tulle!
Or, I would buy a ticket into space. I think that if I didn’t act I would want to have career involved in astronomy, space, and the never-ending quest which is exploring and understanding it.
I am absolutely fascinated by it - and feel a similar way when I look into pictures of far away galaxies as I do when I see an incredible piece of acting.
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Fate is currently on Netflix UK