Even now it’s what I get recognised from most roles like that don’t come along often
I remember the first time I watched Channel 4's Brighton-based series, Sugar Rush. I was fifteen, holed up in my bedroom, duvet pulled up to my ears with my TV on low – it was a bloody revolution.
I was in love with it – the characters, the realness, the rawness, the seeing-myself-onscreen-for-the-first-time-ness.
After the season finished, I even tricked my gran into buying me the DVD of the series from our local Woolworths (I may or may not have told her it was a series about baking…)
So, when I was given the opportunity to catch up with Olivia Hallinan (who played lead character Kim) ahead of her spot at ClexaCon London this weekend, I jumped at the chance… Maybe I should have asked about the lasting legacy of that electric toothbrush scene?
Fans of #SugarRush, #GirlsInLove, #LarkRiseToCandleford and #Torchwood, this is your chance to meet the fantastic @olivia_hallinan!!! #ClexaConLondon meet and greet tickets with her are now available!! 👇👇👇https://t.co/N8cv4NqN6d pic.twitter.com/qZileh5zwm
— ClexaCon (@ClexaCon) October 21, 2018
DIVA: I was 15 and also questioning my sexuality when Sugar Rush came out. As such I bloody loved it. What do you remember thinking when you first read the script?
OLIVIA HALLINAN: I thought it was unique! The dialogue flowed and I could immediately relate to Kim as a character. I felt a slight trepidation in the idea of portraying a same-sex relationship purely because I was worried it would be seen as titillating – RE "girls in school uniform" – but the script totally fought against that stereotype. It was sensitively portrayed and the whole subject matter felt raw and real.
Did you think it'd have the impact that it did?
Nope! We had no idea while in our little filming bubble. I really wasn't sure and had a lot resting on me as I was in pretty much every scene, so I tried not to think about the public reaction too much! Also, a lot was improvised, we were creating moments and following instincts, so I was just praying we were heading in the right direction – in series one anyway!
Why do you think Sugar Rush was so popular – and not just with queer audiences?
It was very well written. The characters are relatable and the subject matter had not been dealt with in a mainstream TV programme before – certainly not in such an honest way. It was a refreshing. A real tale of unrequited love and teenage angst and Kim's sexuality was just a part of her, normalised as it should be. A winning formula in my opinion is a programme that can have you laughing one minute and crying the next which Sugar Rush really managed to achieve.
Brighton beach featured throughout the series.
What do you most love about Kim?
I would say her cringe-worthy awkwardness at times and her sense of humour. Her kind heart and really lovely mixture of vulnerability and emotional strength.
And Sugar..?
Her outrageous one liners! She cracked me up. And beneath her tough bravado, again, I would say her vulnerability. In the odd scene she would crumble and I (and the audience) wanted nothing more than to give her a big hug.
What do you think Sugar Rush got right?
It was something for people to identify with, it struck a chord with those who were struggling with their sexuality in a very refreshing and sensitive way I think. Beyond that, as I said earlier, the balance between the comedy and sadness created something very special within each episode. People went on journeys with these characters – Kim's dysfunctional family deserved a show of their own!
Is there anything you'd do differently today?
I read the script and played the truth of every scene and I would do the same again, so no. Maybe that’s more of a question for the writers…
Brighton pier, the backdrop to Kim and Sugar's relationship.
Has the role had a lasting impact on you, as an actor?
Even now it’s what I get recognised from and asked about most. Roles like that don't come along very often. I guess it put me on more of a public platform and made me more fearless in front of the camera which is pretty essential as an actor. Also, it made me proud to have played a character that helped and inspired people to accept themselves – as an actor that’s a really special feeling.
Would you ever consider coming back together with the rest of the cast for season three? (Do it, do it, do it…)
It’s a shame it didn't happen when it was meant to – I think we've missed the boat with that, but still… YES! In fact, I was out with Sara Stewart who played Stella (Kim's mother) yesterday and we joked about potential future scenarios. We would all be up for it, that's for sure. I know there's been a petition and a BIG demand for it over the years so, never say never…
ClexaCon London takes place between 3 – 4 November 2018 at Novotel London West. DIVA's deputy editor Roxy Bourdillon will be interviewing Olivia in a live panel on Sunday 4 November, visit the website here for more.
Only reading DIVA online? You're missing out. For more news, reviews and commentary, check out the latest issue. It's pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
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