For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an actor. I auditioned for all the leading drama schools when I was 17 and was lucky enough to be offered a provisional place at Guildford School of Acting. I lived in the Borough of Westminster in London at the time and unfortunately they only gave out three grants to drama students that year. I wasn't one of them and as my place at Guildford was dependent on me getting the financial backing, I had to let my place go. Three years later I decided to do a degree which then enabled me to audition for the post graduate course at Guildford. I got a place and paid for my course with a career development loan. It took me a long time to pay the loan off but I loved every minute at drama school so for me it was definitely worth it.
After leaving Guildford I spent the next 10 years as a jobbing actor. I performed in some brilliant shows, went to some amazing places and met some gorgeous people, one of whom was my husband. We met doing an Italian tour of Cabaret. It was exciting and romantic...what a life!
A few years after that we decided to start a family. We had Arthur in 2006 and Dorothy in 2009. I always knew that I would have to give up touring if I had children and I was happy and completely at ease with this decision. In late 2013 I started to feel a real longing for the career I had had before and as the children were a bit older I decided it was time for me to start to audition for acting jobs again. It was an important decision to make as I knew it would have implications for the whole family. I started to apply for jobs again and since that decision I haven't stopped working. Up until this point the jobs I have had have been short tours so I have not had to be away from home for too long. When Rachael offered me the tour of The Best Thing I really had to think hard about taking it, not because I didn't think the job would be great to do but because of what impact it would have on family life. I admit that my decision to take the job was made easier because of Vamos's support and understanding of my situation and also because I have the most supportive husband too. Without him I simply wouldn't be able to do what I do.
As I write this we are deep into rehearsals and I'm finding it very rewarding and I'm learning lots. I'm really looking forward to next year when the tour of The Best Thing starts but I am also dreading the days when I have to say goodbye to the children, telling them that Mummy loves them and that I won't be away for too long. We rehearsed a scene today when the character I play, Susan, a 17 year old woman, is forced to give up her newly born child. It made me weep. It also made me realise how very lucky I am. It's really hard having to leave my family at home to go away and work. I feel guilty and am constantly asking myself if I am doing the right thing. But I know it is only temporary and that we will be together again soon. I also know that my husband does a fine job while I'm away and that my children, although they miss me, are very happy.
My life has been full of choices and I do my best to make what I think are the right decisions. For Susan and for many hundreds of women like her the right to choose was not an option. She wasn't allowed to decide, she did not have the power that I have. I have the choice and for this I am truly grateful.
Angela Laverick