Rhea Norwood: Defining a Career

Working as an actor has been the fruit of a lifelong dream. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love, dive into different characters, inhabit different lives and tell stories I feel are important to be told.

"I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the Rose Youth Theatre"

Navigating Sally Bowles’ world is a huge gift. A wonderfully enigmatic and complicated character, she means so much to me and to so many others, and I definitely felt a responsibility to serve up an authentic portrayal of her story.

To prepare for Cabaret, I took a solo trip to Berlin; I wanted to get a sense of the world that Sally might have inhabited. I imagined her backstory and used that to write diary entries in her voice. I also spent time connecting to the parts of myself and my life that felt akin to that of Sally’s.

Whilst training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, I never anticipated my first professional job - the Netflix series Heartstopper - would be during my second year. I’m proud to be part of something that has such a positive impact on its viewers, and I am excited for them to see how the story continues when Season 3 lands this autumn.

"Knowing that I have the support of my Rose family is incredibly special"

Before Bristol and Berlin, however, was the Rose. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the Rose Youth Theatre - both in navigating the complexities of my teenage years and in developing as a young actor. The professional nurturing and inclusive environment allowed me to grow, and I’m eternally thankful for that experience. The people I met are my found family and we continue to support and care for each other on our varied journeys. I’m excited for what’s next in my career, and knowing that I have the support of my Rose family is incredibly special.

Instagram: @rhea.norwood

Photographer Jemima Marriott, dress Sarah Regensburger, styling JO Shippen, hair Jon Chapman, makeup Charlotte Kraftman.

First published in August 2024