There’s Something About Nadia Parkes…
From getting her first big break in The Spanish Princess even before graduating from drama school to starring in Netflix’s The Bastard Son And The Devil Himself, Nadia Parkes is one of those people who seems to be on the cusp of something major. Now starring in BBC’s Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story, we caught up with the actress, to talk about the show, getting into character, her favourite London spots and plans for the future.
You play Chloe Ayling in Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story, based on the true story of Ayling’s abduction in 2017. What was the casting process like, and what was your reaction to getting the part?
My agent called and played a good game by not telling me straight away, I thought we were just having a catch-up and then she dropped the news. I screamed and then shed a little tear of gratitude on my way to the tube as I was on my way to see Cabaret that night.
I put a lot of work into the casting process but that was really only the beginning. I felt connected to telling Chloe’s story, so I was happy when the creative team felt I was the right person for the role.
I thought we were just having a catch-up and then she dropped the news.
While researching the part, what were your conversations with the real Chloe Ayling like and how did you transform into the character?
I watched every piece of footage I possibly could of Chloe to absorb her voice and mannerisms, read her book and read every article available to me to gain as much knowledge of the ordeal but meeting Chloe in person was when I felt the character come together.
She was really supportive of my process by being so open and vulnerable with me. I enjoyed getting to know things like what’s her ‘go-to’ takeaway order and her favourite biscuit and what kind of music she likes, all the little details helped me access the character so much.
What do you hope the biggest takeaway from the series will be?
I think there is a growing awareness but my hope for the series is that we continue to get better at allowing women the space to be able to speak up and speak out and to not be so quickly judged.
My hope for the series is that we continue to get better at allowing women the space to be able to speak up and speak out.
You starred in The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and fans were upset when the series wasn’t renewed. How did you feel about it?
At the time, I was devastated. I believed in our show! And felt disheartened by the industry at the time. I knew the phrase ‘one door closes and another opens’ and was struggling to believe it, but 24 hours later, I had the self-tape through for Kidnapped, I was unsure whether to do it, as looking after myself and taking a step back was needed for me in that time, but I did.
In hindsight, I was completely strengthened by that period of my life and given an opportunity to check in with my values and my artistry. I learnt that sometimes when it looks like everything is being taken away, and nothing is working out, it’s in that exact moment that everything is being given to you and actually working out for the better. I often will say to myself, “Let what needs to go, go so that what needs to come can come”. The universe was making room for something else.
The universe was making room for something else.
Moving on to things The Handbook loves to talk about – food, fashion and lifestyle. Tell us, what does your perfect day or night out in London look like?
It would consist of lots of eating and conversation with friends or family. I absolutely love going for a walk, especially to start my day, so I’d get a coffee from my local cafe Bear and Wolf and head to the ponds in Hampstead for a quick dip. On the way back, I buy a sourdough by Bread by Bike from my local grocer The Fields, go home and make eggs on toast and get ready to go out.
I’d then probably sit at the bar at Ottolenghi with my sister or a close pal and order every veggie dish on the menu (not a vegetarian – I just think the dishes are better than the meat). Then I would head to an Everyman cinema and sneak in a Bens Cookie, get a salted popcorn and watch a film (hopefully an amazing one).
I love a daytime cinema trip, especially on my own. I’m a sucker for an afternoon or early evening drink, so I would sit up at a bar with my boyfriend (got a thing for sitting up at bars) and drink an extra spicy Bloody Mary or a pint and enjoy some delicious grub. I love good food in relaxed places. But really, I’m a bit tipsy heading home not too late and rounding off the day with a peppermint and liquorice tea and a mini magnum in front of another hopefully really good film with someone I love.
Who’s an up-and-coming London artist you think more people should know about?
Maybe I’m biased but I think everyone should know about James Smith – he’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. I’m so excited for his debut album, it’s a very special record, from a very special artist.
Maybe I’m biased but I think everyone should know about James Smith.
We just wrote another song (after Somebody To You) in Italy together, who knows if it will ever go out but I adore the process of writing with him. It’s such a pouring out of the soul.
What’s next after Kidnapped? Anything exciting we should know about?
This has been such an exciting time, I’m trying to soak up every second and not keep looking ahead to what’s next (something I’ve been guilty of in the past) but yes very exciting things on the horizon some of which I’m not allowed to talk about yet!
But something I can say is that I’m stepping into new territory, I have written a short film and will be directing it hopefully later this year.
I have written a short film and will be directing it hopefully later this year.