Siobhan Redmond – not so useless any more

One of Siobhan Redmond’s first appearances on stage was at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, just a short distance from her childhood home.

She was, in her own words, enthusiastic but useless.

But with the award of an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List, more will be expected of the 53-year-old actress in her current appearance at the much-loved theatre.

The former Holby City and Taggart star plays the demon role of Mephistopheles in an updated version of Christopher Marlowe’s mythic tale, Doctor Faustus, about a man who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for fame.

“I’m very excited about being at the Citizens,” she admitted.

“I performed ballet there when I was younger, but I was hopeless as a child.

“I’ve been as a member of the audience, of course, but this will be the first time I’ve been part of the company it only took me 53 years!

“There’s a famous rake in the stage of the Citz, which will make wearing my heels tough!”

The MBE was most unexpected for Siobhan.

“It’s very strange and I certainly wasn’t expecting it. When I saw the official envelope my first thought was ‘what have I done wrong?’

“The date I was given to accept it was when I was in Leeds with this play, so I couldn’t make it. But a date has been arranged for after the run at the Citizens.

“There’s much discussion about what hats should be worn,” she laughed. “My sister is probably looking for headgear right now.”

Siobhan will work with the National Theatre of Scotland in the autumn and spent nine months in Stratford last year with the Royal Shakespeare Company, so she hasn’t been able to devote much time to TV.

“More than half of this year will be taken up by the theatre, but I’m thrilled about that,” she added.

“More than 90% of my profession is out of work for more than 90% of the time.

“But after this year is finished I’ll maybe start looking for some television work, because I do enjoy that, too.”

Doctor Faustus is at the Citizens Theatre until April 27.