I have been part of the suffragettes project Fight for the Right. I play Mrs Osler, who is the leader of the Birmingham suffragists.
Mrs Catherine Osler, leader of Birmingham Suffragists
Ayah as Mrs Osler
It has been such an amazing experience to be a part of. We started the project by looking at archives, we also went to London to see the Houses of Parliament – that was such a fun day. We then went on to preparing a script and having acting lessons where we came up with ideas to put in the script. Filming was tiring but such an extraordinary experience – we really felt like actors! The school scene was the first time we saw the lighting and microphones. We were all amazed at how professional it was.
The week after we all got into our costumes and got our hair and makeup done, for the outside scenes. It was very exciting, however, it was a very cold day! We all did the big march scene and Imogen and I also had to do a scene with a journalist.
It was quite amusing when a little girl came up with her mum and told her that we must famous because we were shooting a film. Lots of people stared at us and took pictures of our extravagant costumes. We all felt like movie stars. The scenes which were in Birmingham City Council House only took half day to shoot. I had to give a speech in an extravagantly decorated corridor. Tabby, who is playing Asquith’s assistant, also had her scene here. I can’t wait until the film comes out!
Ayah
