The Next Generation: Katarina Hardy

GET TO KNOW: KAT HARDY
Coming to the West End is Katarina Hardy! Known as Kat, this twenty-year-old student from South-East London is smashing her career in musical theatre. Having roles in multiple plays, from 'Robinson Crusoe' to 'Something Old, Something New' her journey is just beginning! 

At just twenty years old you’re smashing the performance industry at the moment. You’ve recently been in a pantomime called ‘Robinson Crusoe’ over Christmas, as well as preforming in a musical called ‘Animus’. What roles did you play?

Thank you! In the Panto Robinson Crusoe, I played the Fairy god mother/Buttons character of the show, she was this brilliant hippy goddess called “Mama.” It was such a fun character to play; I even wore blue dread-locks! 

Animus, on the other hand, was extremely different in the sense it was a musical set in 18^th century London. I played a Chamber Maid in the 'Dunn' house-hold. The show itself was extremely dark, with death being the main theme.

Two very different roles. Do you prefer playing serious roles, or having fun with the audience?

For me, personally, serious plays are a lot easier, because I love playing ‘Real’ characters. This is partly the reason why TV and film is so appealing to me, because when you’re on screen you don’t have to be as over dramatic as when you’re on stage.

When I’m doing something like panto however, I’m acting for children. This means I have to be on their level of energy, which is very high! Kids are a harsh critic. When a child is bored in the middle of a panto they will let you know. So while I found panto work much more challenging than naturalism, I still really enjoyed it. To have kids hugging you and saying how much they loved your character at the end of a show is an amazing feeling.

To answer your question, I would say in the future I would prefer to do more serious work; but in this industry you can’t be too picky.

You’re currently a student at ‘The Musical Theatre Academy (TheMTA)’ studying performing arts. What do the lessons on the course entail?

The MTA is a very intense two-year course.  We do Four Shows a year and when we aren’t in rehearsals we’re either TV acting, stage acting, voice acting or singing. We also do three hours of dance, every morning!

What would you say you prefer out of the activities above, and did any surprise you when you discovered you liked them?

I’ve always enjoyed singing and acting. I didn’t start dancing until I was accepted into the brit school when I was fifteen. We had to do ballet, which I thought I would be terrible at. But it’s actually something I really enjoy.

Some individuals would argue that students who go to ‘The Brit School’ or schools such as ‘The MTA’ find it easier to gain work in their chosen profession after graduating, would you agree?

Going to any type of drama school will always help people looking for a profession in this industry. I’ve already been given so many opportunities at The MTA, from working with incredible directors, to professional backing singing. Most of the teachers at these types of schools are in (or have been) in the industry themselves; so they can help you. 

That doesn’t go to say that people who don’t go to drama school won’t get their big break, in most cases it’s a “Right time, Right place” kind of deal.

Some individuals will argue that a career in performance is a hard profession to succeed in financially, especially in the beginning years. What was the turning point in your life when you decided to take the brave leap into having a performing career?

My advice is, if you’re looking to become an actress because you want to be rich and famous you need to turn around and get a new career; or perhaps do a Kim Kardashian if you know what I mean. There’s little money in this career, especially in the beginning. However, I’d rather be acting in a play earning little money, than be unhappy in a 9-5 office job. I know there will be times when I’m extremely broke, but at least I’ll be doing what I love! 

How long have you been singing, acting and dancing for?

I've been a drama queen since birth! In year five and six I always wanted the main parts in our primary school shows, and most of the time I got them! A few mums were annoyed I always got the main parts…sorry about that. It was then in secondary school when drama became my life!  I didn’t start properly singing and dancing until The BRIT School. Sometimes I watch shows like ‘Half a Sixpence’ which has some of the best dancers I’ve ever seen in it, I wish I could dance like them!  

Do you write any of your own scripts or music?

I love writing! I wrote a ‘Love Actually’ style scene about a lesbian couple at university. Two of my friends acted it out for me. To see my scene with real voices and actors was incredible. I plan on writing a lot more this year!

Kat as the Fairy GodMother in Robinson Crusoe

Some believe that talent is passed through generations in the family. Would you say you have a musically talented family?

I’m not sure. My brother is very musical, and I think there are a few actors in the family. However, I’m pretty sure we didn’t get our talent from our mum, because I’ve heard her singing in the car… and it isn’t great.  

Are you working on anything interesting in 2017, that you can tell us about?

YES! I’m currently in rehearsals for ‘Something Old Something New’ which is a review show with lots of different numbers from lots of different shows! I’m so excited for it this year, I can’t say the numbers yet but they’re going to be incredible! It’s at the ‘Bernie Grant Art Centre’ March 15^th – 18^th so if you want to see a show, get your butt down to Seven Sisters. 

I’m also doing a musical called ‘All Shook Up’ which is an Elvis Presley Duke Box musical which is also going to be so fun! That will be in June this year! I’m also graduating in September this year, so all big achievements for me!

Are you nervous about the future, and what it holds for you?

Of course I am. The worst thing about this industry is how unpredictable it is. There’s always times when I put myself down, and think “I could to a much better job playing that part than this person." But at the end of the day you’ve got to keep going. I’m career driven, I know it’s going to happen for me eventually; I just know it.

Where do you want to be in five years from now?

The dream is to be in a main channel series, like ‘Skins’ or Misfits’, that kind of genre. But realistically I don’t know if that will happen for me in five years! As long as I’m working I’ll be happy!  

Well we look forward to seeing you on the west end! Where can my readers find more of you?

Soon I’ll be on the ‘Spotlight’ website for career opportunities. For now, you can follow me on my twitter to keep updated with my shows, and also for your chance to WIN a trip to the theatre!

Thanks for talking with me today Kat! I wish you all the best in your career!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog Alex!

VELVET VALENTINE

JANUARY LOOKBOOK PART 4/4

Hello everyone, this week I'm back with another outfit perfect for Valentines Day! I would just like to make a quick apology for the late upload, but I'll be uploading part 1 of my February Look Book next Tuesday! As you can see in my outfit I have used this gorgeous red as the main colour. I've styled this gorgeous crushed velvet jumper with a skater skirt and doctor martens; perfect for a casual date this Valentines Day! 

Velvet Cap: Asos

Jumper: Original Topshop. Dupe found here. 

Skirt: Asos

Tights: Primark 

Shoes: Dr. Martens, Office. 

Get to know me! Alphabetical Style!

Age: 20

Biggest Fear: Choking/Death of family.

Current Time: 17:25.

Drink you had last: Tea.

Everyday starts with: Scrolling through social media.

Favorite song right now: Toothbrush - DNCE.

Ghosts, are they real: 100%

Hometown: Croydon.

Love someone?: Yep!

Jealous Of: People with their lives all sorted out, & girls with fleeky make up. 

Killed someone: Never have, hopefully never will.

Last time you cried: Today.

Middle Name: Grace.

Number of siblings: 2. Older sister, younger brother. 

One wish: Happy & Healthy family.

Person you last called: My pops. 

Questions you are always asked: Why do you want a boob job? (Because I want boobs! DUH!)

Reason to smile: My Fiance.

Song last sang: We don't talk anymore - Charlie something and Selena Gomez. 

Time you woke up: 5:45.

Underwear color: Orange & Black.

Vacation destination: Bora Bora.

Worst habits: Worrying and answering back. 

X-rays you had: Quite a few, hand, nose, foot. 

Your favorite food: Potatoes! 

Zodiac sign: Pisces

13 ways to make it though your first month of university!

Now I know what you’re thinking. What about the rest of university? Well, making it through Fresher's week and getting settled in, makes the rest of the year a whole lot easier.

1.    Don’t be afraid to make Friends.

Yes, the sound of making friends can be very daunting (especially if you’re an anxiety freak like me) however, every student in the same boat. Being afraid to approach someone can only limit you. Having friends at university can be an advantage as they can give opinions and help with projects. They will comfort you when you’re home sick, and make everything that little bit easier.

2.    Make your room a home.

Being at University can make you a little homesick, especially if it’s your first time away from home. Try to decorate your room with photos of loved ones, ornaments from home, and some artificial flowers – because let’s face it, who has the time to water flowers at Uni? The more your bedroom feels like home, the more comfort you’ll feel. Sometimes you need a little place to escape, so having a homely room will help in this area.

3.    Socialize.

If you’re a shy person and like to keep yourself to yourself that’s perfectly fine. Although, I do recommend that you do try to socialize, even if it’s only for a little. Socializing could boost your confidence and allow you to communicate with a variety of people about topics you never thought you would have. I’m not saying you have to force yourself to every fresher’s event, however on those nights you feel lonely, try and gather up your flat mates to hang out in the kitchen. Nothing is worse than feeling alone.

4.    Check in with the rents.

You must be feeling all kinds of emotions right? Well just imagine what your parents are going through. Their little baby heading off into the big wide world all by themselves. Yes parents can be annoying, and sometimes they just don’t ‘get it’… but they do love you. Just give them a phone call once and a while to let them know how you’re getting on. Even if it's just a quick text so they know you’re still alive, that’s all.

5.    Keep an eye on your money.

With there being so many events in the first month of Uni, It can be easy to splash all your cash at once. The best tip I have for you is to set up a savings account. It shouldn’t take too long to set up, and it does you the world of favours. Transferring your student loan into your current account when you need it, swill save you from spending all of your money on those premium vodka’s and late night kebabs.

6.    Don’t stress.

It’s your first month, you’re here to have fun!  Don’t stress out just yet. You shouldn’t be given that much work to do, maybe a couple of books to read, and even then there’s no need to stress out. Focus on having a good time and leave all the worrying for later. Don’t let Fresher’s week fly by without enjoying it first.

7.    Invest in pasta.

Ok it’s true. After a few weeks pasta can be a little boring, and in time you will eventually need some cooking lessons from mum. However, in the first month, pasta is fine. It’s easy to make, does the job before a night out, and us impatient students don’t have to wait very long before it’s ready.

8.    Be true to who you are.

I know it sounds cheesy, but starting a course in a new town, city or even a country can be the perfect time for a fresh start. An opportunity to invent a new you. However, it could also lead you into pretending to be someone you’re not. It can be easy to fall into a web of lies just to impress someone new. As silly as it sounds try to remember who you are. Just be yourself, and people will like you for being you.

9.    Don’t forget your friends back home.

It can be easy for the friends you have back home to feel ‘left out’ when you go to Uni. Especially with the endless Snapchat stories of you and your new flat-mates having the time of your lives. Arrange to meet up with them the next time you’re home, skype them when you’ve got a spare sec. Just remember to give them a little attention now and then so they know you haven’t forgotten them.

10. Health and hygiene.

Ever heard of the cliché that a student is lazy? Of course you have, it’s true. Most of the time you can’t be bothered to tidy up after yourself, or even cook yourself a proper meal, and why should you when you don’t have mum and dad nagging you? But if they’re not there to look after you – make sure you look after yourself. One thing I can warn you about is fresher’s flu’. Just think, there’s thousands of you students coming from all different parts of the world sharing the same shot glasses, the same bathrooms and living in the same space. You’re bound to get sick. Wash your hands plenty. Stock up on lem-sip, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Don’t forget to take your medication (If you have any) and eat your fruit and veg once in a while!

11. Make a good first impression with your lecturers.

Lecturers aren’t going to be your best-friends, although they are going to be teaching you for the next ten months; so it’s probably best that you get on good terms with them. Being polite doesn’t cost anything, and I’m sure they’ll prefer to help a pleasant and punctual student rather than a student that quite frankly doesn’t give a shit.  

12. Sleep.

Believe me when I say this one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether or not you’ve had a late night out with your friends or decided to stay in, sleeping won’t be that easy. The corridors of your flat will become alive at night, the windows do not have double glazing, and if you want to experience student events, that probably won’t help either. Power naps will become your savior. Eventually in time your body-clock will sort itself out, in the meantime, catch a few blinks whenever you can; so you don’t look like a walking zombie on campus.

13. Enjoy yourself.

I'm Engaged!

I am very pleased to announce that my boyfriend and I, are engaged!

For those of you who don’t know, February is a very special month, not only because it contains my birthday, but this year is also a leap year! But what is a leap year? A leap year is also known as a bissextile year and falls once every four years. Usually there are 28 days in February, however in a leap year there are 29 balancing out the lunisolar calendar.

Legend has it that during the 5^th Century St Bridget complained that females had to wait too long for their suiters to propose, so St Patrick then gave the women a chance to propose every four years, on the 29^th of February. Although, this theory was never proven. It was in 19^th Century when Queen Margaret of Scotland allegedly passed a law, which allowed women to propose to men – better still, the men were handed a fine if they didn’t accept!

In this day and age it’s becoming less unusual for women to propose. 15% of women said they would consider popping the question to their boyfriend and only 10% of ladies actually do! And I’m proud to say that I am one of them!

After getting the inkling that Ryan (my fiancé) was planning on proposing, I decided to take matters into my own hands. He had mentioned the idea of getting engaged more than usual in the last couple of months, and slowly but surely I put two and two together and figured it out.

I am one of those people who hate surprises... I can’t stand them! The thought of not being in control of a situation and having that horrible feeling in your belly not knowing to expect terrifies me. So what better way to take advantage of the leap year and beat him to it! After speaking to all my close friends and family about it, operation ‘put a ring on it’ was ago go.  

Both our parents were totally ecstatic and they’ve always said we’re like ‘bangers and mash’. Everyone was itching to tell him. Ryan isn’t usually the one to wear any kind of ring, so I intended on getting him a fancy watch to pop the question with, however, a watch didn’t shout engagement to me. After looking through plenty of websites I decided to get a ring, simple and classic. It was perfect. (It looks great and he wears it with pride).

Next was how to do it? I knew if I did it just the two of us he wouldn’t believe me.  He would say “Oh Grace, stop being silly.” He knew I wouldn’t usually have the balls to do something like this. We also watched a program a couple of weeks before I intended on proposing and the female proposed to the male. His reaction? “You know if you ever proposed to me I would say no right? It’s just a gentleman’s duty to ask for the hand in marriage”. Oh shit. No pressure then. Little did I know that while I was planning everything, so was he. He had even driven round to my family home and asked my dad for permission!

I designed a cake that read ‘Will you marry me, my Koala’ on it. Mainly because I thought I would be too nervous to get the words out myself. We had booked a restaurant in my local town. His parents, my parents and my siblings were invited. He thought we were celebrating my 20^th birthday, and everyone went along with it. When in reality everyone knew I was going to propose. As you can tell by the blog title he said yes! His face was hilarious, “I was going to propose! I even asked your dad for permission!” Bless him.

So I am currently wearing his mum’s diamond engagement ring until my bespoke ring comes. I couldn’t be happier. We have always been a wild and fun couple and getting engaged this way just adds to our crazy relationship. Ryan still plans on proposing, his way, with the ring he’s designed; and I can’t wait! It just means I get to experience the excitement of getting engaged all over again!

To everyone asking me when the wedding is… Not for a while. We want to wait until I’m out of university and are comfortably living together before we even think about any wedding plans. This engagement is a stepping-stone in our relationship. It’s a sign of commitment, and that neither one of us are going anywhere. We just want to spend the rest of our lives together. This doesn’t mean we intend on getting married tomorrow.

NOR AM I PREGNANT! A friend of mine asked if I was expecting just because I was engaged! I feel as though this is something I have to touch on. Why people think getting engaged young automatically means you’re pregnant baffles me. Why can’t two young people just get engaged because they love each other? Ryan and I have been together 2 years and felt it was right to take the next step in our relationship!

The amount of times I’ve heard “You’re engaged? But you’re only twenty!” Who cares? Back in the day our grandparents would be engaged and married by 18 and nobody battered an eyelid. When couples have babies after knowing each other 6 months it’s all “Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!” But when a young couple get engaged it’s all “Are you sure? It’s a big commitment” and “Getting engaged young is like leaving the party early.”

I would rather ‘leave the party early’ with the man I love. I’m not missing out on anything, I just have somebody to experience the rest of my life with! I’m incredibly blessed to have found the man of my dreams at such a young age and I can’t wait to explore the world, and go on adventures with him. My family and close friends are so excited and have been so supportive, and I’m so grateful to have you all in my life. To the small minded people out there, who are talking about my life as if they know me… do yourself a favour and find something else to talk about.

I’m incredibly happy and fortunate in my life right now. Thank you for all the kind messages, words can’t describe how blessed I feel.

Lots of love and thank you for reading!
AlexGrace

Photo: Ryan's engagement ring. 

Photo: Mum (left) Mum in law to be (Right) enjoying the strawberries. 

Photo: My fiancé and I enjoying a smooch. 

Photo: When he had just said yes.

Photo: The cake I proposed with.