5 Things You Didn’t Know About Heather Peace

Interview at L9 Convention, November 2011

Cross posted from L-word.com with permission

• L9 Convention in Birmingham – November 11-13, 2011
• L9 Convention – Day 3 Photos
• L9 Convention – Day 2 Photo
• L9 Convention – Day 1 Photos

It’s always such a pleasure to talk to Heather Peace. She’s very intelligent, funny, and down to earth and she makes everyone feel at ease in her company. And listening to her beautiful British accent only makes the interviews so much more enjoyable. Since I last talked to her at L8, Heather has been pretty busy with filming second season of “Lip Service” and “Waterloo Road”, and travelling around the UK with gigs and full-band concerts.

As an actress, musician, and an out lesbian, Heather is such an inspiration to many. When I learned that Heather will be a guest again at L9 Convention, I used that opportunity to have a follow-up interview with her.

©l-word.com

L-word: This is your second convention. You’ve been to L8 Convention in March so what did you expect from this one?

Heather Peace: It’s been easy this time because I knew what to expect. I always get very nervous when something is a new experience, when you don’t know what to expect. My girlfriend actually pointed out that every job I do, the reason why I get nervous all the time is because everything’s new. Even if it’s a new filming job or a new gig. Like a gig that I’ve got tomorrow night, I’ll be playing some new songs.

L-word: Yes, I’m going because I only heard you singing a few songs at the convention.

HP: Oh yeah, and I was singing a few here but it’s different because today we haven’t even done sound check. The Glee clubs are really great and the sound there is amazing, and I’ll have my piano as well. So I knew what to expect but it’s been actually quieter this time. There’s been less attendees and it’s been very, very chilled out. It is great when it’s lots of people but I’ve really enjoyed it and felt really relaxed.

©l-word.com

L-word: You have a new role on Waterloo Road. Can you tell a little bit more about this show and your role?

HP: It’s one of the biggest dramas on the BBC. It’s very prime-time. It set in an inner city school and all the problems that go with that, with the children from backgrounds that are maybe not so good. The storylines about gangs and all that sort of stuff. I’m a teacher but I’m ex-army…they always throw something in there (laughing)…and apparently there’s something within the government to bring in ex-military into schools to install discipline. Whether that’s true or not, they ran with that on a show and that’s the idea behind this new character, Nikki Boston, who comes in and starts the cadet unit. Basically, anybody that is in trouble has to go and do drills at lunchtime and all that. She’s quite strict but straight character, straight role. I’m not necessarily playing opposite a guy but I’m sort of flirting with a number of guys.