Bullmore on Atwood, Singing, and Her Diverse Roles

Amelia Bullmore, known for her roles in Happy Valley and Riot Women, is preparing to star as Penelope in Margaret Atwood's upcoming theatrical production, The Penelopiad. This play offers a fresh, female-centric interpretation of Homer's Odyssey. Bullmore finds the character of Penelope to be complex, contradictory, and perceptive, noting Atwood's signature blend of sharp social commentary and playful humor.

Bullmore, who is also a playwright, explained how her writing background informs her approach to interpreting Atwood's work, emphasizing the shared focus on character motivation and narrative structure. She described the rehearsal process for The Penelopiad as "buzzy" and stimulating, involving collaborative song learning with her fellow cast members.

Reflecting on her career, Bullmore noted that Penelope shares a commonality with her favorite roles: their inherent contradictions. She believes well-written characters, much like real people, are multifaceted and possess hidden depths. Bullmore also anticipates that audiences in 2026 will connect with retellings of Greek epics due to their blend of escapism and relatable human emotions.

Discussing the evolving TV landscape, Bullmore observed an increase in female-led projects and strong female characters, though she noted a desire for a more seamless blend of male and female characters in storytelling. She reminisced about her iconic role in Happy Valley, praising its precise rhythms and Sally Wainwright's masterful writing. Bullmore confirmed she has continued practicing guitar for Riot Women and hinted at the new season starting production in February.