In 1988 actress Kate Sandison played David Tennant's sister
in an episode of Dramarama, David's television debut. In an exclusive account for us she recalls her time working on the episode and alongside the future star.
Kate Sandison
"I was 17 when I was cast as Fiona in Dramarama - The
Secret of Croftmore. It was very
exciting not only to film at Scottish Television Studios in Glasgow but also to
go on location to the island of Arran. I
remember we did a full week of rehearsal for 'Croftmore' in specially mocked up
sets at STV. This is something that
sadly wouldn't happen in television today as there isn't the budget, but it was
a real help and I think the filming went much more smoothly because of it. I
remember the Celtic bracelet I wore was made by a specialist jeweller who
phoned the wardrobe lady back to say my wrist couldn't be as small as she had
measured it but it was! I still have
that bracelet. It is a nice
souvenir.
"So much work went into 'Croftmore' - I remember the set that
was Calum's studio. The set designer
had himself painted and drawn all the pictures of birds and wildlife pinned up
on the wall there. He talked to us about
them and was so lovely. Going to Arran
was quite an adventure - it was really freezing. I had wanted a more sexy costume for Fiona
and I was very grateful in the end the wardrobe lady had insisted on getting
something substantial. Staying at the
Blackwaterfoot Hotel and going down to dinner all seemed sort of
glamorous. The standing stones near to
Calum's home were real and are probably still there. The location manager told us about the work
it had taken to find a location with standing stones. Nothing is simple in TV. It all went so fast.
"I remember David Tennant with great affection, and we and
the rest of the cast all got on very well. He was very nice and had a
remarkable focus for his age. I remember being rather upset one day about
something and he and Tony [Kearney, who played Calum] were very tactful with me. The fields in Arran where
we were filming were quite steep and David helped me up with a strong hand,
which was good as I would have struggled otherwise! We talked about our families and David told
us his dad was a minister. I could
believe this - he was much more thoughtful than most guys his age, though not
at all preachy, and not in the least like the arrogant character he played!
"I have not since then done any other film or play about
about the Highland Clearances but maybe one day something will come up. It was really a good experience."
Kate Sandison is currently in rehearsals for Tortoise:
Redux, a play about women in the psychiatric industry, from the all-female
Little but Fierce Theatre company. Tortoise debuts on May 31st at the New
Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. Click here for more information
Visit the New Wolsey Theatre website here
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