Interview: 'The Story Means So Much To People': Actor Steph Eva Adcliffe On Becoming ZOG at Warwick Castle

For Steph Eva Adcliffe, becoming an actor has never been about taking the easiest route. From a small town with little access to theatre, to overcoming setbacks, injuries and the disruption of Covid, her journey has been one of determination, resilience and an unwavering belief in the power of performance. Now, having played over an astonishing 30 roles at Warwick Castle, from scare acting and immersive storytelling, to musical theatre and children’s theatre, Steph stepped into one of the most magical childrens theatre roles, as the much loved Zog. But behind the wings and beneath the dragon costume is an ambitious young performer, who is asking herself one very important question: what could she achieve if she took everything she has learned and brought it to London?

In this candid conversation, Steph talks about the struggles of breaking into the industry with very little tools, the teacher who first made her believe she had a gift, the actor training broadening her talents, the unexpected lessons of performing across an extraordinary range of roles, the responsibility of entertaining young audiences, and why she believes the best part of an acting career may be the opportunities you never saw coming.

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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an actor?

It was back in lower school and I did a poem about Jack Frost. My parents always like to remind me of this story. I performed it, I must have been about 5, or 6.[...] I got hooked on being on the stage, performing and getting to place myself in other characters and other mindsets. From there, I knew that I wanted to go down the acting route, but as a performer I didn't have the tools and support you necessarily need to break into such a hard industry. I didn't know anyone in the industry. I lived in a small town; I didn't live in a city. There was very little amateur dramatics, children's theatre and acting classes in my town, plus my parents didn't have money to send me to multiple classes, workshops, theatre camps etc. So, the odds were stacked against me as a performer.

I did media, photography and drama [A-Levels]. It was there at sixth form, I had the most supportive drama teacher, she really made me believe that I could make something of myself as a performer. From there I went to university to study acting, got the job at Warwick Castle and here we are.

Can you tell me about actor training?

 A big part of my training was going to University for Acting. I went to Northampton and did the BA Acting course. From there, I had the opportunity to try a massive variety of things. Up until then, I'd only done theatre, poetry and a little dabble in musicals. But acting at Northampton meant I was able to try different styles under different practitioners. I got the chance to be in radio plays, screenplays, Shakespeare, everything you could possibly imagine. It gave me a taster of different genres of the industry and gave me a chance to practise in that.

You've built your career through your own route into the industry. What have you learned about yourself as an actor along the way and how has that journey shaped the performer you are today?

It has been a challenge. Training and being self represented have given me a lot of tools in how to take risks, to trust myself, to keep trying, to not give up, no matter the odds that are stacked against you, you just keep pushing. It's taught me how to work hard, to stay brave and strong. In a way, it has encouraged me to try things that I wouldn't normally try. I've been able to surprise myself in the variety that I have in me, that I hadn't necessarily unlocked. There's a lot of resilience, determination and courage that comes from it. What it's proved to me is how much this industry and my job mean to me. 

What do you think has been your greatest strength in developing your career as an actor?

I've surprised myself with the kind of work that I've done and that, in turn, has really helped my career, I've done a lot of scare acting and a lot of children's theatre that I never thought I'd do, which has given me the strength to try new things and to really push myself. From there, I have really surprised myself which is a beautiful and rewarding experience when you make that breakthrough and you're like, oh my goodness me, I didn't even realise that I had this inside me. You really start to believe in yourself and have more faith, trust and confidence in yourself.

Looking at where you started, what achievements are you particularly proud of?

When you build up your own career, you really appreciate the little wins as much as the big wins. There have been so many moments that have stuck out to me, both big and small. Getting the opportunity to work at Warwick Castle has been an incredible experience. Merlin is a fantastic company to work for. Warwick is such a beloved place to so many people and getting the chance to help bring the history to life, that has been beautiful. I am in commercial for Hilton Hotels, which was just insane that all of a sudden, my face is being used to advertise this big hotel company that everyone knows the name of. I'm just a girl from Bedford. Like, how has this happened?

 I think another big one is getting the chance to be Zog. I'm making my dreams of being a performer come true. I'm playing these big characters that people recognise, children adore, that families love, appreciate, learn from, or are inspired by. These are all the things that I've wanted to achieve as an actor. It meant so much to me to reflect that I've been lucky enough to play this character. The story means so much to people, so a big part in my career is getting to be Zog. It's just adorable when you're on stage and you look out and there are kids wearing Zog bucket hats, Zog tops, Zog trousers. I love the head-to-toe onesies of Zog with the big head that the kids wear on top of theirs. It just melts my heart.

30 roles whilst at Warwick Castle is an extraordinary range. What has playing so many different characters taught you about your versatility as a performer?

Yes, the 30 plus roles included a variety of speaking and non-speaking parts. The dungeons require scare acting, the Princess Tower is immersive storytelling, Zog, is a live children's stage show. The Trebuchet is also a stage show and I've performed mascot work being in costume, like big Zog in the big suit. I've enjoyed musical theatre with the Halloween show, pantomime and festive Elfing. A scare maze requires roaming characters which I've loved. I'm so grateful for Warwick, as it has been the best opportunity for me. I've had the chance to learn so much and play around as a performer, learning new skills as well as developing current ones... I always say Warwick to me feels like a masters in acting.

You became the lead actor in the children's theatre production of Zog at Warwick Castle. What has it been like taking on such a well-loved story and becoming the person responsible for bringing it to life for a young audience?

Zog has been magical. This story means so much to a lot to people, the message of Zog is that he doesn't give up, he tries his hardest, and he's got friends along the way that help him achieve. Zog teaches us that it is important to never give up on your dreams, to always keep trying to push yourself, the importance of friends, family, loved ones around you. I am being trusted with this massive character, the overwhelming sensation of happiness and gratitude was flooding over me when I was cast. I've had the best time playing him ever and couldn't be more grateful to be trusted with such a beloved character.

What does performing for children teach an actor about storytelling which you might not learn from performing for adults?

Storytelling is so key to child development. When I’m doing children's theatre, there must be a level of responsibility and care because what you say and do will be taken quite directly. A massive difference as well, is that kids believe the magic. That is so precious and so dear to us actors, getting to see that magic be so alive and fresh in the eyes of the child so that brings a different type of passion and drive for us actors.

You're now looking towards London and the next stage of your career. What does building a career in London mean to you?

London came about because I got to a point where I thought 'what else can I do if I put my mind to it?'  I will audition for agents, audition for casting, do workshops, network, and try to build my contact book. I'm very open and as my career path has been so unpredictable so far, I want to let life flow and see what I come across, where I end up on the way, and just enjoy the journey, to continue being grateful that I am in a position where I can say I am an actor because I know it's such a difficult industry. I believe you never know what's around the corner. 

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