Tamsin Greig discusses her role in the Royal Opera’s La Fille du régiment
“That was my shoes, not my bottom,” says Tamsin Greig after emitting a squeaky-squelch in a back room at the Royal Opera House. “I mean, I would tell you if it was my bottom,” she adds, signalling her characteristic wit. Greig, best known for her roles in British sitcoms, is now stepping into a speaking, not singing, role in the Royal Opera’s new production of Donizetti’s 1840 comic opera, La Fille du régiment, reports BritPanorama.
In the interview, Greig reveals a blend of seriousness and humour, capturing the attention of the audience with her small, dark, compassionate eyes. Throughout our hour together, she oscillates between delving into deeper meanings and delivering unexpected punchlines, a skill she has honed in various sitcoms where she often portrays relatable characters amid eccentric chaos.
Greig’s previous roles include a city shop owner in the Bafta-winning Black Books, where she navigates her neuroses while supporting more unhinged characters, and a doctor in Green Wing, making sense of bizarre colleague behaviours. Her portrayal of Jackie in Friday Night Dinner showcases her ability to maintain calm amid familial chaos.
On stage, Greig has earned accolades for powerful performances, including her Olivier Award-winning role as Beatrice in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Much Ado About Nothing. Her versatility extends to her long-running role in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, where she adds a sharp wit to the narrative.
Greig acknowledges the demands of theatre, remarking, “Sets and theatres can be absolutely exhausting. I have to make it absolutely clear that if there’s a lunch break I will eat for 10 minutes and then I’ll be unconscious for half an hour.” This practical approach helps her cope with the overwhelming aspects of her current production.
Born in 1966 in Maidstone, Kent, Greig is the second of three sisters, raised in a home she describes as “a shithole.” Growing up, her family prioritised ballet performances at Christmas, though she eventually realised ballet was not for her. “There was no way I was ever going to make it as a ballerina,” she states bluntly, noting her height and discomfort with the physical demands of dance.
In exploring her motivations, Greig mentions her status as a “high-functioning introvert” and reflects on what her childhood classmates might have predicted for her future. “I don’t know,” she muses, noting a perception of herself as a middle child needing attention—a characterization she finds limiting.
Her educational background reflects a blend of practicality and artistry; she holds a first-class degree in English and drama, paired with a secretarial course to support her acting career. This experience informed her portrayal in Black Books, where her character embodies the struggle of feeling out of place in an office environment.
As a mother, Greig navigates her children’s consumption of media, admitting to sharing Green Wing with her young family, despite its mature themes. She reflects on her early career with a sense of nostalgia, surprised at how her roles have become enduring classics.
When discussing her time in Hollywood, she acknowledges the cultural differences in the entertainment industries, choosing to sidestep deeper commentary. She notes the “death by encouragement” environment in the US and suggests that both perspectives can be equally challenging.
On the topic of art, Greig counters Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet’s recent comments that “nobody cares” about ballet and opera anymore. “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” she says, emphasizing the resilience of the opera scene despite such statements.
Despite her nerves, Greig looks forward to her role in La Fille du régiment. She acknowledges the historical context of the production while also recognising its subversive themes, including questions about class and identity. “I think we, as artists, are here to upset the status quo,” she states. “We should not be sleepwalking through the world.”
As the interview concludes, Greig is surprisingly engaging when asked to pose for a photo with my son, who is a fan of Friday Night Dinner. Their playful banter illustrates her down-to-earth nature despite her illustrious career in the performing arts.
La Fille du régiment is at the Royal Opera House, London, until 24 July.
