Adelaide’s own Tilda Cobham-Hervey has a new brilliant film, Alphabet Lane, opening in cinemas on 23 April. Glam Adelaide was lucky to be able to ask her a few questions about her new film and her career.
Tilda will be at Palace Nova Eastend Rundle Street staging a “alphabet lane” twist on her show “Dear Stranger” then a special screening of Alphabet Lane plus a post-film Q&A with Tilda and Tamara Hardmanafter.
Further information and booking details at:
https://www.palacenova.com.au/films/alphabet-lane
Other cinema screening details: Alphabet Lane – Screen Inc
Alphabet Lane YouTube Trailer: ALPHABET LANE | In Cinemas from April 23
Q: Alphabet Lane is such an original and quirky story — what attracted you to the role of Anna?
The team was the first thing that really excited me. I’d worked with Lucinda, the producer, before and loved the way her brain works. I’d also always admired Nicholas’ work as an actor, and then when I read James’ script and met with him, it was such an obvious yes. It was a genuinely unique script. You often see films about falling in love or breaking up, but rarely the messy middle part. This is a story about a couple in a long-term relationship trying everything they can to find their way back to each other, even if those attempts are a little out there! Through something quite playful, James taps into something very truthful.
Q: Alphabet Lane is a two-hander with you and Nicholas Denton — what was it like working with Nicholas and James Litchfield?
Nicholas is such a playful and generous actor, and James created an environment where every idea was welcomed. It’s rare to feel that level of creative trust on set. We spent a lot of time together before filming, diving into the characters, building their backstories, and really interrogating their relationship. That gave us a strong foundation once we started shooting. Filming in Cooma, the whole cast and crew became a little family. Nicholas and I actually lived together in a bungalow during the shoot. It was like being on school camp. I loved it!
Q: The film is set in beautiful rural New South Wales — did the location present any challenges?
I wouldn’t say challenges, but it was definitely isolated. That said, I loved being so immersed in the landscape. At times it almost felt like we shouldn’t be there. It was so quiet and expansive. As loud messy humans I’d often feel like we were getting in the way! It was lovely to imagine a life outside the city for a month while we made the film.
Q: Are there any funny stories from filming Alphabet Lane?
That’s hard! I think I laughed more on this set than any other. It was such a witty group of people. Honestly, it’s a miracle Nicholas and I got through some of the scenes! A few months before filming, Nicholas, Lucinda, James and I went to Cooma and attended the local show. We pretended to be Anna and Jack and tried to make friends with the locals… we didn’t have much success. We were also shooting in a very old property and definitely spooked ourselves a few times. One night we saw a figure down by the dam and completely freaked out… Before realising it was our lovely sound recordist capturing atmos.
Q: How did growing up in Adelaide shape your career?
Adelaide has such a rich creative community. I grew up going to the Adelaide Festival, which always brings incredible theatre and art from around the world. It inspired me so much. Some of my most formative creative experiences happened there, and many of my closest collaborators are still based in Adelaide.
Q: You made your film debut in 52 Tuesdays — what was that time like after its success?
It was really exciting, but I don’t think I fully understood what was happening. I was so young and hadn’t planned on being a film actor. After making the film, I went back to working at T2 and travelling with the circus company I was part of. When the film went to Sundance and I started getting calls from agents, it was quite overwhelming. It took me a while to understand what a life in film could look like. But I’m incredibly grateful for that experience and the unexpected paths it opened up.
Q: You played Helen Reddy in I Am Woman — what was it like portraying such an iconic figure?
I still feel very lucky to have played her. Researching her story was incredibly empowering. It helped me find my own voice as a young woman. It’s such a privilege to celebrate someone’s life in this way. There’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also a real honour. I don’t have anyone specific in mind that I’d like to play next, but I loved the process and would absolutely do it again.
Q: You won the Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for A Field Guide to Being a 12-Year-Old Girl— is directing something you always wanted to do?
Not exactly, but I’ve always loved being part of a team and being there at the beginning of an idea. I grew up doing devised theatre, where everything is created collaboratively, and I found that incredibly satisfying. I think directing grew out of that.
Q: You wrote, directed, produced and starred in It’s All Going Very Well… — how is that project going?
It is all going very well! We’re nearing the end of post-production now. We don’t have a release date locked in yet, but hopefully towards the end of the year.
Q: What’s next for you?
I honestly don’t know yet. A lie down feels like a good place to start after finishing the film. Then I’ll get back into auditioning. I’m also writing a few things, which is one of my favourite places to be, but beyond that, I’m not entirely sure yet.
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