Interviews

Lara Custance (Abi)

When did you first want to be an actor, and what was your first acting job?

I think I was about 8. I was selected to be in a commercial at my school, but I was really sick on the day, so I asked my mum to get me an agent so I could do one for real and one thing led to another, I suppose.

Which famous actor/actress do you most look up to?

I think the character Becky Newton from Ugly Betty is hilarious. Matthew McConaughey is really good too.

If you could choose anything, what is the ultimate role you'd like to play?

An action thriller one where I am older. I would love to play a character like Emma Roberts character in Wild Child, but Abi is pretty close!

What do you like best about your character in Paradise Cafe?

She is a brat and a princess and all that, but deep down she has got guts and she says some of the funniest things. The writers did a really good job.

How is your character similar to, or different from, you as a person?

There are differences and similarities. She is the princess and I am the jester.

What was your favourite costume in Paradise Cafe?

This is Abi we are talking about all her outfits are fabulous! I like the white jumpsuit.

Do you like watching yourself on screen? What's it like?

I like it! I don't tend to be critical of myself and I let the director and producers decide what works and what doesn't but generally you know while doing the scene anyway. I can be a total dork sometimes and watching that cracks me up!