'Leeds is part of my makeup now': Peaky Blinders star Kate Phillips celebrates West End debut nomination

For millions of viewers, Kate Phillips is a familiar face across television’s biggest period dramas - from playing Linda Shelby in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Jane Seymour in ‘Wolf Hall’ to starring in ‘The Crown’ and leading ‘Miss Scarlet’ and ‘The Duke.’

Now, the actor is celebrating a major milestone on stage after being shortlisted for Best West End Debut at The Stage Debut Awards for her acclaimed role as Valerie in Conor McPherson’s 30th-anniversary revival of The Weir at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

"Honestly, it's completely surreal," Kate says. "Theatre has always been a deep love of mine, but because TV work took off and kept me so busy over the last few years, getting back on stage in the West End felt like a huge leap.

“The Weir is such an extraordinary, delicate play, so to be recognised on that shortlist is proper icing on the cake."

For Phillips, the connection to The Weir runs deeper than just stepping onto a London stage. Her family roots trace back to Dublin, and playing Valerie allowed her to connect with her own heritage during rehearsals.

"I have these Irish roots, but I am also an outsider, and that’s kind of what Valerie is," she explains. "When I met Conor for the part, I felt this magnetic pull to it. Rehearsing in Dublin, I could feel the energy of my granddad and my granny, and this rich history that I'd never tapped into before.

“It’s a play about community, Ireland, and lost spirits. It just felt like a magic journey from start to finish."

The nomination is particularly special as Best West End Debut is the only category at The Stage Debut Awards decided entirely by a public vote.

"That genuinely means the world to me," Phillips says. "In theatre, you’re in a room together sharing a story in real-time and feeling the room hold its breath.

“Knowing that audience members took the time to go online and vote after watching the show is deeply moving."

While Phillips’ career has taken her across global film sets and West End stages, her foundation as an actor was forged right here in Leeds.

Before attending Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she spent three formative years studying BA Drama at the University of Leeds - an experience she remembers with immense fondness.

"I have absolute love for Leeds," Phillips laughs. "Those three years studying drama at the uni were so formative for me. As a student, stepping out into the Dales, being among that incredible architecture - the city goes into you, and it changes you.

“I always tell people I went to Leeds, I’ve lived up there, I’ve worked up there. I really feel like Leeds is part of my makeup now."

In fact, her very first professional acting role straight out of drama school was on the main stage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse), playing Abigail Williams in James Brining's production of The Crucible.

"Starting my career on a stage in Yorkshire gave me the confidence and foundation for everything that came after," she reflects.

"Whether that was stepping onto film sets or making my West End debut, Leeds will always hold a really special place in my heart."

The Stage Debut Awards ceremony takes place on September 27 in association with Netflix.