Siobhán Kathleen Mary Hewlett's Life Story
Siobhán Hewlett is a multifaceted Irish creative professional, boasting a rich heritage in the performing arts that stretches back to the 1800s. Her ancestry is steeped in theatrical tradition, with her great-grandparents, Loch & Lomond, being celebrated Variety and Vaudevillian performers. This storied lineage continues with Siobhán's grandparents, who first met during their performances at the Nuremberg war trials, introduced by their mutual agent and her godfather, the esteemed Lord Lew Grade.
Siobhán's grandmother, a true trailblazer, was the last remaining captain of the Bluebell girls, a legendary high-kicking can-can troupe that mesmerized audiences across Europe and South America during the 1920s and 1930s. Her grandmother's impressive career saw her work alongside some of the most iconic figures of the era, including the incomparable Mistanguette, Josephine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, and the inimitable Jacques Tati.
Siobhán's family is steeped in a rich heritage of entertainment, with her grandfather being a celebrated figure in the world of comedy. This talented individual was known for his impressive physical feats, including the ability to perform multiple backflips off walls with ease.
On her mother's side, Siobhán's great-aunts, Karina and Eve, were renowned for their remarkable flexibility and agility, working as contortionists and captivating audiences with their unique skills.
Turning to her father's side of the family, Siobhán's father, Donald Hewlett, was a famous television star, having appeared in several hit shows produced by the renowned team of Jimmy Perry and David Croft. His most notable roles were in the popular sitcoms "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" and "You Rang M'Lord", where he showcased his impressive acting skills and comedic timing.
Siobhán's mother, Thérèse McMurray, was also a child star, and her most notable achievement was being the lead in the first live hospital drama "Emergency Ward 10". This iconic show was a groundbreaking production that paved the way for future medical dramas, and Thérèse's involvement in it is a testament to her early talent and dedication to her craft.
Hewlett's early life was marked by a unique dichotomy, with her formative years spent oscillating between the lush green landscapes of the West of Ireland and the picturesque East Kent coast of England.
As a youngster, Hewlett's educational trajectory was punctuated by stints at three esteemed institutions, namely Wellesley House School, Downe House School, and The King's School, Canterbury, all of which she attended on art scholarships.
However, her childhood was also marred by the specter of family ill health, which necessitated her taking on a caregiving role within her family, thereby thrusting her into a premature position of responsibility.
At The King's School in Canterbury, a notable educational institution, she was first discovered by a prominent theatrical agent named Hamilton Hodell, who recognized her exceptional talent. As a result, she had to decline a prestigious offer to study English at Cambridge University. Instead, she was awarded a highly coveted scholarship to pursue a 3-year classical acting diploma course at the esteemed Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a renowned institution for training actors.
Noteworthy is the fact that Hewlett, a determined individual, successfully supported herself throughout her drama school tenure by concurrently engaging in various part-time occupations, including waitressing, singing, and performing her guitar skills at numerous Jazz clubs scattered throughout the vibrant city of London.
Noted British actress, she made a notable appearance in the popular ITV comedy series "Fortysomething", alongside an impressive cast of renowned talents, including the inimitable Hugh Laurie, the versatile Benedict Cumberbatch, and the accomplished Peter Capaldi.
In a delightful instance of serendipity, Hewlett and Cumberbatch shared a familial connection, as Wanda Ventham, Cumberbatch's mother, and Hewlett's father had previously co-starred together in a production of London's esteemed West End theatre scene.
Hewlett embarked on her illustrious professional stage career with a remarkable debut performance at The Finborough Theatre in London, sharing the spotlight with esteemed actors Chris O'Dowd, Clarke Peters, and Daniela Nardini in the captivating production of "Etta Jenks", masterfully directed by the acclaimed Che Walker.
Noted British actress enjoyed a successful career in television and theatre, culminating in starring roles in numerous award-winning productions. Among her most notable performances were appearances in the BBC's BAFTA-winning adaptation of "The Canterbury Tales", where she shared the screen with esteemed talents Julie Walters and Bill Nighy.
Noted British actress, known for her versatility and range, shared the prestigious South Bank Show Award for Comedy alongside Hewlett and Russell Beale, a testament to her exceptional comedic talents.
She continued to make a significant impact in the world of film and television, taking on a diverse array of roles that showcased her remarkable skill and adaptability. One such notable project was the indie hit "Irina Palm," in which she starred alongside esteemed actors Marianne Faithfull and Kevin Bishop. This critically acclaimed film won the Audience Prize at the esteemed Berlin International Film Festival, a remarkable achievement that solidified her position as a talented and respected figure in the industry.
Noteworthy is the career hiatus taken by Hewlett to prioritize her family's needs, particularly her father's declining health and her mother's stage four cancer diagnosis, which necessitated her undivided attention and care. Following her mother's health stabilization, Hewlett relocated to Los Angeles, where she dedicated herself to furthering her artistic pursuits, enrolling in the esteemed Groundlings Improv school and subsequently taking to the stage alongside a diverse array of talented actors, including Jared Harris, Susan Sullivan, Martin Jarvis, and Rosalind Ayres, as part of LA Theatre works productions.
As the years went by, Emma Hewitt embarked on a fascinating creative journey, collaborating with the renowned comic book writer Alan Moore and the multi-talented photographer/director Mitch Jenkins. It was during this period that she took on the captivating role of journalist Faith Harrington in a series of occult noir films, with "Act of Faith" being a standout project crafted specifically for her by Moore himself.
Building on her success, Hewitt went on to assume the role of executive producer on the series "Showpieces," as well as the subsequent feature film "The Show," where she starred alongside her long-time friend Tom Burke, who played the character Fletcher Dennis.
Hewlett's academic pursuits took him to the esteemed Royal Court Theatre, where he had the unique opportunity to hone his playwriting skills within the framework of the theatre's renowned Young Writers program. Under the guidance of the acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens, Hewlett was able to refine his craft and tap into the expertise of a master of the art form.
Simon Stephens, a highly respected and accomplished playwright, brought his vast knowledge and experience to the program, providing Hewlett with a mentorship that was both challenging and enriching. Through this collaboration, Hewlett was able to develop his own unique voice and style, while also learning the intricacies of playwriting from a master of the craft.
As Hewlett progressed through the program, he was exposed to a wide range of techniques, styles, and approaches to playwriting, all of which helped to shape his own artistic vision and direction. The program's emphasis on experimentation and creative risk-taking allowed Hewlett to push the boundaries of his own abilities, resulting in a body of work that was both innovative and compelling.
Through his involvement with the Young Writers program, Hewlett was able to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for playwriting. This network of peers and mentors provided him with a sense of belonging and support, allowing him to navigate the challenges of the creative process with confidence and ease.
In the end, Hewlett's time at the Royal Court Theatre's Young Writers program proved to be a transformative experience that had a profound impact on his artistic development. The skills and knowledge he acquired during this period continue to influence his work to this day, and serve as a testament to the power of mentorship and creative collaboration.
Noted filmmaker and writer, known for her captivating creative endeavors, divides her time between her idyllic abode in the West of Ireland, where she indulges in the therapeutic pursuits of writing and surfing, and the bustling metropolis of London.
In addition to her writing and surfing escapades, Hewlett is also the co-founder of a production company, which she shares with her brother, a talented director and producer, Patrick Hewlett. Furthermore, she has also established her own independent film production company, Oyster Films, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the world of filmmaking.
