Debra Stephenson on Scream Street: I feel so privileged to be part of the project

'Voice work a lot more physical than you would imagine'

THE Dead Ringers impressionist is leading the voice cast as a vampire in Scream Street, a new CBBC comedy…

 

Is voice work different from acting? 

Completely. You’re on your feet the whole time. It’s a lot more physical than you would imagine. You have to have it all going in your body. The character is not just in your head, but all over. I didn’t realise that character is actually in your body until I went to drama school, not just your face or voice.

If you’re getting sucked into a vacuum cleaner, as I am here, you can’t play it sitting in an armchair. And you have to say close to the mic! 

There is no news about Newzoids. With ITV you’re always waiting for the advertisers’ verdict. It’s tricky. But no news is good news.

Debra Stephenson  

It’s painstaking work, stop-motion animation, isn’t it? 

Well it is for those doing the animation. We’re just doing the voice recording. It’s incredible what they do, and I’m as blown away with their work as anyone. It’s superb. I’m overwhelmed and feel so privileged to be part of the project. This is all quite new to me. 

 

' I didn’t realise that character is actually in your body until I went to drama school'

Do children appreciate the hard work? 

No, of course not. You could say the same about any Disney film or anything that’s on television. You wouldn’t believe how painstaking it is. But it is appreciated because of the level of enjoyment they get. My eight and 12-year-olds will love it. 

 

Debra Stephenson

Will Newzoids come back? 

There is no news. With ITV you’re always waiting for the advertisers’ verdict. It’s tricky. But no news is good news. 

Is it hard for these shows to get slots? 

It’s not my concern really. I can’t do anything about it, even if I do like working in this area. It’s difficult with impressions. They go through phases. Of course it’s very niche and there’s not very much work. But people do seem to absolutely love it when it’s on. But one day it is in fashion, and then “not” the next. 

 

Scream Street, CBBC, starts on October 21

Do you regret moving into the area? 

No, I’ve come back to my first love really. That’s what I started doing, but there wasn’t enough work. So I went to drama school. Bob Monkhouse advised me to spread out and do many different things because it mightn’t sustain a career. It was the best advice I’ve ever had. 

What’s coming up for you? 

More of Scream Street, and hopefully another radio series of Dead Ringers.

 

Is it easier doing a real person?

It is really. You have a template on which to base it. 

Any backlash from any celebrities? 

Only good stuff. I’ve never had any bother.

Scream Street, CBBC, starts on October 21