Ten questions with Tanya Reynolds

Get a sneak peek of our cover story with Tanya Reynolds — the actor doesn’t care if she’s on the screen or the stage, she just doesn’t want to be bored.

Art + CultureCover starsFeaturesFilmIssue 33

December 16, 2024

Tanya Reynolds may be best known for playing Lily in Netflix’s hit series, Sex Education, but the actor’s other ventures are no less impressive. In fact, Reynolds has somewhat of a penchant for a complex character. And whether it’s on the stage or the screen? It doesn’t really make a difference to Reynolds. Her talent spans each of acting’s mediums, and this knack hasn’t gone unnoticed — she’s even received an Olivier nomination for her role in Sam Holcroft’s play, A Mirror. That isn’t to say she expected the accolade, though. In fact, “it was a complete surprise” for the actor. But, beyond Reynolds’ humble nature, there are other characteristics that define her: a need for fun, inherent creativity and a strong gut instinct.

Tanya wear dress by Carolina Herrera, TASAKI Nayuta Headpiece 18k yellow gold, Akoya Pearls and TASAKI Nayuta Ring 18k yellow gold, Akoya Pearls and TASAKI Power Necklace 18k SAKURAGOLD, Freshwater Pearl Garnet.

Tanya wears blazer by Nanushka, TASAKI balance build 18k white gold and Akoya pearl earrings, TASAKI balance plus 18k white gold, Akoya pearl and diamond pave necklace, TASAKI balance plus diamond pave 18k white gold, Akoya pearl and diamond pave ring, and Akoya pearl ring.

Here, Reynolds sits with HUNGER to talk stepping outside the box, the transient beauty of theatre and hoping she’ll never be bored.

Jordan Rossi: You recently wrapped Netflix’s Decameron as one of the leads. What was it like working on a series that reimagines such a classic story?

Tanya Reynolds: I loved working on the show, it was such a unique and special experience. There aren’t any shows like it — it’s even nothing at all like the book, and it isn’t supposed to be. [Creator] Kathleen [Jordan] drew inspiration from the central concept of ten nobles and their servants going to a villa in the Italian countryside to wait out the Plague, but that’s pretty much where the comparisons stop. There’s certainly an amount of pressure when reimagining a much-loved work of literature, but it’s exactly that: a reimagining.

JR: Let’s talk about Alice Lowe’s recently-released film Timestalker. What drew you to the project?

TR: I’m such a fan of Alice Lowe’s work, so I was keen to jump on board before I’d even read the script. Then, I read the script and loved it. It’s exactly what I love about independent film — it’s totally unique, obscure, inventive and so outside the box that it’s nowhere near the box. There are certain limitations when making a low-budget indie feature, which forces you to be more creative, and the results are, in my opinion, usually far more interesting.

This excerpt was taken from HUNGER Issue 33: Good People. Stay tuned for the full story.