ALICE LUCY TALKS MAD HEIDI

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Did you want to become an actress from very early on?

Definitely, I’ve always loved performing and when I learnt that you could actually act, perform and create professionally, my heart was set and it was clear there was only one thing I ever wanted to do! What I was drawn to the most I think is the fun, every day is completely different, you get to meet so many new people, try out different skills, and ultimately enjoy every day of work and love what you do.

What made you say yodelay-heeeaa-aaah for this film?

It’s bonkers! From the moment read the description, I thought to myself this is absolutely crazy, it’s big, it’s cheesy, I have to be involved.

Did you immediately get that "Swissploitation"-tonality they were going for?

Heidi is an interesting anchor in the film, 'Mad Heidi' is littered with huge characters with massive personalities who help build and create the world. Navigating Heidi through that was very fun as we felt she needed to be slightly more straight-laced and really play the truths hard so that the stakes felt real. That was definitely on the page for sure, but myself and the directors Johannes and Sandro worked hard on tone and making sure we hit the mark on that for Heidi.

Was there any scene where you couldn’t keep a straight face?

Fighting The Neutraliser in the Arena. Hoshi, who plays The Neutraliser, and I, always got the giggles if we were working together. I think that comes from the fight training, a lot of which we did together to prepare and then once we were on set, kept remembering what we’d been laughing at a few weeks previously and got the giggles again.

142 years after the original came out, this is an adaption of Johanna Spyri's 'Heidi' that comes with a bit more cheese. Did you still read the original books in preparation for the role?

I actually read the original story as a child as one of my bedtime stories so was already quite familiar! I was also bought the book again as one of my Christmas presents the year we shot the film and I love it! For me the biggest take away from the books which I used to influence Heidi’s character in 'Mad Heidi' is her core values, she’s someone who loves her family, loves her friends, who stands up for what she believes in and is someone who I think is very brave.

This might surprise some but stage combat is a thing being taught in drama school. Were you already quite familiar with a sword or did it take a few practice swings?

I trained in stage combat at drama school and I am also a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. However I was a little rusty after the pandemic but after a few practice swings with the incredible stunt team, they helped get me back in fighting shape.

Was working on this project your first time in Switzerland?

Yes it was and I loved it! I adored working in Switzerland, it’s a beautiful place and I met so many wonderful people.

Were there any stories you grew up with that impacted you like 'Heidi' has for so many?

So many stories have influenced and inspired me in one way or another, I do think however one of the most prominent stories that has always stuck with me is Lewis Carol's 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland', the characters, the writing writing style, the absurdity, are all things that continue to inspire and influence me. The imagining of impossible things, the bonkers, the bizarre and the beautiful, it really taught my that you can really create anything you put your mind to. Even now and I can always draw parallels and inspiration from it, for example Heidi and Meili for me feel quite akin to Alice and The Red Queen. A brave person standing up against a tyrant for what they believe in no matter how scary it might be.

The film ends with Heidi letting go of her past 'Sound of Music'-ways and, potentially, teaming up with Klara for a duo-sequel. Your hopes for round two?

Round two I hope brings some more fights, more explosions, and most important of all, more fun!