Was That an Insult or Compliment?

When a well-known actress was invited to audition for the part of a transsexual woman the casting director was worried she might be insulted. The assumption provides a vivid example of the way in which people may think about this tiny but little understood minority. The one hour comedy drama "Mrs Inbetweeny" was created by Caleb Ranson and Paul Abbott and stars Amelia Bullmore, who has a string of British TV acting and writing credits to her name. The part of 'Emma' is an unusually strong portrayal of someone who has 'transitioned' from one sex to the other. Inevitably such a part holds immense challenges for any actor approaching the role: What experience can they draw upon to make the portrayal authentic? Amelia kindly agreed to meet with me to discuss these points over lunch at her home in South London...